Wilderness-Based Youth Conference Offers Leadership Development for Transgender Youth and Allies

The organizers of this year's Midwest Trans Youth Conference (MTYC), and the 60-100 youth who plan to attend, are gearing up for this exciting second annual event, which promises a host of attractions and opportunities for participants ages 24 and under.
The conference will take place at the Whitcomb/Mason campground in Hartford,
Wisconsin, just 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee, on Nove. 14-16.
"As successful as last year's conference was, we're excited to say that MTYC
'08 is expected to be better, still," predicts Laura Sorensen, Youth
Services Coordinator for Affirmations and one of the conference organizers.
"This year's conference is highly youth-driven, with adult allies taking a
more supporting role – something that is sure to make the event an even
better experience for the youth who attend." Youth volunteers plan
everything from the workshops and caucuses to the eagerly-anticipated drag
performances and a keynote address.
"At last year's conference, I was able to network with dozens of gender
activists from across the Midwest, something that's difficult in an area
where trans issues are often neglected," explains Lance Hicks, Youth
Services Intern at Affirmations and another organizer. "I'm excited to see
some new faces this year, and re-unite with old friends."
The MTYC is a collaborative effort by Affirmations, the community center for
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies, in
Ferndale and Project Q, the youth program of Milwaukee's LGBT Community
center. Those interested in finding out more about attending the event
should contact Jay Botsford at [email protected] or 414-2923068, or
visit the website at http://www.mtyc.org.