Presentation, panel to discuss gender identity, finding common ground

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Jakki Thompson Beyond the Binary presentation, Flint Hills Human Rights Project, The Face of Trans, Transgender billboard Apr 21, 2014

Recently, a billboard bringing awareness to the transgender community was put up off of state Route 177 South in Manhattan through The Face of Trans i am project sponsored by the Flint Hills Human Rights Project. In conjunction with the billboard, the Flint Hills Human Rights Project will sponsor a presentation, titled, Beyond the Binary, and panel discussion about gender identity Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Manhattan Fire Department, 2000 Denison Ave.

Elle Boatman, the founder and executive director of The Face of Trans, will be speak about issues surrounding the trans community. The 45 minute presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with Boatman; Adam OBrien, the person on the billboard and senior in fine arts; Dorinda Lambert, director of Counseling Services and Dr. Diana Brightbill, physician at Medical Associates, 1133 College Heights Road.

I am an advocate for empathy, Boatman said. The presentation will put an emphasis on trying to get cisgender people (those whose sex matches how they physically present) who are not educated on trans issues to be able to relate to them.

At the March 31 unveiling of the billboard, the Flint Hills Human Rights Project expressed a desire to do an educational event to correspond with the billboard. Members of the group said they thought it would be best to have the projects founder explain the project, and explain trans issues and how all people can relate to those around them.

Boatman had been doing similar presentations to the one she will be presenting in Manhattan at Wichita State University (where she works). She will be giving a condensed version here.

The goal of the presentation is to not totally get people to understand what it is like to be trans, Boatman said. But, it is more about understanding the issues trans people have to go through.

These issues can be universal, Boatman said.

One of example of this is losing a family member. Most people can relate to that, Boatman said. Ive found its harder to hate someone that you can relate to.

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Presentation, panel to discuss gender identity, finding common ground