By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
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KALAMAZOO – On April 29, Western Michigan University hosted FTM North, a conference for male to female transgender individuals and allies.
Organizer Eric Fleming of Kalamazoo said that 65 individuals attended to hear speakers including Jamison Green, author of "Becoming a Visible Man," and Matt Kailey, staff writer for Out Front Colorado and author of "Just Add Hormones: An Insider's Guide to the Transsexual Experience."
According to Fleming, the conference drew participants from as far away as Seattle.
The agenda included panels and discussions on topics ranging from "The Importance of Research in Social Change and LGBTQ Equality" and "Partners of FTMs" to "Transgender Law," "Social Gender" and "FTM Experience, Gay Perspective."
According to Fleming, who is a member of the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center's board and a founder of a local transgender support group, FTM individuals have distinct needs that are addressed by activities and conferences like FTM North.
"I find over the last few months that the support group has been running we've not only had to increase the days we're running per month but we've also seen an increase in the number of FTM-identified folks," he said. Although MTF and FTM individuals share that one bond [being transgender] in common, there are a lot of things that are different about us. We have individual needs – and just the health concerns alone are enough to show a need for a conference that's devoted to FTM identity."
Fleming said that he and other conference organizers plan to put together another event, but aren't certain of the date.
"Our goal is to have it no later than 2008," he said.
For more information or to help out with the next FTM North Conference visit http://www.ftmnorthconfer.com. For more about Jamison Green visit http://www.jamisongreen.com, and for more about Matt Kailey visit http://www.mattkailey.com.}
