Conversation with Tracey Swinarsky from Equality Virginia's Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau
From the Heart: A Transgender Virginian’s Story
December 10, 2020
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST
Zoom event
I would love for you to meet Tracey Swinarsky from Equality Virginia, December 10, at noon Eastern Time.
Tracey is a trained facilitator in Equality Virginia’s Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau.
She will share her story and experiences as a transgender woman and give us a look at the landscape for LGBT equality in Virginia. She’ll speak for about fifteen minutes, then she’s generously offering to answer my questions and yours.
Our conversation with Tracey is part of the Transgender Visibility Initiative, which strives to empower and uplift Virginia’s transgender and non-bindary community. One story at a time, they’re helping to build understanding and support for Virginia’s transgender community.
Meet Tracey
Tracey Swinarsky grew up in Pequannock, New Jersey but now lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She works as a Claims Adjuster at GEICO and in her spare time enjoys doing improv, watching movies, and cycling. She is a parent and attends the Metropolitan Community Church New Life.
About Equality Virginia
Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia is the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
EV, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is tasked with providing the research and educational foundation for EV’s advocacy and to provide legal analysis and education on issues affecting LGBT Virginians.
EV believes in a truly inclusive Commonwealth where all are equally valued, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and a Virginia that is a safe, welcoming, and equal place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families to live, work, and play. Learn more about Equality Virginia.
Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau
Text excerpted from Equality Virginia:
Equality Virginia’s Transgender Visibility Initiative strives to empower and uplift Virginia’s transgender and non-binary community, to keep Virginia moving toward full transgender equality through community conversations across the Commonwealth with EV’s transgender and non-binary advocates, resources for the trans & non-binary community, and raising up the voices of trans & non-binary Virginians and their allies.
Through our Transgender Advocacy Speakers Bureau, faith communities, non profits, and businesses open their doors to transgender speakers who facilitate conversations about their own life stories and provide a forum for participants to engage in a question-and-answer dialogue. One story at a time, we are helping to build understanding and support for Virginia’s transgender community.
Advocates in our Speakers Bureau are trained facilitators and are connecting with faith communities, nonprofits, and businesses across Virginia in an effort to build a better understanding of transgender life experiences through storytelling and open, candid dialogue. This Equality Virginia program is modeled upon past conversations (called “Coffee Talks”) that have positively impacted over 200 people across the state.
Through this formalized program, Equality Virginia coordinates with faith communities, nonprofits, and businesses to arrange an hour-long meeting space, which will be facilitated by one of our transgender speakers. They will discuss their life and the landscape for LGBT equality in Virginia. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and get connected to different opportunities for engagement.
Learn more
I remember how little I knew about the transgender community as it began to dawn on me that my oldest sibling had begun to identify as female before her death.
That was a little over two years ago. I had only the slightest understanding of the use of pronouns, the basic terminology, the history of the transgender community, and the people who have worked hard as advocates.
Here are some of the resources that have been helpful to me.
Brief resources
Understanding Transgender People: The Basics. National Center for Transgender Equality.
A one-sheet that gives an overview of terms such as transgender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, non-binary, and genderqueer.
Ally Resources from Equality Virginia
A fantastic resource from Equality Virginia that helps allies to better understand trans identities.
A resource on personal pronouns that covers:
What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?
How do I use personal pronouns?
What if someone makes a mistake and mispronouns someone else?
How do I share my personal pronouns?
How do I ask someone their personal pronouns?
How do I use gender inclusive language?
In-depth resources
Issues. The National Center for Transgender Equality.
The laws and policies affecting trans people and how we can improve legislation where we live.
Guide to Being a Trans Ally. Straight for Equality, a program of PFLAG National.
FAQs
Do I have to appear on video?
If you’d prefer to listen only and not appear by video, that’s fine. You have the option to turn off your camera. To learn how to turn off your video when joining a call, check out these instructions: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/203024649-Video-Or-Microphone-Off-By-Attendee
May I observe only?
Absolutely, you’re welcome to join us just to listen and learn. You don’t have to comment or ask questions.
I’m not able to join live. Will there be a recording?
Yes, we will record the talk and questions. [Update: You can view the recording at the top of this page.]
I’m nervous about making a mistake. Is it okay to participate? How can I learn more?
I know there’s a lot of anxiety when we’re learning and I respect the compassion people feel for others when they worry about making mistakes. I’ve been there, too. This talk will allow us to learn in a safe space with a trained facilitator. To prepare, I recommend taking a look at this resource created by Equality Virginia: https://www.equalityvirginia.org/ally-resources/
I know someone who might like to participate. Can I invite them?
I welcome you to invite people who might be interested.
I don’t know how to use Zoom. What do I do?
Joining a Zoom meeting is simple. You can view a video tutorial here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193
Zoom’s Help Center has many articles and videos that should answer all your questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, email me.
What if I have a question after the event?
If you have a follow-up question, email me.
Join Tracey for an afternoon of fellowship, community, and learning as she shares her story as a transgender woman, followed by plenty of time for dialogue and questions.
Together, we can break the deadly silence that keeps us from protecting the lives of transgender people. Together, we can support our LGBTQ community such that they thrive and freely share their gifts with the world. Compassion leads to life.