Dallas Denny
Dallas Denny’s contributions to transgender activism, knowledge, and history span four decades. She is a prolific writer, and her published works fill an entire bookcase. She has created and led several national nonprofit organizations, been present at the creation of at least five transgender conferences, led two long-lived support groups, and created the first trans-exclusive archive of printed and recorded literature in North America. She is a fierce advocate for transgender autonomy and access to medical care.
Surviving the New Oppression
Trans people in the United States are under threat, and this is an extinction-level event. There are clear historic parallels to draw upon, and those are very, very frightening. Is that where we’re heading? And whatever is to happen, what will be our response. Are we to vanish into the woodwork or proudly stand our ground? Some of us will do the former, and some the latter, and both are okay. We must each do what is right for ourselves and our families. Some for a lively discussion of this new oppression and learn ways in which you can protect yourself.
Dr. Michelle Dietert
Professor of Sociology, Texas A&M University
Dr. Michelle Dietert is a Professor of Sociology and LGBTQ+ scholar in the Department of Social Sciences at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, who researches the many experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals, and the discrimination that they face on a daily basis.
“Invisible No More: One Researcher’s Journey to Understand Transgender Experiences”​​
​​This seminar will include discussion on workplace discrimination, the socialization experiences of transgender youth, understanding non-binary identities, and the experiences of U.S. transgender active duty service members and veterans. She will also address the discrimination faced by transgender and non-binary people in the United States.
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Dianna (Dee) Haggerty, MD, PhD
Family Physician, Transgender Health Advocate
Dr. Haggerty is full time family physician in rural Alabama. She was an early entrant into the academic world treating gender-related health care issues. Professionally, she has been providing hormone therapy to both transmasculine and transfeminine patients for
35+ years in both the University and private practice worlds. Dr. Haggerty is currently in MTF transition, having been on hormone therapy for the past 3 years and undergoing gender affirming surgery (as a senior adult).
Tales from the Trenches - Working Both Sides of the Fence
Treatment and gender transitioning are far more than hormone prescriptions and laboratory tests. How do we provide healthcare across the gender-aging spectrum, and what constitutes best medical practices? We will discuss the best practices across the long-term healthcare spectrum for the new hormone recipient, the transitioning, and the gender transitioned individual.
Her Amore Howard's pronouns are she/her/Monarch. She attended Norfolk State University, where she studied computer science. In addition to her role at Thriving Transmen of Color, Mrs. Howard is a finance manager at a secondary lending institution, an entrepreneur, a business owner of Lashed and Loaded Boutique, and the National Executive Director of Kappa Iota Sigma Sorority, Inc. Amore is a fearless leader, advocate, and ally. Her motto is, "You get out of life what you put in, so only you have the choice to make the best of it!"
Amore Howard
Executive Assistant, Thriving Transmen of Color
In this session, we will explore the importance of owning your power, knowing your worth, and understanding that you are invaluable. We’ll also discuss the concepts of unity and visibility—two key elements that are often overlooked in our community. Many of us dedicate ourselves to helping others, but how often do we take time to ensure that we’re taking care of ourselves? This session will focus on building self-confidence and fostering a sense of empowerment, so that each individual leaves feeling uplifted and ready to make a positive impact in their community.
Self Love (Owning Our Power)
Mel Howard, born in Newport News, Virginia, faced significant challenges as an LGBTQ+ youth, battling depression and self-acceptance. In 2010, he sought support through group meetings and began his medical transition in Richmond, Virginia in 2012 due to limited gender-affirming care locally. Over time, he found strength through therapy, community work, and volunteering. Mel focused on self-love and community service. His journey of growth led him to establish Thriving Transmen of Color in 2022, becoming a key advocate for at-risk youth, monarch, and dad.
Mel Howard
Founder and Executive Director, Thriving Transmen of Color
As the Executive Director of Thriving Transmen of Color, I will explore the unique challenges and triumphs faced by trans men of color in their pursuit of wellness and belonging. This seminar will address the intersectional impacts of race, gender identity, and systemic inequities, highlighting strategies for building resilience and fostering authentic connections. Drawing from my personal experience and community advocacy, I will share insights into navigating spaces that often overlook marginalized identities while celebrating the strength and diversity within trans communities of color. Participants will leave with actionable tools to advocate for inclusivity, prioritize self-care, and support meaningful allyship within their spheres of influence. Whether you’re seeking to empower yourself or your community, this session will inspire transformative growth and solidarity.
“Thriving Beyond Barriers: Empowering Trans Men of Color in Wellness and Community”
Keira Harbison
Personal Trainer
Keira is a queer, nerdy personal trainer with a passion for sharing their knowledge, tools, and anecdotes to help others improve themselves. Their classes are trauma informed, built to be flexible for the audience, and empowering.
Health & Fitness While Trans: An Exercise & Nutrition Q&A for the questions the fitness industry refuses to answer
The fitness industry is generally not friendly to our community and there is simultaneously too much and not enough information about creating a health program for yourself that takes your unique needs into account. We’re going to sit down together and talk through some of the common questions and ways to get started, plus I’m there to answer any specific questions you might have. If I don’t have the answer, I can lead you in the right direction. I want you to leave this class feeling safe and confident about where to go with your health goals.
Emmy Nim
Emmy has been involved with Yoga for many years and has risen to the position of Dahn Master, and teaches in the Chicago area. She has received extensive training in the United States, Korea and New Zealand. She teaches Yoga to a broad span of age groups from pre-teens to seniors in their nineties. Her style of teaching is Korean based, and concentrates of the combination of mind and body. She is an accomplished Red Belt in Dahn Mundo(Korean Tai Chi), and Holistic healing.
Brain and Body Yoga
This class will concentrate on light stretching, proper breathing, meditation, relaxation and an introduction to Tai Chi. Loose and comfortable clothing such as Yoga pants, sweatpants, T-shirt and socks are needed, Shorts are not recommended. The class will slowly progress from simple stretching to prepare for further exercise, instruction on proper breathing and explanation as to why proper breathing is important everyday. You'll be taught ways to relax and meditate for every day life, and accumulation of energy.
Dahn Master
Coleen O'Donnell
Coleen O’Donnell identifies as Transgender MTF. One of her favorite pastimes is shopping, and she also loves to share her knowledge and experiences with those that are just starting out. Coleen has been fortunate to shop enfemme in some of the best shopping areas, and stores all over the world, such as Paris, London, New York, Chicago, Manila Philippines, Singapore, Sydney Australia, and Auckland New Zealand. Coleen has been involved with The Debutant program at the Keystone conference since its inception, and is very pleased to be able to bring her program to Atlanta Comfort Conference. She says there is no better feeling when you see the smiles on the faces of girls out shopping at a bricks and mortar store for the first time. She has seen over 100 girls hit the stores for their first time, and never grows tired of doing this.
Taking Your First Steps Out! with Coleen O'Donnell
Michelle Popkov
Advocate and President Emerita, Vanity Club
Michelle Popkov has given presentations at the major Transgender Conferences since 2011 on style and technique. She is the President Emerita of the Vanity Club and a co-founder of the Las Vegas-based Transgender United—an all-inclusive social and support group for the LGBT community. Michelle is retired and lives in Las Vegas, NV.
Enhancing Your MTF Presentation
You have just gathered enough confidence to come out of your hotel room, and then you find yourself “Made” in less than 10 seconds! What can you do? This seminar is aimed at novices to know some basic tips on developing a feminine presentation. These tips will provide you countermeasures to take on your life in public as a woman, build your confidence, and avoid natural traps that give you away.
Marg Produe
Marg Produe is a person living with intersex traits. Marg holds degrees in Science, Information Technology and Technical Prosthetics. Marg is a member of interACT, InterConnect, Madison Area Transgender Association, Oconomowoc PFLAG, The River City Gems, Transgender Heaven and Crossdresser Heaven. Marg also volunteers for Pride and PrideFest and has attended Conventions for InterConnect, Keystone, Diva Las Vegas, Wildside and BeAll.
The "I" in The LGBTIQ+ Community
About 2% of the population has Intersex traits. Intersex people are as common as redheads. Many of these individuals go through life never knowing that they are Intersex unless there is a problem. Yet, other than in name, they are a little- known or understood part of the LGBTIQ+ Spectrum. Today there is a good chance that you actually saw or spoke with an intersex person. Perhaps there is an intersex person in your own family. This program will discuss aspects of living an Intersex life.
Becca Reynolds, RN
Registered Nurse, Healthcare Educator, Support Group Leader
Becca is a Registered Nurse from Springfield, MO. Before nursing, Becca was a paramedic and an EMS educator--and has been working in healthcare since the age of 19. Becca is a transgender woman and has been in transition since 2005. Becca has presented at conferences for many years and is one of the founders of her local support group.
The Making of a Support Group
This seminar will outline the steps, large and small, for creating a successful support group. We will details the decision and planning processes that need to be made before that first meeting. I am a RN and one of the founders of a 10 year old support group in Springfield, MO. With a long history of presenting seminars and facilitating group discussions, Becca will be sure you take away a solid foundation for the makings of your own, unique support group!
Lisa Smith
Attorney (retired), Speaker
S. Lisa Smith identifies as dual gender. She is a 75 year old retired attorney. She has volunteered at the local aquarium and is active in her synagogue. She has surfed for 58 years and hopes to be surfing for many more years. She has attended The Keystone Conference for 7 years as well as being a volunteer. At the last three Keystones she led discussions on being dual gender, which were well attended. She also led workshops at The Atlanta Comfort Conference in 2024, The Paradise Conference in Atlanta in 2022 and 2024, and First Event in Boston in January 2024. She also attended First Event in 2020 and was in the fashion show. She loves reaching out to cisgender folks and educating them about the huge transgender umbrella and is active on a Facebook fashion group that is made up of primarily cisgender women. She is a proud member of The Vanity Club, a service and social organization for trans women. She is fortunate to be married to the same woman for 49 years who is supportive and gives her space to be Lisa.
Can anyone tell you where you fit under the TG umbrella?
How do you know where you belong, and which is the right path for you? Do you align with the idea of being binary and struggle with enjoying the duality of being male and female? Do you connect less with being binary and feel more gender fluid or non-binary? We hear a lot about those who wish to transition and live full time as the opposite gender. What about those of us who lead lives that touch both genders? In this open group discussion, led by S. Lisa Smith, all group members are welcome to contribute their feelings and questions with the group in their journey of self-discovery.
Jamie Waggoner
Author, Podcaster, Pagan Priestess
Jamie Waggoner is an author, podcaster, Pagan priestess and occult expert. She has been a practicing witch for 25+ years. Jamie is the author of Hades: Myth, Magic and Modern Devotion, and contributor to Witchology Magazine, Haunted Magazine, and The Feminine Macabre, among others. Jamie is also a cofounder and teacher for Way of the Weaver, an inclusive program of magical study, social justice, and community building. Learn more at jamiewaggoner.com or follow @jmwaggoner on social media.
Queer Cards: An Inclusive Introduction to the History and Practice of Tarot
Did you know that tarot has a very diverse, very queer history? That one of the leading luminaries of the tarot tradition is a transgender woman named Rachel Pollack (1945-2023)? Join Jamie for a fun and interactive history lesson about these curious cards, leading into techniques to get started reading the tarot for yourself and others.
Brie Wiles, LCSW
Mental Health Practioner, LGBTQIA+ Youth Advocay
Bree is a dedicated LCSW with over a decade of experience in mental health, specializing in LGBTQIA+ youth advocacy. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Bree has worked across diverse settings, including therapy, GSAs, and medical environments, developing inclusive programs to improve care for LGBTQIA+ youth. A sought-after speaker, she has trained healthcare professionals, educators, and social workers at institutions such as UCLA, many non-profits, and various school districts. Bree uses evidence-based approaches like DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness in her therapy work, focusing on trauma-informed care. Her mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth, dismantle oppressive systems, and inspire resilience.
Embracing Our Scars: Self-Harm 101
Self-harm is still a topic that is not talked about enough, especially with the growing concern for the safety of LGBTQIA+ youth. For many, self-harm is an invisible struggle, often compounded by stigma and shame that leads young people to conceal their behaviors. As more LGBTQIA+ youth come out at younger ages, there is increased attention on the heightened risks faced by this group, including a higher incidence of self-destructive behaviors related to social stigma and negative experiences. Research has shown that self-harm, along with depression and suicide, occurs at significantly higher rates among LGBTQIA+ youth compared to their peers. This disparity shows the critical need for providing LGBTQIA+ youth with resources that affirm their identities and increase support.
As professionals and parents, it is important to be equipped with a clear understanding of the types of self-harm, average age range when it can occur, causes, populations, risk factors, as well as its connection to mental health challenges such as depression and suicide. It is imperative to provide protective factors for LGBTQIA+ youth in helping to replace self-harming behaviors with positive coping strategies. Compassionate, empathetic approaches are essential in engaging LGBTQIA+ youth, and this presentation provides evidence-based strategies for professionals, parents, and educators to respond to self-harm with care, sensitivity, and empowerment. By drawing on therapeutic techniques, lived experiences, evidence-based interventions backed in research, and experience from working with queer youth, this presentation offers actionable steps for combating self-harm and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in their journey toward healing and resilience.