Transgender Conference Guide

The transgender conference circuit has expanded significantly over the past decade, particularly in the United States. Not surprisingly, attendance at these events has also ballooned, and with good reason: Transgender conferences offer attendees a unique opportunity to learn, share and connect with long distance friends and mentors. Plus, surgeons often make themselves available for informal Q&A and private consultations, making conferences an important stop on the road to surgery.

Once again, this year’s conference calendar is packed with high quality events. In this 10th edition of the TransGuys Conference Guide you’ll find details about confirmed conferences that offer programming specifically for trans men. Many events have yet to confirm a date for 2020 so check back periodically for updates as more dates are confirmed.

Note: This list is focused on conferences that have programming for trans men. There are a number of other trans conferences that are not included here as they are more geared towards trans women, families and providers. (See this list of Transgender Conferences for Health Professionals.)

Which conferences will YOU be attending?

2020 Conferences at a Glance

2020 Confirmed Conferences

Trans Pregnancy: Fertility, Reproduction and Body Autonomy
An international conference on trans and non-binary people’s practices and experiences of reproduction and fertility. Topics will include parenting experiences, reproductive justice, policy, law, and the media. There will also be art performances, book readings and film screenings.

When: Jan 14-16
Where: Leeds, UK
Cost: SOLD OUT but there is a reserve list.

First Event – 40th Annual!
Now in its 40th year, First Event is one of the longest running conferences in the U.S. for transgender and gender expansive people and those who love and support them, and it’s the only major winter conference. Speakers include Carter Brown (Executive Director of Black Transmen, Inc.) and Dezjorn Gauthier. Workshops, free HIV/HCV/STI testing, entertainment and more.

When: January 29 – Feb 2
Where: Boston, MA
Cost: $295 complete conference package, single day passes and student discounts also
available.

TRANSforming Gender Conference – 14th Annual!
The conference is dedicated to increasing visibility and education about transgender identities and issues, bringing together the trans and allied communities. Programming includes sessions for trans people, family members, parents, educators, mental/medical health care professionals, and more.

When: March 14-15
Where: Boulder, CO
Cost: FREE

Trans Health Symposium – 1st!
The trans* wellness track is specifically for the trans/non-binary community. The aim of this track is to help members of the community learn how access resources, learn basic medical information, and how to be their own advocate.

When: March 21-22
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $50

Trans Leadership Summit
2-day event includes community leaders/organizers, both in and out of the transgender community, to inspire trans people and allies to be more active an effective in advocating for trans rights.

When: March 21-22
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Cost:

CANCELLED: The Keystone Conference – 12th Annual!
Hosted by TransCentralPA, Keystone features meaningful workshop and seminar programming, plus numerous social functions. Recent years have seen significantly expanded programming for trans men.

When: March 25-29
Where: Harrisburg, PA
Cost: Not available at this time. 2019: $250 complete conference package, single day passes also
available.

CANCELLED: Moving Trans History Forward – 4th
This conference highlights both the history of trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit activists and researchers, and how today’s activists and researchers are moving that work forward. Attendees are trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit activists, community-based and academic scholars, students, family members, service providers, and allies.

When: April 2-5
Where: Victoria, BC, Canada
Cost: TBA

CANCELLED: South Bay Trans Day of Visibility – 8th Annual!
An annual event focused on recognizing and celebrating trans lives and experiences. Enjoy a full day of workshops on medical, legal, SOFFA, non-binary identities, dinner and social night.

When: April 4
Where: San Jose, CA
Cost: $20, no one turned away.

CANCELLED: Rainbow Health Ontario Conference
The largest LGBT2SQ health conference in Canada for 10 years running, the Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) conference is a learning and sharing forum for agents of change in LGBT2SQ health and wellness. The conference brings together health and social service providers, community members, researchers, and policy makers to advance the health outcomes of LGBT2SQ Ontarians.

When: April 21-23
Where: Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Cost: $350-$550, early bird discount available.

CANCELLED: Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference – 14th Annual!
This annual conference seeks to raise awareness of the inter-connectivity and interdependence of two critical areas to the lives of the trans and gender non-conforming individual: health and law. Attendance and outreach for this conference has grown substantially, making it the major Transgender Health and Law Conference in Southern New England. This year’s keynote speaker is Susan Stryker, an award-winning scholar, filmmaker and author.

When: April 25
Where: University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
Cost: $25

CANCELLED: Black Trans Advocacy Conference – 9th Annual!
The National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala (BTAC) is a distinct educational and empowerment program, home to nearly 300 plus transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, our family, friends, community allies and corporate partners from across the country who are focused on advancing black trans equality. BTAC is a unique life changing 5 day event that furthers education, provides linkage to resources, community building and organizing, leadership development and celebration of diverse identities.

When: May 5-10
Where: Dallas, TX
Cost: Early bird pricing $135-$235 (VIP). Limited free package also available.

CANCELLED: Sparkle – 16th Annual!
The UK’s national transgender celebration is the world’s largest transgender event. Celebrate with music and events, and attend talks and workshops that are all FREE.

When: July 10-12
Where: Manchester, UK
Cost: FREE

CANCELLED: Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference – 18th Annual!
PTWC is the 2nd largest free trans conference event in the world (after the UK’s Sparkle.) It was created to educate and empower transgender individuals on issues of health and well-being, and educate and inform allies and health service providers, and to facilitate networking and community building. The General Track provides workshops over a three day period. PTWC also features an extensive exhibition space with many organizations and vendors tabling.

When: July 23-25
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: FREE

CANCELLED: TAVA’s Transgender Military Retreat
A weekend retreat where attendees will learn advocacy methods and community building. Plus, attendees can take in an Atlanta Braves/Houston Astros MLB game (extra cost of $75.)

When: September 25-27
Where: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $100, early bird discounts available.

CANCELLED: Fantasia Fair – 45th Annual!
Running for more than 40 years now, Fantasia Fair is a week-long transgender event held every October in the LGBT resort town of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Part conference, part social gathering, the Fair is a “full immersion” experience: attendees can spend the entire week presenting their gender as they wish. While the event has a stronger MTF presence, a growing number of trans men regularly attend. In recent years, a number of notable trans men have presented at Fantasia Fair, including Jamison Green, Ethan St. Pierre, Stephen Whittle, Hawk Stone, Tony Ferraiolo and Dru Levasseur.

When: October 18-25
Where: Provincetown, MA
Cost: $400-600

Unconfirmed Conferences

TransCon Miami
A free conference produced by Aqua Foundation for the transgender community in South Florida. It serves as a space to educate and empower the transgender community as well as allies. This year’s conference will include: name change clinic, job skills training, listening circle for providers, workshops, social events, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and complimentary transportation.

When: March
Where: Miami, FL
Cost: FREE

TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference – 12th Annual!
This year’s theme is “Voices and Visibility.” Over 250 participants are expected to attend more than 75 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.

When: April
Where: Columbus, OH
Cost: 2019 – $55 for a general package, single day passes also available.

Rhode Island Trans Health Conference – 6th Annual!
The conference focuses on expanding the local network of knowledgeable and affirming healthcare providers. This year’s keynote speaker is Mara Keisling, the founder and executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

When: May
Where: Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
Cost: 2019 – $0-$40 sliding scale, includes light breakfast and lunch

Trans Health and Wellness Conference – 3rd annual
Now heading into its second year, this conference in Jamaica will cover topics such as research, media and visibility, mental health and wellness, sexual and reproductive health, and medical transition.

When: May/June
Where: Kingston, Jamaica
Cost: FREE

CANCELLED: Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit – 12th annual!
TXTNS is a grassroots effort to look at strategic approaches to the issues of social justice and policy implementation in regards to the concepts of gender identity and gender expression. TXTNS is committed to ensure no person or group on any educational campus stands alone in their fight for social justice. The summit offers support and resources to any and all advocates working towards inclusion of gender identity and gender expression.

When: August
Where: University of Houston – Clearlake, Houston, TX
Cost: $20-$40

Trans Youth Leadership Summit
Trans Youth Leadership Summit (TYLS) is a collaborative fellowship program providing young transgender people the opportunity to work toward liberation through collective organizing for solidarity, advocacy, and empowerment. TYLS fosters the skills of dozens of emerging trans leaders and puts them at the forefront of critical issues transgender people face. TYLS eligibility requirements: you are trans, two spirit, Hijra, Muxe, genderqueer, or non-binary; you are located in the United States; you are a youth (under the age of 26).

When: July
Where: Austin, TX
Cost: FREE, must apply and be selected to attend

CANCELLED: Southern Comfort Conference – 29th Annual!
One of the largest transgender conferences in world, SoCo has something for everyone: transsexuals, cross-dressers or in between;  spouses, partners and family members; all sexual orientations; post-op, pre-op or non-op; young, old; married, single; FtM or MtF – if transgender is an issue in your life, welcome! This year’s keynote speaker is Van Barnes.

When: August
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cost: 2019 was $50 – $125

Proud2Be – 6th annual!
PROUD2BE is a conference focused on sexual orientation and gender identity. Proud2Be brings together parents, youth and professionals to celebrate and strengthen our diverse LGBTQ2S+, gender non-conforming and allied community.

When: October
Where: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: 2019 -$85 Early bird, $100 regular, FREE under 18.

Virginia TIES
Produced by Equality Virginia, TIES is a conference for trans people, allies and providers. Last year’s event includes a keynote address by Sarah McBride, a name and gender marker change clinic, free mental health appointments, workshops and evening events.

When: October
Where: Richmond, VA
Cost: TBD

Gender Infinity
This conference offers education, support, and resources for and by the transgender community. The event has workshops for everyone: trans communities of all ages, their families, significant others, medical and mental health professionals, and advocates. The program includes trans led discussions, local and national expert presentations, parent panel discussions, collaborative case consultation, and youth programming for teens, tweens, and kids. Continuing education is available for physicians, psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. The two-day event is an opportunity for trans communities of all ages to unite, build relationships across generations, and collaborate with providers.

When: October
Where: University of Houston Clearlake, Texas
Cost: 2019 – $85 regular registration, $50 for single day

CANCELLED: New York Coming Out – 2nd annual
NYCO is an international transgender conference that welcomes all individuals within the transgender spectrum, along with their families, friends, and loved ones. Programming includes a keynote by Dr. Jamison Green, plenty of workshops, plus many social events. The registration fee includes the gala dinner, two plated lunches, all workshops, the karaoke event and Halloween party.

When: October/November
Where: New York, NY
Cost: 2019 – $295 early bird rate; $330 regular rate.

Transgender Spectrum Conference –  7th annual!
Initiated by the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2014, the conference brings together a wide range of people interested in celebrating the lives of transgender people in the St. Louis area and beyond. Our goal is to create dialog, to educate ourselves and our community, and to improve the lives of all gender variant people. This year’s Leynote Speaker is Janaya Khan.

When: November
Where: St. Louis, MO
Cost: 2019 – $20 Early bird

genderevolution
genderevolution offers lectures, workshops, and panels offered by local community members and professionals. Attendees are invited to educate themselves on a variety of topics including healthy self-image development, gender fluidity, the interplay of gender identity & sexual orientation, meditation techniques, legal aid, mental & physical health, transgender history and much more. Come meet other gender variant folks, their parents, partners, families, friends and the professionals who serve them.

When: November
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
Cost: TBA

Last updated: 05/20/20

Do you know of other conferences for trans men, particularly international events? Please add them in the comments area below!