VANCOUVER—The Vancouver Trans Forum (July 23-25) is a gathering of trans people and allies to educate each other and the people they encounter in their daily lives. The forum aims to provide transition information (Canadian resources), a safe and comfortable environment in which to explore gender, and skill sharing among community members. Dances, movie nights and other social activities, including an All Body Swim, are included. The event will be held at the Rhodes Wellness College at #280-1125 Howe Street. For program, schedule, and related event information, visit www.vancouvertransforum.com.
The Vancouver Trans Forum is a sliding-scale ($15-$50 per day, no one turned away for lack of funds), community-centred event by and for members of the various multiple trans communities of Greater Vancouver and British Columbia. The forum vision is to bring together members of diverse trans communities, both individuals and service providers, to establish a cohesive vision of what the specific needs of trans communities are today, through a focus on health and coalition building. Organizers of the event see the forum as an opportunity for the communities of trans people, their allies and the health professionals who work with them to create community, hear the needs and concerns of the communities, and share their collective skills and knowledge.
The Vancouver Trans Forum organizing committee recognizes that for most trans people, “trans” is only one aspect of their day-to-day world. The Vancouver Trans Forum also understands that many trans folk belong to numerous marginalized communities simultaneously. Thus, the Vancouver Trans Forum encourages participation and feedback from persons who experience, combat, and wish to speak about: sexism, racism, ablism, poverty and relative topics that involve intersecting forms of oppression.”
