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Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:50 am

At last month's KB meeting, one of the members mentioned that she was trying to recruit participants for an on-going program at UNCC. One of the sociology professors there conducts a class on human sexuality. Over the course of the semester, he has guest speakers and other visitors in the classroom to illustrate various topics. For seventeen years, members of Kappa Beta have participated in these classes, and the current class was tonight.

At the beginning of the class, the professor did a brief talk about sexual characteristics and gender roles, and how sometimes biology and psychology interfere with one another. He gave a brief rundown of various terms and definitions relating to aspects of transgenderism, then handed the floor over to us.

Four of us came to the class: Pamela, an older TG who has been gradually transitioning over a period of years, Stephanie Marie and myself (crossdressers) and Jennifer, who is post-op. We each got to stand up and say a little about ourselves, then the floor was opened for questions from students.

When my time to speak came up, I just stood up, introduced myself and gave the Cliff's Notes version of my history. I'll tell you, that little improvised presentation about myself was the longest I've stood in front of any group and talked about myself openly, especially among non-TG folk.

The Q & A session was the most fun. I got to hear stuff about my friends I didn't know before, and even managed to learn a little about myself. Some of the questions were standard TG FAQ stuff: "Are you gay?" and so on, but most were of the intelligent, sometimes thought-provoking variety. A lot of the questions were directed at Jen, but the rest of us fielded a good number each, and it was interesting to hear all the different perspectives on things.

I'm definitely looking forward to next semester.

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:32 am

Good for you, Jaye. Panels like that one are the best educational tools we have right now. There used to be a Speaker's bureau at our local LGBT center, but they lost the funding for it. I would like to be able to do the kind of outreach you're describing.

Post by **DonnaT** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:03 am

Very cool.

I agree with Anita. However, I'm quite shy in front of an audience, and don't know if I could manage to be coherent

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:59 pm

First, Donna, I know you honey! You would be great!!!!
I think that this professors approach is great! I have also noted from a lot of other sources that the "kids today" are a lot more open and accepting!!! Could be Television and a lot of the programs they run about "alternative lifestyles." but I do think that it is easier for our "new" sisters now than it was in the past!!
Virginia