Previous Chicago Be-All Convention Seminar Descriptions

Mariette Pathy Allen - Author
The Evolution of the Transgender Community
Mariette Pathy Allen will offer a slide presentation showing the evolution of the transgender community over the past 25 years, with a special emphasis on the past decade. She will highlight changing attitudes represented by trans and gender-queer youth, ideas about the body, political activism, conventions and other gatherings.

Suzanne Anderer CPE - Illinois School of Electrology
Electrology
A review of the general principles of electrology, types, methods and procedures. Highlights will cover treatments necessary for facial hair removal in addition to treatments for pre-operative gender reassignment surgery, with photo documentation.

Dr. Toni Bark, MD - Center for the Healing Arts
Using Bio-Identical Hormones Safely
Find out the importance of using proper diagnostic testing to determine hormone levels, even when taking bio-identical hormones. Each individual metabolizes and stores hormones differently. Improper dosing can lead to cancers and other serious health issues. Learn how this may effect you and what to do about it.

Dr Toni Bark, MD - Center for the Healing Arts
Classical Homeopathy, History and Philosophy
We will discuss the origins and traditions of Homoepathic Medicine, it's orientations in treating more than just the 'physical' aspect of our health. Used successfully to treat deep seated issues, cases involving emotional and psychological distress resolve through homeopathic treatment.

Tony Barretto-Neto
Discrimination Litigation
Tony will discuss his current human rights litigation as well as discuss the need for self-reliance within the F2M community. An IFGE Board member who has appeared on 20/20,Tony has been a police officer for many years and transitioned on the job in Florida and had surgery in 1995. Recently he transferred to a new police department and subsequently lost his job when the new employer learned he is transgendered. With GLAD's help, he Has won his case and will discuss this situation. Tony now lives with his wife & daughter in Vermont.

Helen Boyd - Author
Love and Life with the Transgendered
Boyd will discuss the issues raised in her book My Husband Betty, including ones that are important to partners of TG people, like sexual identity (public and private), coming out to friends and family, safety, and the implications of the increased visibility fo the trans-community on partners. Her personal experience being married to her husband, who initially identified as a CD, but is now TG, will be covered. All are welcome, couples especially.

Helen Boyd - Author
TG Partners - Significant Others Workshop
Who are we? What do we call ourselves? We are often in “community limbo” - where do we fit? Is there space for us in the TG community? Should there be? If not, where can we find or create community? Are our concerns sometimes overshadowed by the issues of our trans-identified partners? How do we maintain our identity when our partners™ identities may be in transition? How can we create community in the face of these daunting matters? Partners of CD/TG/TS, MTF or FTM are especially welcome, open to all.

Helen Boyd - Author
My Husband Betty
Will discuss the recently published book My Husband Betty. It will cover topics such as issues that come up for a partner of a TG person, sexual identity (public and private), coming out to friends and family, safety concerns, and the implications of the increased visibility of the trans-community on the TG partner. Her personal experience of being married to someone who initially identified as a CD, but now identifies as TG will be covered.

Muneera Contractor - American Laser Centers
Laser Hair Removal
A review of the principles of laser hair removal, techniques and procedures. What works, what do not work and why.

Dr. Docter, PhD - Author
A Biography of Virginia Prince
Virginia Prince was one of the most important organizers of the Transgendered Movement. She was the most visible cross dresser and lived full-time as a Transgendered woman for forty years. She was editor of Transvestia Magazine and gave voice to transgendered persons throughout the world. Explore her remarkable life.

Dr. Docter, PhD - Author
Should Gender Identity be Eliminated from as a Diagnosis?
There are very serious losses associated with dumping GID as a diagnosis. Many think it is parallel to the decision of psychiatrists to eliminate homosexuality as a disorder, however the matter is far more complicated. At the heart of the question is our view of what transsexualism is all about.

Dr. Docter, PhD - Author
Discovering Christine Jorgensen:
One-half century age, a 26 year old Bronx youth transformed our understanding of what we now call transsexualism. Her world-wide celebrity produced both praise and controversy. Join Dr. Docter reviewing he's new book about her life and how she transformed gender identify.

Dr. Docter, PhD- Author
Fetal hormones, intersex persons, the biological thesis of gender identity:
Animal studies, case reports in humans, and research on intersex persons have added much to the understanding of how fetal hormones influence the brain, reproductive behavior, and sexual behavior. Can these research findings inform us about the possible biological bases of gender identity?

Dr. Fred Ettner, MD - New Health Foundation Worldwide
Male to Female Hormone Therapy
A seminar on the true to life application of feminizing hormone therapy. What to expect, what not to expect. The effects of combining hormone therapies. The possible tragedies of non medically supervised therapies.

Dr. Fred Ettner, MD - New Health Foundation Worldwide
Whole Health and Well Being
Dr. Ettner and his group of specialized physicians will discuss the need for transgendered people to have whole health strategies.

Dr. Randi Ettner, Ph.D - New Health Foundation Worldwide
Energy Therapy
For many people, talk therapy doesn't work. Although psychologists have always believed that talking through problems alleviates them, research doesn't always bear this out. A radically new approach to treating emotional and physical issues has arisen. EFT – Emotional Freedom Technique. This paradigm-blasting technique borrows heavily from the ancient science of acupuncture. Less than 1% of all professionals are familiar with these new, proven, energy technologies. Dr. Ettner will demonstrate "energy psychology" and its implications for issues that face transgendered people.

Stephanie Finamore - Hair Line Creations
Hair Replacement
What a custom hair replacement system is, the materials available, methods of attachment, how our product differs from a wig, and how your own custom hair system designed. Join the Hairline team and some of our clients (from past Be-All’s) who are modeling and sharing their personal experience with our company - learn what makes HLC. Interestingly, every client from the Be-All we did something totally different - everyone’s lifestyles and desires for their hair are so unique!

Lori Fox: - Evolve 2 Consulting Group
Understanding and Creating Your Own Personal Feminine Style
Coco Chanel, the famous French fashion designer once said, “If a woman is poorly dressed, you notice the clothes.  If she is impeccably dressed, you notice the woman.” We all have our own personality, we also have our own style of fashion and dressing.  Some people are born with instinctive good style, while others develop their own style through practice, self-discipline or help from friends or coaches.  This facilitated workshop will assist participants in Understanding Fashion and Style Trends, while reviewing different style personalities, including:  Classic, Feminine, Dramatic, Natural, Creative, Elegant and Sexy. 

Nancy Mullen and Lori Fox: - Questioning Youth Centers
Understand the Development Process of GLBT Youth
This presentation explores common misperceptions about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students. GLBT students are enrolled in all schools, and they are at tremendous risk for health and mental health challenges, homelessness, and dropping out of school. How can schools and ally’s better serve this largely invisible population? With information drawn from national statistics and from experience running the Illinois Questioning Youth Centers; specifically in DuPage, Kane, McHenry and DeKalb Counties, this presentation will help you support youth at risk and explore options for making the schools a more welcoming atmosphere for them.

Rachel Galan - Rachel’s Wigs and Beauty Salon
Hair We Go Again
Let Rachel introduce you to techniques on styling and caring for your wigs. Rachel will help you determine your hairstyle according to your facial shape wether it be square, diamond shaped, heart shaped or rectangular. She will create a style to soften the angles of your cheekbones and jawline. She will address you concerns about achieving a natural look for your wigs and help you create a total modern look.

Barbra McCoy Getz, LCSW- Allied Counseling Services
Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame can be devastating in a persons life and/or the life of a partner. Crippling. Paralyzing. This seminar will focus on the roll that guilt and shame can play in keeping a person from a full and authentic life. It will touch on topics of appropriate and inappropriate guilt. Specifically, transgendered person - transgendered partner, guilt and shame. 

Barbra McCoy Getz, LCSW - Allied Counseling Services
Connecting Bodies and Feelings
This seminar is designed to help participants become more aware of their body during movement. When we are in touch with our feelings there is a natural grace that occurs in our movement. Through brief lecture, movement and processing the participants may gain insight to where grace lies in their bodies. Participants need to be in comfortable clothing to accommodate movement. Participants need to bring 1 or 2 pieces of music to which they have an emotional connection and be open to receiving constructive feedback. This seminar is open to all.

Dr Russel Getz, PhD - Allied Counseling Services
Significant Others - Real Experiences
Dr. Getz will moderate a panel discussion which will lead to an open forum of questions and answers for spouses, partners, and significant others. The panel will briefly talk about their own feelings, reactions, experiences and the transformations they have undergone as a result of their relationships. This seminar is open to SO's only.

Carolyn Greenspan - Arbonne International
Healthy Skin Care and Finding Your True Color
Looking your best starts with great skin and ends with wearing your true colors! Come learn how to have radiant more youthful skin with proper skin care, and learn how to look your best by wearing the right colors of make-up and clothing for a more confident you. Arbonne International presents pure, safe, beneficial anti-aging skin care products, complimented by our botanically based make-up line.

Dr. Daniel Greenwald, MD
Female to Male Sex Reassignment Surgery
Dr. Greenwald will present a pictorial, lecture about female to male reconstructive sex reassignment surgery. Phalloplasty, Meatidoplasty female to male hormone therapy and chest reconstruction.

Dorothy Jones - The Other Woman
Foundation Garments
I will cover the proper use of corsets and bras as foundations for transformation. I'll discuss basic construction, proper fit, and how to make sure that you receive your money's worth from your purchase. There will be several live demonstrations.

Mara Keisling - National Center for Transgendered Equality
Coming Out to Friends and Family: It’s Not About You
Coming out to your friends, family and co-workers probably seems like the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Whether it is or isn’t, there are strategies and tactics you can employ to maximize your chances of acceptance. Using professional marketing communications as a basis, Mara shows why and how to focus on others, instead of yourself, while telling your story.

Gina Lance - Girl Talk Magazine
Get Dressed, Get Out, Be Safe and Have Fun
Her message is one of positive thinking! "I never thought that being transgendered should be anything to hide. I celebrate my diversity, my creativity and my inner and outer beauty! Let me help you take your first steps out the door to safely meeting others. I dress for success and 1 encourage others to do so. I have fun with who I am. I’ve learned to deal with my negativity and am a very positive thinker. We are all beautiful, special, and deserving!" I’m your Sister, I’m here to help you to help yourself, to help others.

Janet Law - Janet's Closet
Glamourous Transformations
Janet's hair and makeup seminar is aimed at teaching the concepts of transformation makeup. Janet, as a performing female impersonator, has learned her skills from some of the top female impersonators in the country. Janet has honed her skills by performing hundreds of transformations at her boutique in Detroit. She will be performing live transformations to demonstrate her techniques. Learn a new approach in making your female face, which products to use and how to pick a wig for that sexy female look.

Dr. Toby Meltzer, MD
Male To Female Gender Reassignment Surgery
Dr. Meltzer will discuss his background and current surgical techniques for GRS surgery and ancillary procedures. He will offer a PowerPoint presentation of pre and post operative photos presentation. He will leave time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers.

Rev Bradley Mickelson, M.D - New Spirit Metropolitan Community Church
Matching The Head, Body and Heart”
This workshop will take a look at transgendered spirituality and practice.  It will be an interactive experience that will encompass gender variance and the Scriptures, how to create genuine welcome for trans people in communities of faith, encountering God as a trans person, gender as a calling, transgendered body theology, and transgendered theological thought.  Issues around the sacred journey of “chrysalis” will also be discussed.

Dr. Edwin Miller, MD - Healthy Alternatives
Hormone Therapy Pre and Post Operative
Dr. Miller will host an interactive seminar on hormone chemistry and physiology. The psychological impact of feminizing hormones, the physiology of hormone therapy in the terms of male verse female as well as the hazards of using street hormone drugs.

Lisa Mottet - National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Transgender Access to Homeless Shelters
Most homeless shelters are not safe for transgender people. They usually require trans people to bunk according to birth sex, if trans people are allowed to stay at all. And some shelters even require that a person dress consistent with their birth sex. Join the author of “Transitioning Our Shelters: A Guide to Making Homeless Shelters Safe for Transgender People” in a discussion about the problems transgender people face in the shelter system, what is happening in other cities to address this problem, and how you can solve this problem in your city

Lisa Mottet                    - National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Mara Keisling                - National Center for Transgendered Equality
Diana Williamson           - Illinois Gender Advocates
Transgender Victories and Challenges: The Legislative Arena
Our civil rights movement has really taken off in the last few years, with local and state anti-discrimination laws passing all over the country. We will cover why there has been a dramatic rise in pro-transgender legislation, what future victories are anticipated, and give you ideas on how you can pass a law in your city or state.

Lisa Mottet                    - National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Mara Keisling                - National Center for Transgendered Equality
Diana Williamson           - Illinois Gender Advocates
Moving Congress Closer to Transgender Equality
What happens in Washington impacts us greatly. In the last couple of years, the playing field at the federal level has changed dramatically. We will update you what has been happening in Congress with regard to anti-discrimination, hate crimes, and marriage-related legislation. The transgender movement is much closer to getting inclusive non-discrimination legislation in Congress and we will teach you how you can be a part of that by taking action in your own Congressional districts and states!

Dr. Douglas Ousterhout, MD
Feminization of the Masculine Face
Dr. Ousterhout will be presenting a lecture on Feminization of the Masculine Face.  This will be a slide demonstration of his philosophy as well as specific results from each individual surgery and then showing results of multiple procedures which are completed in most patients. This will show the overall affect of the feminization from the surgery completed by Dr. Ousterhout. There will be a question and answer period following the lecture. There will be the individual consultations with Dr. Ousterhout in the period following the lecture.

Naomi Owens and Lorancy Keefe
Being Transgendered in the Golden Years
Join the “over-the-hill” gang for an entertaining and informative discussion on being retirement age and transgendered. The freedoms, limitations, the lighter side and the dark side of what it was like then and what it is like now as a transgendered person.

Janna’s Place1
Making Eyes
How to find YOUR eye shape for color and application. Liquid eyeliner or eye defining pencil. Where do I put what? (Certificate for special discount on purchase of available products)

Cheryl Pomerantz, RN - Chicago Hair Institute
Epi-Light Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation & Peels
Discussion on the Epi-Light method of hair removal, including how it feels, number of treatments needed, skin care, cost and follow up. Skin rejuvenation practices such as now collagen and Elastin fibers work. What to expect. How does Glyoclic peels work and what other types of skin peels are available? How do they feel? Learn how to be good to your facial attributes.

Dr. Marc Pomerantz, MD, FACS, FACHRS - Chicago Hair Institute
Maintaining, Restoring and Transforming the Hairline
Male and female alike, we all lose are hair. Learn techniques and methods to maintain the hair you do have through diet, vitamins and trace elements. What lotions and potions should you avoid. If hair replacement is necessary, what method should you choose and how you can maintain your hairline. What is the difference between a male and female hair line anyway? Learn it here, the seminar to answer your scalp questions.

Dr. Eugene Schrang, MD
Male to Female Sex Reassignment Surgery
Lecture and pictorial seminar on Sex Reassignment Surgery

Rina Schroeder, NCTMB, CLT - Yoga Mind Body, Inc.
Everyday Yoga for the Body & Mind
Explore and enjoy simple techniques that you can access anytime to help you live freer and lighter in your body. Enhance and cultivate a more conscious, compassionate and relaxed relationship with yourself. Activities are suitable for all levels of ability and you will have the option of sitting in a chair or on blankets. The session will incorporate breathing techniques, body awareness and gentle movement, along with creative visualization and meditation experiences to invite and nurture a natural sense of balance to your busy lifestyle. No Yoga Mat Required

Jeffery Segal - Permanent Cosmetics, Inc.
Permanent Cosmetic Make Up
Everything you've always wanted to know about permanent makeup will be explained in detail by one of the country's top practitioners. Topics will include: How to choose a permanent makeup technician, how to design the right makeup for your face, and how permanent makeup can enhance your life as a transgendered person.

Dr. JamieTomaino, M.D
Relieving Stress…naturally
Dr. Tomaino will look at ways to reduce the stress in you life brought on by career, family and transition. We will explore herbal, homeopathic and physical modalities and how they can be incorporated into your everyday life. We will also examine ways of identifying stress and stressors, both positive and otherwise.

Deb Wilke, LCSW - Compassionate Counseling Center
Identity Theft: The Inside and Outside of living The Transgender life
An interactive session discussing the ramifications of dealing with creating, defining and expressing the gender variant self. As the transgender individual must grapple with mental and physical incongruence, those who love them must similarly cope with outward expression of gender variance. The ripple effect can be far reaching as it touches not only the interior and exterior of the life of the transgender individual but into the lives of spouses, siblings, children, parents, extended family, friends and coworkers. This will be an interactive seminar.

Dr. Mark Zukowski, MD
Cosmetic Facial Feminization Surgery
Dr. Zukowski will discuss 21st century state of the art techniques for face and body feminization. Slides will be used to demonstrate preoperative and postoperative results and principles. A videotape presentation will be made of the Endoscopic Biplaner Forehead technique that in one step raises the eyebrows, corrects all brow bone bossing, reduces forehead height, advances the scalp, fat grafts the temporal hollowing and preserves the sensation to the scalp. Dr. Zukowski will be available for consultations after his talk