( SEATTLE, WA ) - August 19, 2016 - At a time of unprecedented visibility for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, 1300 participants from all over the world gathered in Seattle this August 4-7 for the 15th annual Gender Odyssey Conference. The conference offers a place for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, as well as allies, to gather together, share their experiences, and celebrate their growing communities as they empower each other to overcome the obstacles they face.
"We could not be happier with the success of this conference." said Aidan Key, Gender Odyssey's founder. "At a time of great visibility and great challenges for the trans and gender-nonconforming population, our attendees came from around the world, from every age, ethnicity, and background, to demonstrate the full diversity of gender identity. We are proud to provide a vital safe space and a crucial opportunity for our attendees to learn from each other as they strive to build a world where all people can be true to their own selves," continued Key.
This year's conference offered a broad slate of programming, including keynotes from model and trans activist Geena Rocero, and leading transgender health care expert Dr. Madeline "Maddie" Deutsch, which can be viewed on Gender Odyssey's Facebook page at the links below. Attendees had the chance to partake in workshops, films, receptions, performances, including events aimed specifically at parents, children, teens, and people of color.
The international attendance reflected the rich diversity of this population, with attendees coming from over 30 US states, Canada, Australia, Israel, India, the Philippines, South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, England, Scotland, and Nepal. The attendees included over 108 children, 130 teens and their families, who attended Gender Odyssey Family, a conference with programming providing children, teens, and their families with the information and support they need to live lives that are true to their gender identities. Furthermore, 250 people attended GO Professional, Gender Odyssey's conference for professionals and students working with and in the transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.
For more information about these respective programs, go to:
Families & Children - www.genderodysseyfamily.org/ .
Professionals - www.genderdiversity.org/gopro/ .
Community - www.genderodyssey.org/ .
Geena Rocero's keynote can be viewed at: www.facebook.com/genderodyssey/videos/10154418901227718/ .
Maddie Deutsch's keynote can be viewed at: www.facebook.com/genderodyssey/videos/10154421824987718/ .
