Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is this conference for?
A. The Transforming Health and Wellness conference will have workshops of interest to physicians, nurses, therapists, members of the transgender community, family members of transgender individuals, and allies. While most workshops are intended for a specific audience (i.e. doctors, mental health professionals, or community members), most workshops will be open to anyone who is interested in the topic. (There are a few exceptions to this when confidentiality of the discussion of workshop participants is a concern.)
Q. I am a mental health provider. Why should I learn about issues in trans health?A. The number of transgender and gender-variant individuals within the general population has traditionally been underestimated by the medical establishment. With transgender-related information becoming more accessible via the media, trans individuals are coming out in increasing numbers and at ever younger ages. In addition, many transgender individuals are required to receive mental health treatment or evaluation before being allowed access to medical treatment. This makes it increasingly likely that every mental health professional will have at least one (if not more) transgender client, not to mention partners and family members of trans individuals.
Q. Where can I learn more about trans issues right now?
A. For general information about trans issues and resources in Maine, visit the MaineTransNet website. Other excellent sources of health and mental health-related information include the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling's "Competencies for Counseling Transgender Clients," Vancouver Coastal Health's Transgender Health Program resources, the Trans-Health.com website, and the Transgender Aging Network.
Q. It's lunchtime at the conference and I am hungry! Where can I eat lunch?
A. The USM cafeteria is located in the Woodbury Campus Center and has food available for purchase. See the USM campus map for the location (the campus center is #12). There are also several fast food and local restaurants near the USM campus on Forest Ave.
Q. I want to attend the conference, but I can't afford it. Am I doomed?
A. No! We want to make this conference accessible to as many people as possible. If you can't afford the conference fee (please be honest!), contact us to make alternative arrangements.
Q. I would like to pay my conference fee by check. Where should I send it?
A. Checks can be made out to Maine Transgender Network, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 1034, Westbrook, ME 04098.
Q. How can I make a donation to support the important work of MaineTransNet?
A. Well, thanks for asking! We largely depend on the generosity of donors to continue offering support and resources to the trans community of Maine and training for health providers. You can find info on donating via Paypal or by other means on the "How to Help" section of our website. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible. To learn more about MaineTransNet, please visit our website.
Q. I have a question that isn't addressed here. What should I do?
A. Contact the conference organizers at conference@mainetransnet.org.