Trans Alaskans get back into Action

Exciting developments from Alaska's Transgender community: the TransAK website is back online and up-dated with two new projects, TransAKtion and a podcast, and four members will be guest speakers at a special YWCA luncheon Transwomen in Alaska on June 16.

TransAK website

TransAlaska Pipeline, the website for the TransGendered Alaskans' Social Group, is back and better than ever! New features include TransAKtion, an effort to form a TG non-profit in Alaska, and the up-coming "Good Morning, TransAmerica" podcasts hosted by Anja.

"It has long been a dream of mine to see an organization formed by us, run by us, that exists to help us.

Transgendered people suffer discrimination at every turn. Many of us face violence, simply for being ourselves. Transition can also be cost-prohibitive for many of us, especially the guys. Many of us are forced into the sex industry due to lack of opportunties and societal marginalization of TGs.

There is so much work to do. This website is the first step towards fulfilling my dream of uniting us into a real community."

The podcasts are expected to debut on April 30 with the segments "Transpeople and Christianity: Does God have a plan for us?" - Part 1, "Life in a small Alaskan town" featuring a trans commercial fisherman, and a review of the book "The Riddle of Gender: Science, Activism & Transgender Rights."

If you are the owner of a trans-friendly business, please let them know, so your business can be listed in the directory. Visit TransAK at www.transakpipeline.com

"Transwomen in Alaska" 6/16 at noon

Guest speakers Anja Gensel, Kelly Johnson, Michelle Gallante and Meaghan Lockard present Transwomen in Alaska as part of the "Opening Minds and Hearts" luncheon series at the YWCA of Anchorage on June 16, from 12-1 p.m. Open to the public, $15 or $10 for students with ID. YWCA Anchorage is located at 324 E. 5th Ave. RSVP 644-9605.

Trans Social Group

The Transgendered Alaskans' Social Group meetings are held in Anchorage on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the GLBT Center. The Mat-Su Valley meetings are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the Vagabond Blues Coffee Shop in downtown Palmer. Check the calendar on TransAlaska for more events.