2006 Workshop Descriptions
 

All About Bias  Brenda Viola, CSW
Where does it come from, what is its history, why is it so devastating to the LGBT community and specifically; its effects, and has affected the transgender community at large. Why is bias so deeply imbedded into our social atmosphere, and what can be done to combat its effects? This presenter will give both individual and personal instances of bias; within the social context of 20th and 21st century life.


Alone in Paradise  facilitated by Sandra S. Cole, Ph.D.
(A Let's Talk Session for Those Whose Partners Stayed at Home)
Coming to Fantasia Fair alone can be joyous and fabulous, a time to be withhold friends, to play, to learn and to explore.  It can also be a time for lots of thoughts and feelings about the partners left at home, how we feel about being alone in this remarkable place, wondering what they are doing, thinking and feeling about all of this. Join with others in private discussion to explore these issues... how does this happen?, and how does this work ...being here perhaps with a friend, but not with my partner?


Best of Both Worlds  Dotti Berry, M.Ed
(for Significant Others of Trans person)
Is it really possible to not only enjoy yourself, but flourish, as one-half of a transgender couple? Engage the pathway toward direct, unmediated, heart-to-heart connection with yourself, and you will discover how to enjoy the “two worlds” of being with a transgender person. Whether a first-timer or long-timer at this conference, come with your insights and questions. This group can offer the possibility of self expansion, moving you toward a greater understanding of yourself and your trans partner.


Beyond the Gender Frontier  Mariette Pathy Allen
The mainland USA's "transgender community" is moving exponentially-from the early '80's fear of discovery, of "losing everything" to the current demand for equal rights and treatment in housing, education, employment, medical care, love, and parenting! We are being experimental in the process-borrowing from other rights movements, inventing our own ways of working together. Parallel to our evolution, other countries with different cultures are pressing for change, including the return of old traditions that respected gender role variations. This slide presentations will offer MPA's most recent work on transyouth, political activism, attitudes towards the body, and Native Hawaiian Mahus.


Biking & Exercise  Victoria M,& Kristi
Each Morning, Victoria and Kristi will lead a biking group or other forms of exercise. The biking will include rides through the Ptown dunes and a planned ride to a winery back down route 6. Other walking tours will include climbing the Monument, or across the jetty to walk the beaches and view the wetlands. Another possible trip is a walk to one of the Cape's lighthouses. All trips will leave from The Brass Key (formerly known as Roomers) at approximately 10AM daily.


BYOI  Niela Miller, MS Ed
I am offering a set of Personal Development workshops for those of you who have taken at least one of my workshops. Instead of offering a specific topic, I would like to work with you on ANY issues. skills or themes that are represented by whoever shows up.

I would ask that you sign up for at least two days though I will have this group three days in a row. I would limit it to not more than a dozen participants (and a minimum of six) and would give priority to those who committed to the whole experience (I’d guess it would be two hours a day) although you would be welcome to come to just one session if there was room.

It will be both serious and fun and could cover relationship issues, embracing the feminine, finding inner peace and contentment, sexuality, creativity, social change and your role, responses to portrayals of TG’s in the media, communication skills, parents-kids, being a TG elder, or whatever else truly interests you. I would act as a facilitator, coach, and therapist. (Pre-registration recommended. Write to Niela directly to reserve your space.)


Chess and the Transgender Couple  Dotti Berry, M.Ed
 (both partners must be present)
Couples can get stuck. Like chess, if no one is willing to make an intial move, you are stuck and can’t begin the game. This game is the game of Life. Don’t miss yours as a couple! To be successful, you have to be willing to make a move, creating an opening for the other person to make a move. The difference in the game of life is that no one has to lose. Both can flourish. Come discover how.


Christine Jorgensen: The full story  Richard Docter, Ph.D.
The story of America’s most celebrated transsexual is most widely known through her own autobiography and through news reports. No other transsexual has ever achieved her international celebrity. These sources, however, leave many important questions unresolved. The full story calls for clarification of whether Jorgensen arranged for her own international publicity while denying involvement, the story of the career she sought but never attained, the process of identity restructuring that led her to go to Denmark in 1950, and the true account of her sex life. The interplay between Jorgensen’s gender transformation and the struggle for medical support for transsexuality is especially important.


Crossing Sexual Boundaries  Ariadne Kane
This workshop will involve a discussion of the recent book, Crossing Sexual Boundaries, compiled by Ariadne Kane and the late Vern Bullough: 'Transgender' has become a convenient umbrella term to cover a collectivity of individuals (including cross-dressers, transvestites, transsexuals and intersexuals) who do not conform to traditional norms of gender identity and behaviour. This book is a compilation of autobiographies of men and women who openly and frankly describe their often very difficult journeys. Using a decade-by-decade format, the contributors provide the reader with critical insights into the process of realisation that led to their various gender expressions. Their life stories make clear that a good deal of diversity exists within the gender community.


Dual Attraction  Sandra S. Cole, Ph.D.
(limited to Transgals, CDs, TSs here at the Fair with their partners)
Do we really understand the uniqueness or each others’ journey in this partnership we have together? Do we really listen, and do we really care to learn about our partner’s perspective and experiences? How do we communicate? Who sets the “rules”? Is there life beyond transgender? What do I do with all these feelings I have? Can I be myself and also be authentic with my partner?

Join us for honest and compassionate discussions about our special selves.


Your Ideas For Fantasia Fair 2007  Fantasia Fair Organizing Committee
In order to continue and prosper, the Fair must grow along with its participants. This session is dedicated to finding people who want to work to improve and continue the Fair, as well as to collecting ideas and suggestions for improving and changing the Fair.


Facial Feminization Surgery: Maximizing Results  Dr. Jeffrey Speigel
Dr. Spiegel will review the goals and methods of facial feminization surgery (FFS).  Post-operative photos will be shown. There will be a discussion of what procedures are available, how to maximize results, and how new technologies and advances have allowed for improving structural changes to bone. Consultation time will be available after the presentation.


Fear and Sex  Dr. Trankila
Fear is all around us in the World today - Baghdad - Afghanistan - 21 year old Texan stabbed in chest for no apparent reason on NY subway - attractive intelligent criminal justice student in NY killed after going to late night bar - (add your own fear story here...). Sex is also all around us in the World today - porn fuels the economic success of the Internet - homophobia - fear of gay marriage - transphobia - and it's hard for all of us not to internalize these - (self-hatred/self disgust) along with our efforts to be ever more free flowing/happy/loving of self and others. In this workshop, we will (continue to) share our life experiences and wisdoms with each other (all are free to speak/listen only).


Feminine Voice: Find it and Use it - it's Yours!  Lezli Whitehouse
Whether you are already a performer or the shy quiet girl in the corner, come and explore your vocal possibilities. Find the feminine voice that is hidden within and share her with the rest of us. Learn how to find hidden resonance in your body. Explore the music, the color and the weight of your feminine voice through movement, sound exploration, and personal creativity. If you are so moved, bring a short text that speaks to you, and THAT you want to share with others. Lezli will guide and lead you through an exploration of the resonance, variety, musicality and soft-strength that is your Feminine Voice. She is available for a few hours each day to coach you on performance skills and to work privately with you on your voice exploration for an additional fee.


For the Birds  Brenda Viola & Alison Laing
This workshop is actually an expedition to the Wellfleet Animal Sanctuary, roughly 20-30 minutes drive from PT. Wellfleet Bay’s 1,100 acres of salt marsh, sandy beach, pine woodland, freshwater pond, and rare heath land attract a wide array of wildlife, especially songbirds and shorebirds. Discover the true nature of Cape Cod as you amble along the five miles of trails that traverse these habitats. ($7 entrance fee not included.) Once there Brenda will exhibit her consummate skills as an experienced birder to show you the local birds, as well as teaching you the basics of bird watching. A really different experience.


Girlhood Stories Make the Woman  Carolyn Caywood
As girls grow up, they get part of their socialization from fiction. We will talk together about how the following books have shaped girls' understanding of what it means to be a woman. Still controversial, Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume tackles the questions that preoccupy young teen girls. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares explores the meaning of friendship in girls' lives. Our discussion will offer more insights to participants who come having read these books.


Girl In Training  Miqqi Alicia Gilbert, Ph.D.
Women and men are, I’m sure you’ve noticed, different. These differences are many and varied, though most of us focus on the most visible and identifiable distinctions such as clothing, body shape and makeup. The focus of this workshop is the discussion of the communicative differences between women and men. These differences have been highlighted in such books as  Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, and, You Just Don’t Understand. We will use the latter book, by Deborah Tannen, to launch this workshop on how women talk, maintain relationships, and are different from men. Those planning to attend are asked to read Tannen’s book before the Fair, though all are invited in any case. It is available through Amazon.com.


Girls Night Out  An evening for you and your friends to explore the restaurants, bars and dance clubs of Provincetown. Meet up at the cocktail reception beforehand, and then head out on your own for dinner and fun.


Harry Benjamin: The man an his ideas  Richard Docter, PhD
Dr. Benjamin is regarded as one of the founding fathers of transsexual  theory, and as a key person in making medical service available to transgender persons. He wasn’t introduced to his first transgender patient until he was in his sixties, yet he accomplished much before his death at the age of 101. Benjamin had an extensive network of professional friendships among sexologists and played a part in helping to open the first program for sexual reassignment at Johns Hopkins. His 1966 book was among the first texts to present transsexuality as both a medical issue and personal dilemma justifying medical assistance.


Healthy TG  Victoria M.
Staying healthy means paying attention to food intake on a daily basis.  With new information about nutrition, individuals have to adjust as they age.  Those in the Transgender Community should pay attention to nutrition as part of Fitness.  Nutrition and exercise will help all TG's look their best what ever size you are. Following a sensible plan, you may even drop a size or free yourself of certain uncomfortable accoutrements. I will be discussing Nutrition for all ages, but especially for the older members of the TG community.


Hormones 101  Arthur Brantz, MD.
We will discuss the safe and effective use of hormones for the FTM and MTF  population.  Various clinical regimens will be discussed as well as what to  expect and watch for.  This will not be a chemistry lesson!


How Do I Love Thee?...Let Me Count The Ways  Sandra S. Cole, PhD.
(for couples only)
Changes continue to be constant in our adult years:  our children growing up…and leaving; work and economics; health and aging; and retirement for some.  Do we preserve the spontaneity and romance that was once in our lives?  How do we embrace the presence of transgender realities in our lives? Do we honor our needs and wants, respecting those of our partners?  Are they similar or different? The opportunity to love and to be loved by another is a precious gift.  The highest form of romance is optional romance—gestures made that are not required or taken for granted.  Are fantasy and romance still part of being together?

 “Grow Old Along With Me, The Best Is Yet ToBe”
RobertBarrett Browning

How to be a Sissy Maid  Sissy Maid Stephanie
Have you ever fantasized about being dressed as a French Maid? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dress in a uniform everyday and serve a household or a person? This workshop will cover the important points of being a “Sissy Maid”. Included in the workshop will be the uniform and its various parts as well as the role playing which some people experience. Even if you are curious, I invite you to attend! If you have a French Maid uniform, here is your opportunity to wear it. Why not come to the workshop dressed appropriately? There is also the possibility of having a make-over as a Sissy Maid!


Just One of the Guys:FTM Invisibility & Visibility  Hawk Stone, MS
This workshop will provide a lively discussion of FTM experience from multiple perspectives. What it's like to be a transsexual man in America? What it's like to be FTM in MTF spaces? What's it's like to be FTM in the LGBT movement? In the transgender civil rights movement? We'll touch upon these and other topics from the duality of invisibility and visibility.


Keynote Discussion 
Keynote discussions follow each keynote talk. So, if you are are particularly interested in the subject, have questions, or want to pursue the issues further you can continue to do so.


Ladies Day At The Spa  Crowne Pointe Inn
For full details, go to Spa Day

Tuesday afternoon,  Shui Spa is open to all registered members of the Fair.... All registered fair members will receive "In-house" pricing on all services that day, and will also be able to use the steam room, sauna and soaking tubs at no cost if they book services. We are planning on having a few extra reps on hand to provide complimentary consultation on skin care products by Murad. I think its a great day .. and a great option if the ladies want to kick back and relax one day... (or more of course). Take a peek at the spa web site.


Lost in the The Pink Fog  Brenda Viola, MSW
You finally made it to Provincetown, and Fantasia Fair was the most fabulous experience of your life.  You're pumped up, full of new self-confidence and unable to think about anything but expressing yourself in your preferred gender role. Back at home, the world seems drab and you chafe at having to hide part of yourself from your family, friends, and co-workers. You want to burst forth, heedless of consequences, and proclaim yourself to the world, and you think you just might. Congratulations.  You're in the pink fog.  The pink fog (blue fog for FTMs) is the state of euphoria we experience when we take our gender expression to a new level. It's a dangerous time to make decisions, and yet a time when we most want to. Come talk about the pink fog and how to find your way out of it. Highly recommended for first timers


Makeup Made Easy   Karen of FemmeFever  (http://www.femmefever.com/), the largest Transformation and Support Organization in the Tri State area  will be giving a "Makeup Made Easy" workshop on Friday, afternoon and Saturday  morning.  She will be taking a volunteer form the audience and will show everyone step by step how to apply make up, and achieve GOOD beard cover to get a natural look. She will also provide "inside" tips on saving money on products and supplies. Wig maintenance, tips and styling will also be covered. Her video "Makeup Made Easy" released in August 2006, will be available for viewing and purchase. Please note: during the Fair, from the 19th until the end of the Fair, Karen of Femmefever wil give greatly discouted private makeovers. Call 516 520 0380 now to beook an appoitment, or 516-849-2998 during the Fair. 


New Beginnings …for First Time T Gals  Dotti Berry, M.Ed
First time at Fantasia Fair? Consider this group a safe place to explore these new beginnings of your life journey. You will have opportunities to learn more about being your authentic self, whoever that is, not simply leaving one box to move into another box. Sharing thoughts, feelings and insights with one another will assist you in bringing the best of who you are to your overall life, while allowing you to learn how to comfortably settle into your expanded and empowered self. Welcome … welcome … welcome!


Our Wonder(ful) Women In “Genderland”  Sandra Cole, PhD
for SOs and spouses
Our phenomenal nontransgender women in “genderland” have demonstrated enormous creativity, strength and capabilities to embrace the exceptional qualities of their transgender partners in their marriages, relationships, families and, of course, their intimacies.

As ‘WonderWomen’ we can learn from each other, enjoy our own marvelous selves, our skills and creativity, our strengths and our dignity. Most importantly, we can appreciate with great respect and sensitivity the concerns, courage and strength of our transgender partners in our complex, challenging, joyous and shared journey. Through these qualities we celebrate our voices and our presence.


Person to Person: New Gal Drop In  Brenda Viola, MSW


Person To Person is a daily late afternoon chit chat meeting with Brenda Viola for new, and not so new Fair goers, who may have some feelings to discuss, or have some Fair questions, answered. Stop by, say “Hello,” and ask away. Questions answered free of charge. Anyone, including spouses, is welcome. There is no need to sign-up, just arrive. Brenda is a great resource of Fair experience, and holds Awards for Ms. Helpful, Ms. Congeniality, and Ms. Fantasia Fair.


Pleasure systems of the brain  Richard Docter, Ph.D.
What is the history of how pleasure systems have been studied in animals and in humans? Is there experimental evidence to support the concept of pleasure systems? How has pleasure been assessed in experimental animals and in humans. What brain structures are said to be most important in humans. How has the research on pleasure systems been applied to addition theory? What are the possible implication of brain research on pleasure and well-being for transgender theory?


Poetry Slam    Abby Saypen and Laura Stone

“Say it With Words”  by Laura Stone

Have you ever been desperate to sing your song
But know you be off key?

Well, there’s another way to express
Your inner U in verse

It’s called PO – EH – TREE.

We are organizing an event
That will be fun for everyone

You can think of it as a WORKYshop or
a friendly COMP – EH– TIH- SHUN

Don’t be afraid to enter
None of us are pros

We just need a way to practice
Without boring each others’ toes!

A poetry slam is a time-limited friendly competition in verse organized as a series of elimination rounds. In each round, participants recite an original poem that takes no longer than 3 minutes to read. This not only limits the potential time of embarrassment but it keeps everything moving quickly. Elimination rounds add to the excitement and provide recognition for the best efforts. You will be amazed at the diversity across poems and styles of delivery.


Politics of “Passing” : Privilege or Peril?  Joelle Ruby Ryan & Bailey Jaye Garvin
This workshop will examine the issue of “passing” within the transgender community. What is “passing” and what are the various forms it takes relating to race, gender, sexuality, religion and age? How is “passing” viewed within the transgender community and why has it sparked considerable controversy and division? This workshop will not be a “how to,” but rather a facilitated discussion of “passing” as a political, social and cultural issue which relates to privilege, risk and self-esteem. We will use video clips to promote discussion and encourage viewpoints from various positions, both pro and con. Does “passing” function to erase transgender visibility? Does an emphasis on “passing” marginalize those who are unable or unwilling to “pass” in the trans community and society as a whole? The goal of the workshop is to invite participants to assess “passing” with a critical lens and evaluate it within the context of their own lives. All are welcome to add their voice to this community discussion.


Ptown Trolley Tour The Provincetown Trolley Tour is a fascinating and informative ride on the official Provincetown Tour Trolley. Last roughly an hour, the bus goes through town pointing out famous sights and significant architecture. It then leave town and heads for the dunes where you can see wildlife, sea and sand. This tour is an excellent way to orient yourself to Ptown and is highly recommended for everyone, but especially for first timers.


Secrets of Savvy Sisterhood  Sandra Cole 
(for all transgals)
In the feminine of Genderland, how does one manage to be dainty, refined and socially “correct”, gracious, fashionable, savvy, attractive and always the gentle conversationalist when there are thousands of tiny tidbits that “mother never taught you”? These issues are challenging for most all females and can remain a mystery to transgals.  Let’s talk about the ‘mystique’ of behavior, decorum and movement familiar to women from childhood:

• Strut your stuff---the other side of the “runway walk”
• Bunny Dip vs. Comfy
• Dining with the Ladies
• The “Loo”

Join us with your stories, your solutions and your tips.  It will be fun, funny and fantastic.


Spiritual Well-Being...from the ground up  Holly Boswell
What is 'spirit'? What is our ancient heritage and legacy as Trans people? What is our higher calling? How can we heal ourselves before we attempt to heal others? What are some useful techniques that we can utilize? And how might we ultimately find our grounded spiritual power to do the work that either we truly want to do, or that we recognize as truly needing to be done? This is 'spirit'. This is about why we're here.


Stitch & Bitch: A Fan Fair Knitting Circle  > Jean & Shira
Join Fan Fair’s knitting circle and be one of the Girls Who Purl! If you knit, you know how much fun it is and how group knitting leads to lively conversation so there is no excuse for not showing up with your work (and helping us teach)! Knitting virgins, you’ll learn the basics in no time: how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off. (No jokes please!) Everyone (with a special invitation to the SOs) is welcome at our two scheduled sessions. Early in the week the emphasis will be on teaching and getting people started. Later in the week we’ll show off our handiwork, weave up any loose ends, teach the newcomers, and generally just needle each other. New knitters: if you can, bring some worsted-weight yarn you like and a pair of needles size 8 or larger. Old timers: bring your WIP and any other projects you want to show off. We’ll have extra yarn, needles, and instructional handouts for those who need them.  Quilters, crocheters, and other crafters are also welcome!


Transgender Themes in Art  Laura Stone
Last year, this workshop included a presentation of historic and contemporary examples of how TG life has been depicted in the visual arts. This year, a shorter version of the presentation will be repeated so those who missed last year have a chance to catch up. More time for discussion will be allocated and participants are encouraged to bring new examples as prints, in books or as digital images (on CD or flash drives) to contribute.


Trans People of Size: Promoting Self-Esteem for All Genders, Shapes and Sizes  Joelle Ruby Ryan
More and more Americans are aware of discrimination against people of color, women, gays, and even transgender people. However, discrimination against larger-sized people is common and even socially acceptable. Fat people often suffer from abusive remarks, stares and discrimination This workshop will give an overview of the size acceptance movement and the need to combat size prejudice. We will contest the notion that “thin” is synonymous with good health and challenge stereotypes about people of size. We will discuss the unique intersections of trans identity and size oppression, including the way trans women often criticize each other’s appearance based on hegemonic standards of feminine beauty. Included will be responses from an informal survey on the topic and plenty of time for discussion and sharing of personal experience. The workshop will suggest ways to oppose fatphobia and looksism, as well as promote self-esteem for all “T” people and our allies, regardless of shape, size or physical appearance.


Transgender Spirit Circle  Holly Boswell
How often do you get to sit down with your very own transgender kindred spirits and share on a deeply emotional and spiritual level?  Beyond the mechanics of passing and the politics of gender, we have a need to find our real personal strength within a supportive spiritual community.  We will hold "sacred space" for you to come and explore this aspect of your path in a very safe and loving environment.


Walk the Walk   Robyn Kohlar
Ever watch a woman walk and wish you could move your hips the way she does?  With a little coaching and a few simple exercises you can too. Robyn is a former competitive ballroom dancer who can show you how some latin dance techniques will get you moving your hips. Please bring a pair of heels between 1 ½” and 2 ½” inches. These exercises cannot be done in flats or 3”+ heels.


What does it really feel like – Down There!  Teresamarie Betz
After Teresamarie's SRS operation, many girls have asked, "what is it like now, how/what does it really feel like. Not just within the act of sex, but what is it like to have a hole instead of a pole?" This will be a personal account of her experiences just after the operation, the healing process, and now, after her first birthday (!), what it really is like without "you know what."


Whose Life Is It Anyway!!!  Sandra S. Cole, Ph.D.
Staying smart, responsible and healthy while muddling through the systems of Mental Health, Medicine (wellness and primary care) and possible surgical procedures options and new ethical challenge.


Your Feminine Toolkit: What every woman knows  Niela Miller, MS Ed, LMHC
Women have and use communicative tools that men are not taught. These tools are an essential ingredient of what makes them women, and what differentiates them from men. In this session you will learn to recognize and access feelings, use signals from your body and emotions to understand yourself better, and to communicate more fully with others. You will improve non-verbal language skills, and discover how to cue as a woman in a group. With practice you can learn to incorporate these feminine skills into your everyday life.  [Limited enrolment.] (Pre-registration recommended. Write to Niela directly to reserve your space.)


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