2012-11-19-Transgender3-EMB.JPG

Mallory Livingston (red dress), of Syracuse, was one of the speakers that addressed members and supporters of the LGBTQ community during the news conference outside City Hall after the Common Council voted "YES!" on a local law to ban discrimination against transgendered people in 2012. Others in the photo, from left are: Bruce Carter, CNY Pride President and Syracuse University Professor; Forrest Antrum and Crystal Collette, all of Syracuse.

(Ellen M. Blalock | eblalock@syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two Syracuse Catholic Churches are hosting a series of talks on what it's like to be transgender.

The series starts today at All Saints Catholic Church. Beginning at 10 a.m., parents of transgender children will talk about their experiences. Their talk goes until 11:30 a.m. and will be repeated this evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

All of the talks will be in the All Saints Parish Bishop Harrison Center, next to the church, at 1342 Lancaster Ave.

The series of events highlighting what it's like to be transgender is sponsored by All Saints Catholic Church and St. Lucy's Catholic Church.

It was organized by the All Saints LGBT Task Force and volunteers from Family Allies for Trans Equality in New York State.

The next event is March 4. "Voices From The Journey: Hearing From Transgender Persons." That will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and repeated the same day from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The last event in the series is a day-long workshop on March 8. From 9:15 to 11:30 a.m., Davey Shlasko will present a workshop entitled "Understanding Transgender." In the afternoon, Shlasko will present "Becoming an Effective Ally for Trans Rights," from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m.

The workshop will also include a presentation by

Sheilah Sable, of the Empire State Pride Agenda, who will speak about legal issues related to transgender people and their lives.

There is a sliding fee for the Saturday workshop, payable at the door. Online registration is required for that event.

Contact Marnie Eisenstadt at meisenstadt@syracuse.com or 315-470-2246.

