In June of 1997 Renaissance hosted the 2nd
International Congress of Sex and Gender issues at the Parkridge
Hotel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Professors, learned doctors,
counselors, therapists, and members of the transgender community from
all over the world converged for a two and a half day (Friday-Sunday)
conference about gender issues. Papers on a variety of topics were
presented (many are available on our website) and seminars were held. By all accounts the event
was a success. At the end of the 2nd Congress, Renaissance passed the
baton to Dr. Stephen Whittle from the School of Law, Manchester
Metropolitan University in Manchester, England.
The 3rd
Congress was held at Exeter College
of Oxford University on September 18-20th. At that event Dr. Whittle
was able to announce that the Renaissance National Board of Directors
has voted to host the 4th
International Congress of Sex & Gender Issues in the year 2000.
"We are both proud and happy to host the 4th Congress," said Acting
Chair of the Renaissance National Board, Dr. Carol Cobb-Nettleton.
She added, "The organization learned many good lessons when it ran
the 2nd Congress in 1997. Now we will continue in applying that
knowledge to produce another world class event and contribute to
dissemination of knowledge on transgender issues."
The 1st Congress was held 1995 in California by the Center for Sex
Research at the CA State University at Northridge. It was not their
intention to host another Congress. Now the Congress has become a
continuing event and has the blessing of Center for the year 2000 in
Philadelphia.
The Board has established several committees to carry out the
organization of the 4th Congress. The Steering Committee is composed
of JoAnn Roberts, Diane Dale, Terry McCorkell, Angela Gardner and Dr.
Carol Cobb-Nettleton. At press time Co-Chairs had not been appointed,
but the Steering Committee is contacting candidates on a short list,
and the positions should be filled shortly. Dina Amberle will be the
Financial Controller for the event and heads the Finance Committee.
The Program Committee, responsible for picking the papers to be
presented and the seminar topics, will be made up of Dr. Sheila Kirk
and Dr. Lee Etscovitz. Christie Hutchins, of the Delaware Chapter,
heads up the Logistics Committee, which is in charge of supplying
audiovisual equipment for the presentations. The Exhibits Committee,
responsible for attracting vendors, is composed of Alison Laing,
Gloria Vogel, and Diane Dale. Angela Gardner and JoAnn Roberts are on
both the Media/PR Committee (along with Terry McCorkell) and the Site
Selection Committee. At this point a site for the 4th Congress has
not been firmed up, but it's most likely that the event will be held
in Center City Philadelphia so attendees can enjoy the history and
culture of the city.
While the focus of the 4th Congress is primarily academic, tentative
plans call for the inclusion of some social activities. Under
consideration at this time are a Friday night river cruise or
restaurant outing, and a Saturday night banquet/ball. Keep reading
News & Views
for more information as it
becomes available.
If you would be interested in assisting any of the committees please
contact the Renaissance National Office and leave your contact
information.