Ways We Help
Fantasia Fair helps the community
Fantasia Fair exists to help people.
In 1975, when the Fair was first conceived, it was in response to a "need for crossdressers and transsexuals to
learn about themselves in an open, socially tolerant environment." We provide education and support for not just
crossdressers and transsexuals, but also to the wider LGBTIQ community and those professionals who are involved
with the community.
Personal and Professional Development
For more than thirty years, the seminars, workshops, and lectures offered during the Fair have helped people better
understand themselves and the challenges that we all face. Every October, professional and academics from all over
the world made the trek to Cape Cod to share their knowledge and understanding. Recent Fairs have had
partners-focused programs, academic colloquiums, voice training workshops, discussions with noted authors
and filmmakers, as well as a wide variety of LGBTIQ-related seminars. These programs help not only the trans-person with
their self exploration but also the caring professionals who work with the community. The knowledge and skills
learned at the Fair are then brought back to the homes and businesses of each Fairgoer as well as the local community
centered and support groups each fairgoer is involved with. It is a wonderful "ripple effect."
Transgender Pioneer Awards
Because so many in the community have sacrificed their careers, their families, and their fortunes because
of their commitments to gender, we provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships. In addition, each year
we recognize and honor various transgender leaders who have dedicated their lives to change the world so transgendered
people could begin to come together in safety and comfort. Without them, so many of us would still be hiding in our
closets.
You can learn more about these Pioneer Awards and those individuals who have been honored on our
Pioneer Awards Banquet page.
Fund Raising
Provincetown was picked as the host city because of its reputation for tolerance and it had become somewhat of
a LGBT Mecca. We love the town and its people and we try to say "Thank you" - a lot.
Every year we are delighted make a number of charitable contributions to different groups in Provincetown. In past years, we made contributions
to the lthe town library, the "Friends of the Council on Aging" - an organization that helps
seniors, and we helped buy the fire department a life-saving defibrillator. It is important to note that these generous
contributions come from you, the fairgoer, and from those who attend our events, and not from registration fees. One way we raise
money for charity is by selling advertisements in our program guide. Another way is with the Friday night Follies, a talent show of Fair attendees.
Every year the performers donate all the tips given to them in their performance to charity. When you come to enjoy the Follies, we hope that you will
tip generously!
For the 33rd Fantasia Fair in 2007, we raised $3,500 for the folks at the
Provincetown Council On Aging. These hardworking people provide many needed services to the
elderly including fuel assistance, medical equipment loans, a meals-on-wheels program, an emergency food pantry, transportation of the
elderly for medical appointments, home visits for homebound elders and many other services.
Continuing the tradition of giving back to their home away from home, the 2008 attendees of the 34th Fantasia Fair raised $4,000 for the Soup Kitchen of
Provincetown (SKIP). SKIP provides free meals to any individual in the community who is in need and serves as a resource place for referrals
to social programs for further help in all areas of need, such as housing assistance. Also, a donation of $400 was to Help Our Women Now,
a non-profit organization in Provincetown that provides services to women with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
If you would like to recommend a charity, please send a message to
director@fantasiafair.org.
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