Flanagan said she returns now, as her true self, to give the same support that she received initially.

The conference isn’t just for those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, but also is open to their parents, friends or others who want to advocate or make safe places for those who are.

Mykael Kurth, who works in health care in Richmond, asked a panel how health care providers can be more inclusive.

One of the panelists, Nathaniel Preston of Roanoke, answered simply: “Listen to your patients. Treat them with respect. Believe them.”

Kurth said a friend in college transitioned and it made her want to understand better what they went through.

“I want to make sure that LGBTQ+ people get every right they’re entitled to,” Kurth said. “That’s why I’m here: To be an ally.”

James Parrish, Equality Virginia’s executive director, said the organization hosts the annual conference because many attendees don’t have access to medical care or legal advice they need in a state where it is still legal to deny service to or fire trans people.

As an advocacy organization, Equality Virginia lobbies at the General Assembly to change those laws.