Trans Futures: Navigating Change Together

Who are the speakers and organizations affiliated with this event?

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This conference has been organized by Charley Speaks and Equality Virginia. Speakers include representatives from the Trans and broader LGBTQIA+ community, and experts from organizations that support the Trans community. This conference is intentionally and explicitly welcoming of Black Trans community members, professionals, and experts in their fields.

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What are you doing to help LGBTQ+ folx feel safe and comfortable attending?

 

Through many conversations with our sponsors and healthcare professionals, we have taken action to ensure this event is as private and safe as possible. 

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Registration

Please know that there will be a list of registrants at the door and folx will be checked off against the list. For safety reasons, anyone who is not registered will need to be vouched for by a member of the organizing team. ​We are aware that some folx have registered with an alias or first name only, and understand the reason. In those cases, they should accompany someone who can vouch for them. Again, we are trying to balance safety for all participants. We intend to respect anonymity while also taking reasonable precautions.

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Masks and Illness

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For folx who may not feel comfortable in a public space, masks are encouraged and welcomed.  

 

If you are ill, please stay home and take care of yourself and others. We will do our best to share the resources provided by presenters. Zoom is also an option for a few of the major events.

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What about Cameras?

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We ask that no photos or videos be taken inside the venue - and that you take care not to include anyone else in photos taken outside the venue. Please be respectful of the caution that many attendees will be feeling about safeguarding their identities.

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There will be ONE 'official' photographer tasked with taking photos of Charley Burton. He has committed to ensuring that no one else will appear in the photos, unless they explicitly agree, in writing.

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What about bags and backpacks?

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We have very limited space and ask that you bring only essentials into the meeting space.

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Why is the event location not disclosed?

 

The current social and political climate raises legitimate concerns about LGBTQ folx’s safety. To balance the need to plan transportation with protecting the community, the in-person location and Zoom link will not be shared before October 9th. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you understand.

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Can you tell me more about the event location?

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The event is located in a religiously affiliated space. We understand that this may make some folx hesitant. However, this space is well known to the community as an affirming congregation and a safe space that welcomes LGBTQIA+ folx.

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The organization is providing us space at no cost, as an act of solidarity and service. 

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Will you be recording the event?

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As above, due to safety we are being very cautious. Charley's Opening Keynote will be shared via Zoom Webinar, and will be recorded. The Equality Virginia and ACLU presentation will also be shared via Zoom Webinar. However, the camera will be pointed only toward the speakers.

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Because the zoom option is set up as a registration-only Webinar, no participants will be visible to each other or to the presenter.

 

Are there gender neutral bathrooms?

 

Yes.

 

Will food be provided?

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Light snacks, water, and coffee (in the morning) will be provided. To reduce waste, please plan to bring a water bottle if you have one. Equality Virginia is providing boxed lunches (from Order Up). Vegan options will be included. Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch if you have dietary restrictions (a fridge will be available). The Pie Chest is donating home-baked cookies for afternoon snack.

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What is the parking capacity on site?

 

There is enough parking for about 40 vehicles. On-street parking is also available. We highly encourage carpooling or Uber/taxi if possible.

 

What if I don’t have transportation but I would like to participate?

 

We are hosting some portions of this event live on Zoom. People attending virtually can still ask the panelists questions. If you want to join in person, we highly encourage you to sign up with friends or people from your organization so that you can carpool to Charlottesville. 

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How is this event inclusive of people with disabilities?

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If you are attending in person, parking is very close to the main entrance (~100 feet distance). There are wheelchair accessible ramps into the venue. There are two floors with stairs and outside sidewalk access (no elevator). We will have Guides to assist folx in getting from one floor to another if needed. However, we will attempt to keep all activities (except Line Dancing) on the main floor.

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For people attending virtually, we will use closed captions. We will make sure all questions (including virtual) and answers will be said or repeated on a microphone so everyone listening can hear clearly.

 

There will not be any flashing/strobe lights in the meeting spaces.

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Will there be any resources available?

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A few organizations have generously offered to share free information and resources for both LGBTQ+ folx and healthcare providers who work with the LGBTQ+ community. For anyone attending online, we will provide these resources virtually via email after the event.