RENAISSANCE TO HOST 4TH GENDER CONGRESS IN 2000

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.


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