Hundreds of members, and allies, of the transgender community will be in Richmond this weekend for one of the only trans conferences on the east coast.
Almost 500 people are expected at the University of Richmond Saturday for the Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit, or TIES.
“About half of the attendees are trans or gender diverse, and the other half are friends, family, allies, everybody who loves and support transgender people,” said organizer Vee Lamneck of Equality Virginia.
Nationz Foundation, a LGBTQ wellness organization, will be providing free STI and HIV testing.
Zakia McKensey is with Nationz Foundation and has attended the conference in the past. She says being trans often also means difficulty accessing healthcare, steady housing or work.
“We are strong resilient people. And as much adversity that we face we come through and as a community we pull together and support one another,” McKensey said. “And I think that that’s so special.”
That community is on full display at the conference, the only event like it in the state.
There will be space and support specifically for kids, legal help for those trying to update gender or names on their legal documents, and even a clothing shop.
“Providing clothes free of charge for anybody who attends TIES to be able to shop and try on clothes in a safe and affirming environment,” explained Lamneck.
The one day event is hosted by the University of Richmond and organized by Equality Virginia.
But the nonprofits that participate work year round to support the transgender community throughout Virginia.
You can find more information here.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
