30 June 2009

On 30 June 2009 Gender DynamiX presented the 5th annual Gender Diversity Awareness seminar at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children. In attendance were 17 representatives from The Africa Gender Institute (AGI) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and 20 other guests from a various organisations and interest groups.

The seminar included presentations by 4 transgender people at different stages in their transition and with unique experiences. They told of their experiences and challenges they have to face as transgender people.

The seminar was wrapped up by Ronald Addinall from UCT with a very direct and concise explanation of the phenomenon of transgenderism and the reasons why each of the panellists experiences their own unique Gender identity.

The feedback from the delegates was very positive and many indicated that they had learned so much from the seminar.

Comments from some of the delegates:
“The workshop gave a human face to the stories and that is crucial. Transgender people need support and love, not hate”.

Monica Mbaru from IGLHRC said:”This is the most powerful awareness I have had on transgender”

Kumeshnee West from TIBB: “To the Gender DynamiX team, I wish you strength to continue you’re wonderful and ground breaking work”

Dr Clint Gould of the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS) stated that based on his years of work and experience he feels this workshop is ground breaking in its approach and methodology in shifting peoples perspectives on transgender issues.

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