A Symposium and Gathering for trans* and trans*-connected people.

The Transgender community of Melbourne is already buzzing with excitement over this groundbreaking event taking place at Gasworks Arts Park over the Australia Day holiday weekend.

We present a rich program of all things trans* to all people trans* and trans*-connected. We'll pose the impossible questions,  the awkward questions and the interesting questions.

$20/$15  -  lunch is an extra $5 on the day or bring your own.

See below for information on scholarships*.

Please let us know at time of booking if you have any special circumstances (click here for Gasworks Arts Park's access information).

*It is vital to Gasworks that economic or other barriers should not stand in the way of trans* people attending this event. Thirty scholarships have been made available for those on very low or no income to attend the event free of charge. Please contact chillis@gasworks.org.au to apply.

Timetable

Transdestinations is followed at 5.30pm by ButchFemmeTrans Melbourne’s glamour cocktail party, A Sunset Soiree. Then from 9pm the Gasworks Theatre plays host to the trans-inclusive performance night Upstart Alley V. Bookings for these events are separate. See the full listings for them on our Midsumma @ Gasworks program guide.

Gasworks Theatre

10.15-10.25am

This session is designed to get you thinking, talking and debating about your own health and well being – and that of trans* communities. A number of dynamic people will talk with you about the many ways health and wellbeing can be thought about, experienced, discussed and improved. We’ve divided the morning into two sessions – the first on community action/activities and the second on more ‘traditional’ ways of understanding health. These might be considered strange bedfellows, but our interest is to explore broad concepts of health and how we can create dialogue to improve individual and community health and wellbeing.

We’d like to create a sense of safety, respect and inclusion for all people here. You might agree with what is presented, or have never thought about it, or disagree. You’re invited to ask presenters questions, make comments, and share experiences in ways that help take the discussion in positive, useful and healthy directions.

Gasworks Theatre

10.25-11am

This session discusses the groundswell of trans* programming in Melbourne, where it’s coming from, how the events are organised, and any particular themes/difficulties that emerge?

Coordinated by writer and arts producer Tom Cho, the panel includes Ash and Liz from Upstart Alley, Erin from TransReSext, Bumpy of King Victoria’s Drag Kings, Tallace and Joni from Camp Betty and the Sweat Collective parties. The audience are invited to take part in this discussion, with time allocated for a Q&A with the participating speakers.

Gasworks Theatre

11am-12noon

What is the state of healthcare for trans people at the moment? This session facilitated by health professional Vikki Sinnott, will survey the state of trans healthcare provision, discussing such issues as transition options, and how trans people in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and beyond are dealing with healthcare providers. There will also be discussion of the planning for a Gender Centre in Melbourne.

Lunch & Lunchtime Performances

Foyer & Terrace

12noon-1pm

A half hour set of performances – spoken word, readings of fiction and poetry, stand up comedy and physical performance are on the agenda for the lunchtime entertainment. Emceed by the indefatigable Jules Wilkinson.

Join us for an affordable lunch at $5 a head, or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the terrace or in the park itself.

Gasworks Theatre

1-2.15pm

Gasworks Theatre

2.30-3.45pm

A panel and broader audience discussion about the legalities and limitations of gender change in Australia, particular with reference to the Victorian situation. This will include a bit of the history of the legal and political situation, where we are now and how we might like to move forward.

With a focus on vision as well as practicalities, this session aims to bring the many different opinions about gender and legal status into focus while respectfully allowing these different points of view their expression. Facilitated by Julie Peters; with panellists including Sally Goldner (TransGender Victoria), Jamie Gardiner (Member, Victorian HREOC), Kayleen White, Aren Aizura, Hayley Conway (VGLRL) and others.

Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery

2.30-3.45pm

Tiwi Islands Gay & Sista Girl: Crystal and Jason

Gasworks Theatre

4-4.45pm

Studio

9.30am-5pm

This project has been assisted by the City of Port Phillip through the Community Celebrations Fund.