Registration Open for 2013 Trans* Youth and Parent Summit

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MTPC and BAGLY will host the annual Trans* Youth Summit at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center on July 13, 2013.

The Trans* Youth Summit is for people aged 13-22 who identify with or could fall under the label “transgender” and live in Massachusetts or Greater New England. Youth who are in some way connected to the trans* youth community, such as partners/friends, are also welcome to participate in the summit.

At the summit, trans* youth will have the opportunity to meet and connect with other transgender and gender-variant youth, share ideas, get support, learn about the larger trans* community, and participate in workshops and fun activities.

The summit is free. Transportation stipends are also available for Massachusetts youth. After you register, please email jesseb@masstpc.org if you are interested in the stipend.

In addition to the Trans Youth Summit, there will be a separate track with a full day of programming for parents/guardians/supportive adults of transgender and/or gender questioning youth. Activities for the Parents of Trans* Youth Summit include addressing legal issues and advocating for your trans* youth, health care, and time for networking and guided support groups. This event is closed to the public and only registered participants will be admitted.

The summit will be held at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center (NERD) in Kendall Square at One Memorial Drive in Cambridge. The site is in walking distance from the Kendall/MIT stop on the Red Line. Parking in the on-site garage is $10 for the day.

For more information, go to masstpc.org/community-events/tys.

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New BPD Transgender Guidelines

Contact: Jesse Begenyi
jesseb@masstpc.org
617-778-0519

Boston Police Department Issues Guidelines for Interactions with Transgender Individuals 

 

Boston, MA [6/11/2013] — On June 4, Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis issued SO 13-025, a Special Order outlining department guidelines for police contact with transgender individuals.

The Special Order states: “The policy of the Boston Police Department is to treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and professionalism. Officers shall at all times abide by Boston Police Department Rule 102 §9 (Respectful Treatment), as well as the City of Boston Office of Human Resources’ ‘Guidelines to Prevent Gender Identity Discrimination’ when interacting with transgender individuals.”

The order defines terms including “transgender,” “gender identity” and “gender expression” and states that the police should use the name and pronouns the transgender individual prefers; that search or frisk shall not be performed for the sole purpose of determining an individual’s anatomical sex; and that officers may not fail to respond to a call for service based on the gender identity or expression of the caller.

As part of the new guidelines, a Statement of Search Preference Form allows transgender individuals to request a female or a male police officer to conduct their searches.

Jesse Begenyi, Interim Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, commended the Boston Police Department for taking this important step to help make interactions between the police and members of the transgender community much safer.

“MTPC thanks Commissioner Davis, BPD LGBT liaison Javier Pagan, former MTPC executive director Gunner Scott, and everyone who worked to draft and implement this important policy,” Begenyi said. “We hope police departments statewide will adopt similar policies.”

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Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is a 501(c)(3) that works to end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. MTPC educates the public; advocates with state, local, and federal government; engages in activism; and encourages empowerment of community members through collective action. MTPC is a member of the Trans Advocacy Network, the Equality Federation, and the Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Coalition.

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Boston Dyke March TONIGHT and Pride Parade TOMORROW

Happy PRIDE! We hope you’re enjoying Boston Pride Week so far.

The annual Boston Dyke March is TONIGHT. Marchers gather at the Boston Common Parkman Bandstand at 6 pm. The march begins at 7 and will be followed by a rally featuring speakers, musicians, and the traditional fire-eating commemoration. COME FIND US, get a sticker, and say hi!

The 43rd Annual Boston Pride Parade is TOMORROW (rain or shine). Come march with the MTPC! We will be lining up on Gloucester Street at the intersection of Newbury Street, right across from the new Frye store at 11am! The position in the parade is E-15. The closest T Stop is the Hynes Convention Center stop on the Green Line.

After the parade, look for our table at the Pride Festival at City Hall Plaza, the last stop on the parade route.

The forecast is for rain for both events, so please plan accordingly!

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Choose Your Own Adventure: MTPC Volunteer, Leadership, and Internship Opportunities

Are you looking for volunteer or internship opportunities?
Do you want to become an active leader in the transgender community?
Do you want to be a part of an organization that is making active steps for the equality of transgender people?

Join us at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition! Our next volunteer training is June 3rd.

MTPC is dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. We envision a world where persons of all genders are treated with respect and fully participate in all areas of society, free from fear of prohibition, harassment or violence based on their gender identity and/or expression. To that end we educate the public, advocate with state, local, and federal government, engage in activism, and encourage empowerment of community members through collective action.

MTPC has four ways that YOU can get in on the action and help us end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. Pick the level of time commitment you want and get involved today.

  • Make it a day trip: Volunteer for individual events.
    An MTPC volunteer is someone who wants to come to Pride and other events to help us table, connect with the community, hand out materials, rally support for the Equal Access Bill, and help bring awareness to the issues currently affecting the transgender community.
  • Lead an expedition: Join the Community Advocate program.
    A Community Advocate is more than a volunteer. They are a leader, an organizer, a resource, and a mentor who helps to create a connected community and promotes social and legislative justice for all trans* individuals. As a Community Advocate, you will have the support of MTPC to put into action informative workshops, discussion groups, and events by and for your local trans* community.
  • Join a tour group: Intern or volunteer at the MTPC office.
    The MTPC internship/office volunteer program gives high school, college students, or any community member the opportunity to advance professionally and/or academically by learning about, and working in, a small non-profit that focuses on equal rights, non-discrimination, and political advocacy.
  • Help chart the course: Join an MTPC committee. Committees are one of the primary ways the MTPC Steering Committee, members, and volunteers do our activism. Committee activities range from public policy development to training and education to interfaith work. It’s easy to find a committee that fits your interests.

Our next volunteer training is June 3, 6:30-7:30 pm. If you’re interested in volunteering to help at an event, especially for Boston Pride, please email volunteer@masstpc.org to RSVP for the training and to receive more information.

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MTPC Remembers Liv Pangburn

Dear Community,

Our hearts are heavy today. It is with great regret that we share with you the news that Liv Pangburn, a past MTPC intern, passed away this weekend from a bicycle accident.

Liv was an extraordinary person and we at MTPC are still in shock from this sad news. Liv was involved with our Trans Youth Committee, and during his internship with us he organized the fourth annual Trans Youth and Parents Summit. Liv was a great friend, son,  partner, and activist. Our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Liv’s funeral service will be Saturday, June 8, 3:30-5:30 pm, Eliot Church, 474 Centre St., Newton Corner, MA. You can leave memories at his obituary page or email them to Liv’s family at letterstolivingston@gmail.com.

 

Liv Pangburn marching in Pride

Liv Pangburn

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Join us for the Drag Divas Give Back Benefit May 28 at Club Cafe!

SAVE THE DATE

WHAT: 3RD ANNUAL DRAG DIVAS GIVE BACK!

WHERE: CLUB CAFE, 209 COLUMBUS AVE., BOSTON

WHEN: TUESDAY MAY 28, 2013, 7-9 P.M.

COST: $10

 

Boston’s Legendary Drag Queens come to TOGETHER to raise money for MTPC.

Hosted by Henry Paquin and Lakia Mondale

With performances* by Mizery, Kris Knievil, Alexis J-Matrix, Frieda Fries, Sabina Sydney, Saphira, Lakia Mondale, Evie Van Cartier, Tara Miso Rice, Asia Lynn, Kerra Daniels, Rainbow Frite, Destiny Boston, MsTiffani Woods, and Raquel Blake

Join our Facebook event!

* The performers listed are currently scheduled to appear but this subject to change.

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