Welcome to Standing United!
We at BGB want to welcome you to Louisville, our home town, the Derby City. In the 5 months that have passed since the convention was awarded, we've worked very hard to put together a first-class convention. We think you'll agree, once you've seen the seminars and events, that you've made a good choice in attending "Standing United."
Many of the events and seminars are new ideas, things that have never been tried at a transgender convention. The Wednesday Night Comedy Show is open to the entire local GLBT community and features both TG and GLB community comics; it's goin g to be both a good time and a great benefit to IFGE and the Fairness Campaign. A special seminar is being held to focus on spirituality issues, featuring a blue-ribbon panel of trans-friendly local clergy. Thursday's Luncheon will feature a fashion show with the lovely coats from Fabulous Furs. Thursday night, the convention travels to Southern Indiana to Derby Dinner Playhouse for "The Taffetas," a delightful 50's musical revue. Friday's luncheon features 3 speakers who have come to accept and appreciate the transgendered family member, best friend, and fiancee' in their life; their stories will inspire you. The Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of All Kentucky is teaming up with us for a Derby Variety Show on Friday Night that you are sure to enjoy, and that will benefit local charity. The focus will be on transgendered people of color on Saturday afternoon when a panel of well-known people in the TG community gather to discuss the unique issues faced by transpeople of color, and how we can help more of them overcome prejudice to exit the closet and find respect and camaraderie. The Congress of Transgender Organizations (CTO) will reconvene for the first time in many years. And, of course, since this is the IFGE convention, we'll hear from the IFGE board on the state of IFGE, and find out Saturday evening who will get the Trinity and Virginia Prince awards.
What can you do in Louisville? Plenty. We have excellent shopping, welcoming clubs, a fine city park system, 4-star restaurants, and many other places of interest. You can tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, learn about the history of the famous Louisville Slugger and its role in the Great American Pastime, or gamble at the nearby Caesar's Indiana. And, one thing you might not know: while planning "Standing United," the Fairness Amendment, which provides employment protection to many transgendered people, was passed. If you have any questions, ask any BGB member; we'll be glad to steer you in fun's direction. This is a safe city for transgendered people to be "out" in.
So, we're glad you're here. Hope you have a good time, and if we can help you in any way, just ask!
Sincerely,
Dawn Wilson Anne Casebeer Marjorie Demaille Cori Farrell Angela Bridgman Cindy Lee
Chair Coordinator Seminar Chair Events Chair Entertainment Promotions