I've been delinquent in reminding everyone that the Michigan-based Stand With Trans organization has been celebrating Trans Empowerment Month all October.

"The nonprofit organization, dedicated to empowering and supporting transgender youth and their loved ones, hosts the online event each October. This year’s theme, 'Beyond the Binary,' offers an array of virtual workshops, panels, and performances designed to uplift and inspire transgender and non-binary youth."

Stand With Trans

In this recent DETROIT FREE PRESS article of Oct. 16th, Roz Keith, founder of Stand With Trans, explains her groups mission and the goal of this year's celebration.

"'In a world where trans youth face unprecedented challenges, including systemic discrimination and mental health crises, it’s vital that we create spaces where they can feel seen, heard, and empowered,' said Keith. 'Trans Empowerment Month: Beyond the Binary brings together real issues, real conversations and real people. Attendees will walk away feeling hopeful and supported.'”

While Keith is not transgender herself, she is a passionate ally and a true hero. Under her guidance, Stand With Trans has grown to national prominence and she has been lauded for her efforts on numerous sites and publications. Recently, GLAAD ran a story on Keith detailing her work and its positive results.

"My journey began in 2013 when my son came out as transgender. We navigated the journey together so he could get what he needed to transition socially, emotionally, psychologically and medically."

"'In the first year, the Transgender Empowerment Month conference was made up of 45 young people, all trans identified. Keith said many youth were nervous about what to expect, but each year since 2015 the conference has only grown, outsized venues, and broadened the community.'"

This year's event has provided an impressive slate of speakers. Included Lé DePriest, trans actor and poet; Jeffrey Marsh, best-selling author of HOW TO BE YOU; and today, Oct. 18th, you still have time to catch a talk by Schuyler Bailar, the 1st trans athlete on an NCAA D1 men’s swimming team, at 5:00 p.m.

Even though there are less than two weeks left in October, there are still panels and presentations you may want to check out. Here is a link to the scheduled events: https://trans-empowerment-month-beyond-the-binary-2024.heysummit.com/schedule/

And here is a link where you can register for the remaining events: https://trans-empowerment-month-beyond-the-binary-2024.heysummit.com/

--- Anni