First Event 2004

“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, and his speech also called for unity within the many subgroups of the trans community. He grabbed the room’s attention with his opening remarks, which were as much a call for cross-barrier understanding as they were for internal responsibility. He then grabbed a hard hat and talked about the community as 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 principal 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. I found many things 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 for happiness and acceptance is universal, both inside 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 subgroup definition, or less? Certainly that’s a different article altogether, as are the exploits of Jim Bridges – should I tell?

Like last year, the main floor was filled with tables providing information on 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 nonetheless) and Sofie Taylor (Fantasy Girl) performed makeover miracles, or at 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 the vendors’ row.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is First Event 2004?

First Event 2004 was an annual conference organized to celebrate, educate, and support members of the transgender community. Hosted by the Tiffany Club, it featured keynote addresses, workshops, social events, vendor exhibits, and a fashion show/awards banquet.

Who was the keynote speaker at First Event 2004?

The keynote speaker was Diego Sanchez, Program Director for the TransHealth & Education Development Program at Justice Resource Institute (JRI) Health. His address focused on unity under the message “Many communities, one community” and reaching out to “unlike minds.”

What organizations and vendors were featured at the event?

The event hosted various organizations and services, including:

• Organizations: TGs against tobacco, Dignity USA (GLBT Catholics), International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE), and The Imperial Court of Massachusetts.
• Vendors & Services: Coffy Smith’s Mo’Hair, makeover artists Jim Bridges and Sofie Taylor (Fantasy Girl), and cosmetic brand Marlene Klein.

What types of activities and workshops took place?

• Activities: Opening night pool party, Huntington Theater outing, casual cocktail receptions, and a fashion show and awards banquet dinner emceed by Diana Arria.
• Workshops: Sessions covered voice feminization, total womanhood, family and gender transition, security, spirituality, surgery, legal and employment issues, trans aging, bodybuilding, and gender box discussions.