2018 Gender Odyssey
June 21–24, 2018
Los Angeles, California
What Would You Do? Tough Scenarios for Advocates Supporting People Who are Trans and Gender Creative
Workshop Description
Sometimes even the most dedicated trans allies and advocates can run into situations where they’re not sure how to react—or whether a reaction is even warranted. And as many of us know, no matter how well-intentioned our message, the outcome often depends on how we deliver it. In this fun and interactive workshop with PFLAG National, participants will discuss effective practices for professionals who want to actively demonstrate their support for people who are trans and gender creative. Participants will be asked to consider methods to encourage acceptance and support in their community. They’ll also participate in a group activity to discuss how they would navigate common (but tough) scenarios people who are trans and gender creative face with their families, at work, accessing public accommodations, and more—and how to do it with kindness and style.
Conference Track
Professional
Workshop Presenters
Jamie Henkel, PFLAG National / Straight for Equality
Presenter Bio
Jamie Henkel is the Learning & Inclusion manager at PFLAG National. She joined the PFLAG National staff in April 2008 as operations associate. Prior to her time at PFLAG she completed two internships with the Richmond Peace Education Center and Hope in the Cities. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where she majored in political science and international studies with a concentration in social justice studies. She also received her master’s degree in political science from George Mason University.
Diego M Sanchez, PFLAG National
Presenter Bio
Diego Sanchez is director of Advocacy, Policy, and Partnerships at PFLAG National. He was senior policy advisor to Congressman Barney Frank through his retirement in January 2013 and made history as the first openly transgender person to work as a senior legislative staffer on Capitol Hill, the first to testify before Congress in the first hearing on transgender employment discrimination in 2008 and the first openly trans person appointed to the DNC Platform Committee. With 20 award-winning years in global Fortune 500 companies, Diego earned a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia, where today he serves on the alumni advisory board.