Call for Programs & Registration Now Open for 3rd Asterisk Trans* Conference

The Call for Programs and online Registration is now open for the 3rd Asterisk Trans* Conference, set for February 24-25, 2017 at the University of California, Riverside.

Join us for a college conference to build community for trans* people and allies, to address trans* health and well-being, and to provide education and resources for trans* youth advocates. Organized by Asterisk of UCR and the LGBT Resource Center, with support from The California Endowment, the Associated Students Program Board*, and the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, the conference welcomed over 500 participants in 2016. People of all gender identities and expressions are welcome to attend.

The Friday night conference opening is free and open to the public, featuring a keynote by Drago Renteria and a performance by the Trans Chorus of L.A. Saturday's events require registration, and include a keynote by Isa Noyola of the Transgender Law Center and performances by #BlackTransMagick's J Mase III and Vita E. Educators, social workers, counselors, and other trans youth advocates are invited to attend a track on Saturday focused on Trans 101 education and ways to better serve K-12 and all trans folx.

Registration is $20/individual or $10/UCR participants, with reduced registrations and waived registrations available. Fifteen campuses completed a Group Registration, allowing an unlimited number of students, faculty, and staff to register with no additional fee payment. If your campus wants to do a $200 Group Registration allowing unlimited attendance from your college or university, please contact nancy.tubbs@ucr.edu.

Any person submitting a workshop proposal can register with waived fees, even if the program is not accepted. Deadline to submit a proposal online is November 30, 2016. Those submitting the online registration form are then redirected to an anonymous, very short, and very helpful demographic survey. Please take the time to do this survey! The final registration step for those paying $20 or $10 individual fees is to pay fees on-site.

Check out the conference FAQs for more conference information.

*ASPB Co-sponsorship grant of this event does not constitute an endorsement of the views and opinions expressed.   

Asterisk Trans* Conference returning to UC Riverside in 2017

Archive - Workshops at the 2016 Asterisk Trans* Conference

This is an archive of workshops presented at the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference. Click here to read the workshop schedule.

Art, Identity, and YOU: Trans Art and Empowerment Session
Casey Hoke, Point Foundation/GLSEN/ Cal Poly Pomona

Join Casey Hoke (he/him/his), a trans male artist and activist from Louisville, Kentucky on a journey through transgender awareness and activism through art and learn how expression can affirm as well as educate on aspects of identity. Interactive workshop with art supplies provided!

Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
a.t. Furuya, San Diego State University
Marsha Aizumi, PFLAG National

This is for API folks to affirm our existence and offer space to discuss, heal, and find community support for transgender/GNC individuals. Topics may include but are not limited to: family, health and wellness, immigration, racism/internalized, disability justice, negotiating/navigating gender identity and expression, gender, race, and sexuality within our identities, connecting gender to roots, student life etc. Please note: This is a closed space for people who self-identify as Asian Pacific Islanders (API).

A Conversation with Zoey Luna and Her Mother Ofelia
Zoey Luna & Ofelia Barba

What is it like for a middle school student to come out as trans? Hear Zoey’s story, including the reaction of her school’s teachers and administration, as well as her mother Ofelia’s journey to understanding and advocacy for her child. Please bring your questions to share, as this will be a conversation and not a formal presentation.

Creating Spaces for Creative Expression and Performance as Healing Art
Jade Phoenix

Creative/Performance art is and can be a very powerful tool for communities joined together in collective resitance, liberation, and authentic self expression. Yet in this midst of such power, one aspect of creative expression and performance that is often overlooked is its ability to be an intergral part of ones personal healing/coming out/empowerment process through collective/communal initiative to hold space and witness these acts. How can we begin to recognize, cultivate and harness this power for healing and subsequently create safer and more intentional spaces in and for our communities to access such power?

Decolonize Your Sex Life
Maisha Manson, CSUN Alum

In this session attendees will understand the ways in which our relationships and sexual acts are rooted in colonialism, heteronormativity, and enforce a gender binary. Participants will be lead through art and discussion on ways that they experience these social norms. Following which we will explore what does it mean to have gender-inclusive sexual practices and ways to have healthy, safe, and inclusive relationships. 

GaySL: A Crash Course in LGBTQ American Sign Language
Hayden Kristal, University of Missouri

Come learn ASL signs relating to the LGBT community and talk about Deaf culture, the importance of accessibility in activism and more with Missouri's most fabulous Deaf transgender drag queen! All levels of experience with ASL and the Deaf and LGBTQ communities are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Health Providers Panel: Accessing Trans-Friendly Health Care
Bianca Salvetti, MSN, CNS, CPNP & Jamie Julian, MSW, Children’s Hospital L.A. – Center for Transyouth Health & Development http://www.chla.org 
Diana Feliz Oliva, MSW, Transgender Health Program Coordinator, St. John’s Well Child & Family Center http://www.wellchild.org 
Gabriel Maldonado, TruEvolution Wellness & Engagement Center http://www.truevolution.org 
Moderated by Megan Rush, UC Riverside

How can you access trans-friendly medical care and programs specifically knowledgeable regarding hormone replacement therapy? How does access to health insurance impact your options? What documentation, if any, is required to show “medical necessity” when receiving medical care related to transitioning? Join a panel of health providers and learn about some of your health options.

Leadership Isn't Sexy: Teaching Leadership to New Queer and Trans Leaders
Ash Preston, CSU Fullerton & CSU Dominguez Hills

Leaders aren't always made from previous ones; sometimes they are born on their own and need guidance. Often queer and trans students have to forge their own way, and becoming a leader in your community is not always easy. This workshop will look at different leadership styles and components that embody leadership, and obstacles that new queer and trans folx might face.

Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic
Adriel Rodriguez, Patient Advocate
Queen Victoria Ortega Trans* Empower Case Manager
St. John's Transgender Health Program - www.wellchild.org

Come meet with the St. John's Well Child and Family Center's Transgender Health Program team to complete your name and/or gender marker change paperwork. The team will provide you with the necessary forms, walk you through the court filing process and provide you with helpful tips and updates. We will also be sharing information about the St. John's Well Child and Family Center Transgender Health Program and Trans* Empower Program.

Neurodiversity and Disability in the Transgender community
Nami Kitsune Hatfield, UCLA Alum
Panelists: Dan Vylette Maldonado, Rajah Olivia Jones, Jay Dee Santacruz, Cris Rosales-Doi

This panel that will explore the intersections of disability and neurodiversity within transgender communities. Included in this program will be a discussion of terminology and a brief introduction to key concepts of neurodiversity and disability. Also included in this panel will be resources for disabled and neurodiverse community members and allies, as well as a dialogue about disability and neurodiversity featuring neurodiverse and disabled community members.

Owning Our Story, Finding Our Light: The Aizumi Family Story
Marsha Aizumi, PFLAG National
Aiden Aizumi, PFLAG Pasadena

Our program will not only share our story of a mother and transgender son, but will share the lessons we have learned along the way… lessons that have brought us deeper connection as mother and son. We have been able to turn our challenges and fear into gifts of joy, love, and greater appreciation for each other. And as we have navigated this path together with open hearts, we have not only found our authentic voices but the incredible power of unconditional love and acceptance. It is our hope that you will walk away more confident in your journey and in the ways you can make a difference in your family and in the world.

Partners of Trans Folx
Lucy Hincaipe, UCR Alum

Are you in a relationship with someone who is trans or genderqueer? Would you like to talk with others to share your experiences and discuss navigating the world as the partner of a trans or genderqueer person? Please join this supportive conversation space. Please note:This is a closed space for partners of trans or genderqueer folx.

Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 1
Willy Wilkinson, Author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency

This workshop will explore the breadth of identities associated with trans and gender nonconforming communities, including the intersecting experiences of race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic circumstances, and disability. Participants will learn to utilize culturally competent language and behavior for addressing and working with this population, and increase their knowledge of health care access and legal issues that impact trans communities. Interactive, solutions-oriented, and engaging, this workshop will provide opportunities for learning and problem solving at all knowledge levels. For mental health providers, social workers, community advocates, educators in K-12 and campus settings (faculty, staff, administrators, and students), and others. Everyone welcome.

Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 2
Willy Wilkinson, Author of Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency

This workshop will highlight best practices for providing equal access for trans and gender nonconforming populations in educational institutions and community health settings. Participants will work together to develop concrete strategies to specific scenarios that they might encounter in their work, and explore trans-affirming systems and procedures for effective service provision. Interactive, solutions-oriented, and engaging, this workshop will provide opportunities for learning and problem solving at all knowledge levels. For mental health providers, social workers, community advocates, educators in K-12 and campus settings (faculty, staff, administrators, and students), and others. Everyone welcome.

Psychotherapy 101: A Q&A session about finding trans* affirming mental health care
Abi Weissman, Psy.D., Waves, A Psychological Corporation
Nina Grace Ruedas, Desert Center for Sexuality Awareness & Brandman University
Jill Hingston, The LGBT Community Center of the Desert

At this session, you can ask questions to three trans* affirming mental health providers. Topics include: the mental health portion of the WPATH Standards of Care, how to find a trans* affirming therapist in your neighborhood, how to advocate for your needs, and your questions. You are worth finding good, supportive care.

QTPOC Identities: A Writing Exploration
Eli Brown, UCR Alum

So many queer and trans people of color have gone through such diverse life experiences, but feel overwhelmed when trying to write about them because of the variety of intersections. This workshop will focus on helping individuals express their identities using writing exercises, discussion, and of course the opportunity to share. Writing can often bring people together, and the sharing of experience creates a ripple effect of growth, education and compassion in all communities. Participants are encouraged to take what they gain from the workshop into daily life to foster their creative outputs and find their true voice. All are welcome, QTPOC identified or not.

Queer Self Defense. For Real.
Ryka Aoki, Founder, Tomoe-Ryu and Head Instructor Supernova Martial Arts
Melanie Cuesta, Assistant Instructor, Tomoe-Ryu and Supernova Martial Arts
Byron Jose, Assistant Instructor, Tomoe-Ryu and Supernova Martial Arts

As queer, we face extremely real threats, dangers, and attacks. Wishful thinking aside, you can't learn a few feel-good tricks and think you have a chance against a real attacker. Practicing self-defense is like practicing fire and earthquake drills. It may not guarantee your safety, but can it help increase your odds of survival. As most threats are no strictly physical, we will address the practice of confrontation, be they social, legal, ethical, or physical. Please note: This is a closed space for people who self-identify as part of the queer/trans spectrum.

"The Talk"
Traci Medeiros, LMFT, COM|PASSionate REVOLT - www.compassionaterevolt.com

The "Coming Out" process has been picked up by media, television, and social justice campaigns. Documentaries and tell-all stories boasting the courageous nature of flying out of the closet are at our fingertips (and computer screens). While reflections of our stories are helpful, it can sometimes distract from the fact that the "Coming Out" process is a highly intimate, vulnerable, and functional process of how we take care of ourselves and build our support networks. This workshop will help participants clarify their needs/wants in coming out to different folks in their lives around gender identity and how to clearly articulate the pieces of their identity they are ready to disclose. Please note: This is a closed space for people who are Trans, Non-Binary, or Gender-Questioning.

Trans Health - Wellness and HIV
Sonya T Gleicher, AIDS Project Los Angeles

Ken Almanza

Trans individuals face many of the same health concerns as the LGBT and greater community, but with their own specific needs. We will focus on HIV prevention including the new therapies PrEP and PEP, STD transmission, and free/low-cost health coverage. This program will provide information about the differences between HIV myths and facts, and how to take the right steps toward improving your well-being.

Trans* Identity and Romantic Relationships: Their Interplay and Influence on Each Other
Kevin S. Carlson, Scripps College; Cal McMillan, Pomona College; Nicole N. Gray, Claremont Graduate University; Ivy A. Carrete, Claremont Graduate University; Karen Tannenbaum, Claremont Graduate University

Attendees will be given opportunities to reflect on their own identity formation, the role of romantic relationships on their identity, and the role of their identity in their relationships. This program will also discuss issues of intersecting identities (e.g., racial/ethnic identity) in these processes. This program will include some initial findings of a research study examining the interplay and bi-directional influences of trans* identity formation and romantic relationships.

Trans Workers Rising: Organizing for trans economic justice
Bea Esperanza Fonseca, Trans Worker Justice Organizer

This is an interactive workshop on organizing a trans movement that focuses on worker justice. Weaving together the movements for economic, racial, and gender justice, participants will work together to develop a theory and practice of trans liberation that is equipped to address the economic violence facing working class trans and gender nonconforming communities. A focus will be placed on personal narrative, organizing strategy, coalition building between movements, and creating partnerships between students, community and workers.

TransForming Recovery
Daniel Vylette Maldonado, Jaden Fields, Rajah Jones
T-FFED: Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders

Trans-identified individuals suffer disproportionately (preliminary studies show we are at least four times more at risk) from eating disorders and body image issues. This workshop will present why Trans people are at risk for EDs, critique non-inclusive mainstream recovery and research, and discuss how we can empower our communities to heal. We will discuss coping strategies that promote healthy behavior modification and healing modules, develop support systems, and confront oppressive systems that perpetuate problematic norms.

The Ups & Downs of Phalloplasty - A Holistic Perspective on FtM Genital Reconstruction

Zander Keig, LCSW, Editor of Letters for My Brothers: Transitional Wisdom in Retrospect and Manning Up: Transsexual Men on Finding Brotherhood, Family and Themselves

Many trans men have completed phalloplasty and metoidioplasty surgeries over the years, dating back to the mid-1940s, yet there is still a dearth of information available for those embarking on the surgery path, or wanting to support a loved one on their surgical journey. Too often when there is information it tends to over focus on the aesthetics and functionality of the new genitals. This workshop will incorporate a holistic emphasis on the FtM “bottom surgery” journey of a trans man who has traveled the path, twice. He will discuss the emotional, spiritual, physical, psychological, occupational and relational aspects of his journey.

What's Wrong with Rights?
Eli Erick & Landyn Pan, Trans Student Educational Resources
Isn’t equality what we’re aiming for? Many activists say no! What’s Wrong with Rights? looks at the ways in which the mainstream transgender movement can leave out many people with intersecting identities and how we can make this a movement that works to liberate all marginalized communities. Participants will discuss their own experiences as activists and how their work fits into a services/rights/justice organizational framework. We intend to build off of the collective knowledge of the audience to broaden attendees’ understandings of activism within their communities. We will examine the nonprofit industrial complex and the ways in which pinkwashed change may be disrupting transgender justice-based activism in critical areas of concern such as marriage equality, education, hate crime legislation, police, and the military.

500 Gender Awesome Folx Experience the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference

One group photo to close out the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference.

Around 500 people from 54 college campuses and beyond attended the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference, hosted by UC Riverside February 26-27, 2016.

UC Riverside conference organizers are evaluating whether the campus should host the 3rd Asterisk Trans* Conference in 2017. Help by providing your feedback on the conference experience and suggestions for next year. Complete the online Feedback Form by Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

This year's conference was presented by Asterisk of UCR and the LGBT Resource Center, with major support from the California Endowment.

583 Folx Register for 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference

Online registration closed for the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference with 583 people registered to attend. 58% of attendees are undergraduate students, 8% are graduate students,11% are staff, 5% are faculty, and 21% are off-campus community members. 57% of attendees are people of color.

On-site registration will be available: $20/individual, $10/UCR, $10/Reduced, and some fee waivers available.

The campuses with the highest number of attendees are:
55 UC Riverside
40 Moorpark College
33 UCLA
29 CSU Dominguez Hills
27 CSU Fullerton
23 UC Santa Barbara
22 CSU Northridge
21 UC Santa Cruz
19 UC Davis
18 UC Irvine
17 CSU San Marcos
16 Chapman University
15 Cal Poly Pomona
13 UC San Diego
12 Norco College
10 Claremont Graduate College
10 CSU San Bernardino

Art & Creativity at the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference

Jade Phoenix will perform Friday and conduct a workshop Saturday.

Jade Phoenix describes themselves as a "Queer, Trans*, Femme, First Generation Filipinx-American, Parent, LA based Performance Poet and Activist/Educator." Their work is a poetic expression rooted in the multiple identities they hold and how they intersect with their day to day fight for liberation as they create and navigate our current social and political systems and structures. Jade Phoenix is a fierce story and truth teller, a vulnerable and engaging performer, and passionate and informative educator, organizer and activist.

Jade Phoenix will help open the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference on Friday, February 26 at UC Riverside. Friday's events are free and open to everyone. Folks who register for Saturday's events may also attend Jade's workshop, one of several exploring art and creativity.

Creating Spaces for Creative Expression and Performance as Healing Art
Jade Phoenix
Creative/Performance art is and can be a very powerful tool for communities joined together in collective resitance, liberation, and authentic self expression. Yet in this midst of such power, one aspect of creative expression and performance that is often overlooked is its ability to be an intergral part of ones personal healing/coming out/empowerment process through collective/communal initiative to hold space and witness these acts. How can we begin to recognize, cultivate and harness this power for healing and subsequently create 
safer and more intentional spaces in and for our communities to access such power?

Art, Identity, and YOU: Trans Art and Empowerment Session
Casey Hoke, Point Foundation/GLSEN/ Cal Poly Pomona
Join Casey Hoke (he/him/his), a trans male artist and activist from Louisville, Kentucky on a journey through transgender awareness and activism through art and learn how expression can affirm as well as educate on aspects of identity. Interactive workshop with art supplies provided!

QTPOC Identities: A Writing Exploration
Eli Brown, UCR Alum
So many queer and trans people of color have gone through such diverse life experiences, but feel overwhelmed when trying to write about them because of the variety of intersections. This workshop will focus on helping individuals express their identities using writing exercises, discussion, and of course the opportunity to share. Writing can often bring people together, and the sharing of experience creates a ripple effect of growth, education and compassion in all communities. Participants are encouraged to take what they gain from the workshop into daily life to foster their creative outputs and find their true voice. All are welcome, QTPOC identified or not.

Workshop Schedule Includes 24 Options + Reading/Book Signing

All workshops are scheduled for Saturday, February 27 in the HUB. Click here to read the workshop descriptions. Conference attendees may also "claim a space" during the lunch hour.

Session 1 - 11:15am - 12:15pm

Asian Pacific Islander Caucus - Closed Space

Decolonize Your Sex Life

GaySL: A Crash Course in LGBTQ American Sign Language

Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 1

Trans Workers Rising: Organizing for trans economic justice

TransForming Recovery

1:00pm: Reading & Book Signing with Willy Wilkinson

Session 2 - 1:45pm - 2:45pm

Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic

Neurodiversity and Disability in the Transgender Community

Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 2

QTPOC Identities: A Writing Exploration

"The Talk" - Closed Space

The Ups & Downs of Phalloplasty - A Holistic Perspective on FtM Genital Reconstruction

Session 3 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

A Conversation with Zoey Luna and Her Mother Ofelia

Creating Spaces for Creative Expression and Performance as Healing Art

Leadership Isn't Sexy: Teaching Leadership to New Queer and Trans Leaders

Partners of Trans Folx - Closed Space

Psychotherapy 101: A Q&A session about finding trans* affirming mental health care

Trans Health - Wellness and HIV

Session 4 - 4:15pm - 5:15pm

Art, Identity, and YOU: Trans Art and Empowerment Session

Health Providers Panel: Accessing Trans-Friendly Health Care

Owning Our Story, Finding Our Light: The Aizumi Family Story

Queer Self Defense. For Real. - Closed Space
Trans* Identity and Romantic Relationships

What's Wrong with Rights?

Register Online by Feb. 5 To Get the Conference T-Shirt

Friday, February 5 is the online registration deadline if you wish to receive the conference T-shirt when you attend the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference at UC Riverside on February 26-27, 2016. Click here to register. After you submit the form, you will be sent to an anonymous demographic form... a very very very short one, we promise.

After February 5, you may still register online but you will not receive a T-shirt and we cannot guarantee a preferred box lunch on Saturday of the Conference.

Check here to see if your campus is doing a Group Registration, allowing an unlimited number of students, staff and faculty to attend the conference with no additional registration fees.

Workshops Announced for 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference

On Saturday, February 27, the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference will offer 24 workshops over 4 sessions. A flex space room and self-care room will also be provided. The time for each workshop has not yet been finalized.

Read the workshop descriptions by clicking here.

1. Art, Identity, and YOU: Trans Art and Empowerment Session
2. Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
3. A Conversation with Zoey Luna and Her Mother Ofelia
4. Creating Spaces for Creative Expression and Performance as Healing Art
5. Decolonize Your Sex Life
6. GaySL: A Crash Course in LGBTQ American Sign Language
7. Health Providers Panel: Accessing Trans-Friendly Health Care
8. Leadership Isn't Sexy: Teaching Leadership to New Queer and Trans Leaders
9. Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic
10. Neurodiversity and Disability in the Transgender community
11. Owning Our Story, Finding Our Light: The Aizumi Family Story
12. Partners of Trans Folx
13. Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 1
14. Providing Equal Access for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Populations, Part 2
15. Psychotherapy 101: A Q&A session about finding trans* affirming mental health care
16. QTPOC Identities: A Writing Exploration
17. Queer Self Defense. For Real.
18. "The Talk"
19. Trans Health - Wellness and HIV
20. Trans* Identity and Romantic Relationships: Their Interplay and Influence on Each Other
21. Trans Workers Rising: Organizing for trans economic justice
22. TransForming Recovery
23. The Ups & Downs of Phalloplasty - A Holistic Perspective on FtM Genital Reconstruction
24. What's Wrong with Rights?

Trans Women of Color Storytelling To Close the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference

Jade Hambaro, Chella Coleman, and Ryka Aoki will close the 2nd Asterisk Trans* Conference.

Jade Hambaro and Chella Isabel Marie Coleman, who performed on stage in 2015 as part of Brouhaha: Trans Women of Color Comedy Storytelling, will join RykaAoki on Saturday, January 27, 2016  to close the 2^nd Asterisk Trans* Conference.

Jade is a badass Filipina white mixed transgender woman currently living in Southern California. She considers herself a healer, an activist, and an artist. She likes to dance, write poetry, and trade stories with friends. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to Sci-Fi audiobooks and listening to people sing Karaoke. Chella describes herself simply as “an artist who uses art to talk and deal with the shit that oppresses trans women of color specifically.”

Ryka is a writer, performer, and professor who has been honored by the California State Senate for her “extraordinary commitment to free speech and artistic expression, as well as the visibility and well-being of Transgender people.” She is a professor of English at Santa Monica College and of Queer Studies at Antioch University. Ryka is also head instructor of Supernova Martial Arts, whose mission is to empower LGBT youth through martial arts and self defense. In 2015, she released the poetry book Why Dust Shall Never Settle Upon This Soul.

Registration deadline closes online February 5, 2016. Click here to register online. After this date, registration will not include a T-shirt or guarantee a box lunch. If your campus has completed a Group Registration, then no individual registration fee is due. Individual registration is $20/person, $10/UCR, $10/reduced (no t-shirt), with fee waivers available for those unable to afford the reduced rate.