2017 Gender Odyssey Has FREE Events All Weekend

The 16th annual Gender Odyssey Conference is happening Aug 23rd to 27th in Seattle. Photo via Gender Odyssey website

The 16th annual Gender Odyssey Conference is going on this weekend in Seattle. It features a series of talks and workshops for the transgender/gender diverse community with programs tracks for both professionals in the field of working with the trans/diverse community as well as programs geared for families, teens, community members.

The full package pass is available to purchase but there are also many FREE events that everyone can attend. Check out the full list of free events down below!

Join Us For the 16th Annual Gender Odyssey Conference!

Gender Odyssey Seattle is an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender diverse people, their loved ones, and professionals who serve them. Packed with thought-provoking workshops, professional training opportunities, discussion groups, networking, and social events, this one-of-a-kind annual gathering attracts people from all over the world for an uplifting weekend of skill sharing and community building at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle, USA.

Gender Odyssey is open to all. Anyone may attend regardless of gender identity or gender expression. We embrace the presence and participation of our families, spouses and partners, organizations, and allies. We encourage the attendance of those who serve this community to expand their knowledge and understanding of gender diversity and transgender issues.

GO FREE! The events listed below are free for anyone to attend — no conference registration required! The free event schedule for the 2017 conference is below.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

1:00PM-5:00PM	Free Pre-Conference Intensive: “Dialogues on Diversity and Transformation: How Can I Be an Informed and Effective White Ally?” Silver Cloud Hotel, 1100 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 LIMITED SEATING – RSVP REQUIRED Free intensive workshop on White allyship. Complete details here.
4:30PM – 6:30PM	Gender Odyssey Family Conference Meet & Greet Seattle U. Student Center, 2nd Fl. – Cherry St. Market Our opening evening party will provide conference attendees a chance to meet each other and socialize. Join our Gender Odyssey Family conference hosts for mingling, some children’s activities. and a chance to preview the program book. Food available for purchase starting at 5:30; you may bring in outside food if you’d like to eat sooner. Hosted by Gender Diversity
4:30PM – 6:30PM	Gender Odyssey Family – Families Like Mine: Networking Dinner Seattle U. Student Center, 2nd Fl. – Cherry St. Market By request! Many of you asked for a chance to connect with other racially or culturally mixed families. Come meet new friends you’ll run into all weekend. This session is held in conjunction with the Family Welcome event. Food available for purchase; you may bring in outside food if you’d like to eat sooner. Look for the Families Like Mine table sign! Hosted by Gender Diversity & Gender Odyssey People of Color Advisory Council
4:30 PM	Gender Odyssey Teen/Tween Meet & Greet Seattle U. Student Center, 2nd Fl. – Cherry St. Market Start your conference off on the right foot! Join the teen programming coordinator Gil Rich and his team for a chance to meet other attendees before the action gets rolling. Don’t miss it!
6:30 PM – Until we’re done!	Gender Odyssey Opening Party The GARAGE – Echo Room (21+) 1130 Broadway Ave (next to Silver Cloud) Welcome to Gender Odyssey! Our opening night party will provide conference attendees, as well as people from the local community, a chance to have fun and socialize. Network with GO Professional attendees and share your personal stories. Grab a cocktail, start with an appetizer, and/or have dinner. You’ll meet new folks and, if you’ve attended in the past, have a chance to connect with old friends, too. We’ll have two private pool tables and lots of space to hang out. Don’t miss it!

The 16th annual Gender Odyssey Conference is happening Aug 23rd to 27th in Seattle. Photo via Gender Odyssey website

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

4:50 PM	Keynote: Engaging Activism – Parents of Trans Youth Panel WSCC (open to all)
GENDEREVOLUTION: Friday Evening Events at WSCC, 6th Floor
6:00PM – 7:30PM	Art Reception and Cocktail Party WSCC – West Lobby Celebrate! Enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks at the no-host bar, and taste the delicious hors d’oeuvres. Featuring Procedures for Entering Enclosed Spaces: When the world around us seems so scary and dangerous, how can we stay true to ourselves and maintain a sense of security and self-love? In a collaboration between Darius X and Flynn Bickley this exhibit presents to the viewers a series of dioramas with instructions for self-preservation.
6:00PM – 7:30PM	Meet the Authors Book Fair WSCC – West Lobby Come and schmooze with a number of trans and allied authors and celebrate their recently published books. Copies of their books will be available and can be personally autographed for you!
8:30PM	Storytelling: “Belonging” WSCC – Rm 615/616 Join us at our 2nd annual storytelling event, where you’ll hear six people share their true personal stories related to “Belonging.” This event is open to all ages; however, stories will not be censored and parental discretion may be advised for younger children.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

4:10 PM

Keynote – Diego Sanchez WSCC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

3:10 PM – 4:40PM	FILM – In Full Bloom: Transcending Gender to Fight Stigma WSCC Rm 608
5PM – 9PM	Gender Odyssey Musical Showcase: HOMEWARD BOUND Kaladi Bros (Calamus Auditorium) 517 E Pike St Sponsored by Glyphstone Productions & Gay City–Seattle’s LGBT Community Center