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"Many communities, one community”, that was the message delivered by Diego Sanchez, (Program Director TransHealth & Education Development Program, Justice Resource Institute (JRI) Health). As the keynote speaker for this year’s First Event 2004, he took the podium and began to speak: the room went silent. The issue, he suggested, was reaching out to the “unlike minds,” those that didn’t share our lives or understand it.

His words were poignant and well delivered in a speech that also called for unity from within the many subgroups of the trans community. He grabbed the room’s attention from his opening remarks, which were as much a call for cross barrier understanding as it was for internal responsibility. He then grabbed a hard hat, and talked about the community being a construction site. “Regardless of whether you are part time, closeted, or a full time activist, everyone needs to contribute in some small way,” he suggested. He spoke with passion and purpose, and the audience reacted with enthusiasm and a thunderous standing ovation.

The obvious and immediate difference, from last year to this, was better organization - due to the efforts of Holly, Brenda and others - and a more inclusive feeling - exhibited by a much larger F > M presence. Being a principle supporter of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, the Tiffany Club “worked exhaustively to include, and make welcome members of the F > M community,” Holly said. The results were obvious, and from my vantage point well worth the effort. I had the pleasure of speaking with Robbie, a F>M transsexual. And I found a great many things that the M>F, and F>M have in common, as they explore where they came from, where they are and where they’re going. The quest to find happiness and acceptance is universal, both in, and outside the community. An example was when he described a reluctance earlier in his evolution to discuss sports, because, “all my friends would talk of how they loved to play sports, and I didn’t. I began to wonder, do I really fit in with F>M transsexuals?” But, he has since come to the understanding that we are all individuals, and we don’t have to fit into a nice neat package of someone else’s design. Which made me wonder, do we need more sub group definition, or less? Certainly that’s a different article altogether, as is the exploits of Jim Bridges – should I tell?

Like last year, the main floor was filled with tables providing information of organizations, including; TGs against tobacco, Dignity USA (GLBT Catholics), International Foundation for Gender Education, The Imperial Court of MA, and a variety of products and services such as, Coffy Smith’s Mo’Hair, from Springfield, MA (413-739-4956). In the side rooms Jim Bridges (F>M? Well, adorable none-the-less) and Sofie Taylor (Fantasy Girl) performed makeover miracles, or least that’s what their clients told me, while other vendors such as Marlene Klein, (MarleneKlein.com), who has a very good and affordable cosmetics brand (I know, I’ve used them), utilized tables along vendors row.

There were plenty of activities and events to keep the attendees occupied as well, including a night out to the Huntington Theater, a pool party on opening night, as well as several cocktail parties and casual receptions. The fashion show and awards banquet dinner showcased some beautiful outfits; the girls were all elegant, and there were more gowns displayed this year. My buddy Diana Arria was again the emcee and did a wonderful job keeping a nice tempo to the evening. But, gone was the big blonde mane which was replaced by shorter auburn hair (her own). She looked great, and announced to the crowd that she has successfully transitioned on the job, which of course brought cheers.

The workshops this year were all encompassing including: total womanhood, voice feminization, fashion secrets, family and gender transition, security, couples, spirituality, surgery, employment, legal, trans and aging, AA, bodybuilding, panels and discussion about gender boxes, Hollywood films, writing, driving dressed, relationships – well, you get the idea, everything.

On Friday and Saturday night, the boys and girls had a great time with each other and the locals, playing pool, drinking and dancing in the hotel bar. I met a fellow who came in with his buddy, stopped dead in his tracks and said, “what the fuck?” I leaned over and informed him that, “you slid down the rabbit hole, welcome.” Later I bumped into him again and asked, “so, what do you think now?” He said, “It took me by surprise at first, but I think it’s great! So much diversity” It was his birthday, and when he learned that this is an annual event, told his friend, “we’re coming again next year!”

I saw some familiar faces, like Paula Bauer and crystal, as well as new faces like Trixie, Roxy and her beautiful girlfriend, Hélène, and I love those shoes girl!

But the best part of the Tiffany Club event is that they don’t judge anyone - they celebrate everyone. From first timers to weekend warriors, to full time TSs, First Event is a place where as a community of many different types, we can all come together and just be people.

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