Southern Comfort Conference - Sep30-Oct4 1998 - Atlanta, Ga
Jane assigned me to provide the group a trip report
on my attendance at the Southern
Comfort Conference. For those of you who haven't
heard of Southern Comfort, here is an
excerpt from their brochure:
"...here you'll find support, information and
friends in a welcoming atmosphere of
Southern hospitality. Vendors, authors, entertainers
and leaders from the entire spectrum
of the transgender community will be on hand
for four days of learning, networking and
fun. From basic info for the newly out to legal,
medical and political presentations, and
informative sessions an family relationships,
sexuality and spirituality -- our programs
reflect a commitment to serve the diverse needs
of our community.
Southern Comfort prides itself on being an all-inclusive
(and economical) conference.
Whatever your connection to the transgender community
- whether you are transsexual,
crossdresser or in between; spouse, partner or
family member; straight, gay, bi or
omnisexual; post-op, pre-op or non-op; young
or old; married or single; FtM or MtF; or
of any variance - if transgender is an issue
in your life, you are welcome at Southern
Comfort Conference."
-and it was all true!
However, my primary purpose was just to have fun and I did!!
Attendance exceeded 475 (some said over 500) making
it the largest single gathering of
this type, ever.
There were lots of good seminars (which I mostly
skipped) & luncheon speakers (which I
skipped), but the optional dinners....
Wednesday was a Mystery Theater where
about half the house came from the
conference. I think that the actors felt, and
I know the audience felt, that the highlight of
the evening was us.
Thursday at the Hard Rock Cafe: About 150
of us came for dinner (they were prepared-
I guess this is an annual event). Lots of photo's,
talk, and fun with the other patrons ( who
were not part of our group.)
Every Night - Clubbing from 10pm to 3am,
which is why I didn't get up to sit in on many
seminars or lunches.
Saturday - Prom Night - Absolutely beautiful
gowns, outfits, and ladies. Twenty-five
members of the Gay Men's Chorus auctioned themselves
off as dates (as a fund-raiser for
the chorus) I got a bargain, I only paid
$60 for an investment banker. Some went as high
as $175.
The rules for the auction were:
1) He called for you at your room with a flower
( some even brought wine ).
2) He escorted you to the cocktail reception
3) Sat with you at dinner and after the chorus
sang,
4) He danced a minimum of three dances with you.
What a kick!
For me the Highlights of the Conference were:
1) Meeting and talking to the hundreds of people
attending the conference, or who just
happened to be staying at the hotel, or were
attending the theater or eating at the
Hardrock Cafe. Time after time, stares turned
to smiles, and then to questions and
ultimately enjoyment and friendships. I don't
know how many times I was told how lucky
they felt to be attending the same events where
we were.
2) Once again it was another opportunity for me
to realize just how fortunate it was that I
was born as who I am, and how very special I
am, and to meet and enjoy my sisters from
all over the country who also feel very special
and equally fortunate.
3) The limo ride to and from the airport. The
driver picked me up at my door, carried me
to the airport, checked my bags and arranged
to have me picked up on my return. Coming
back the driver met me at the gate, escorted
me to baggage, carried my bags to the limo,
and again carried me home. What a way to end
a trip!
Other Thoughts
One thing that I never get over is how wide and
diverse are our occupations, professions
and talents. We're everywhere! Also how many
have achieved a great deal of success in
their chosen field.
I have come to know that in my case at least,
who I am has been a definite asset. My
uniqueness and gift, I believe allowed me to
be a better father, husband, manager, and
human being, as well as a somewhat successful
artist.
I really wish more research was focused on our
abilities, accomplishments, positive
uniqueness and special gifts. (I personally don't
much care about the why's, how many's,
and other theories. I'm perfectly happy knowing
I'm very lucky to be me.)
I worry that because of a lack of personal understanding,
societal ignorance, bigotry, and
fear of the unknown, society is losing the opportunity
to share and benefit from our
positive gifts and what is worse - that some
young person may not achieve her/his
personal potential.
I also believe that if we're proud of ourselves,
and be the best person that we each can be,
we'll tear down the walls of ignorance, hate,
and fear that we and society have constructed
around us. And maybe with a little luck, one
of us may have to a role model and positive
influence which may help someone achieve their
potential and goals.
In summary, remember to:
Enjoy being who you are
Smile a lot
Go to activities
Meet new people
Show by word and deed that we're special, good
and lovely people (inside and out)
and with that in mind please remember that each
on of us is a representative of all of
us, and how you act, dress, and deal with the
general public reflect upon us all.
Love,
Cathy