The Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference is excited to announce the 2013 PTHC Teen-Space for ages 13+. Teen-Space is both a lounge and activity zone organized by the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference in partnership with The Attic Youth Center.

Teen-Space is dedicated to programming and socializing opportunities for teens and young adults. We'll be doing everything from workshops, movies, games, art making and more! Whether you just need a break from a busy day or want to make some new friends, we'll see you at Teen-Space!

Teen-Space will provide an age-appropriate alternative to the PTHC Kids Camp (ages 4-10) or the PTHC Tween Space (ages 10-13) for people who are 13 years and up. This program will be inclusive of young people with diverse gender experiences, including allies and family members, as well as gender variant (GV) youth.

Teen Space Programming

Thursday June 13th

10:00-11:00am

Dancing out of the Dark

Presenter: Jessica Halko

To quote dancer and choreographer Agnes de Mille, "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking." This is a statement that I truly live by. I hope to explain the feeling of freedom that can come from learning to love and cooperate with your body through dance. I can exemplify how modern dance can be used as a healthy coping mechanism and provide information on the gender ambiguity and humanism that modern dance is centered on. I will also teach an entry level class complete with warm-up, across the floor, and a basic center combination. I am propelled by a concrete hope that in everything I can give through my dancing, there is something that others who have been through similar struggles can take. I know in my heart that it is my purpose in life to share, teach, and console through movement. There is no body on earth that cannot dance, and this physical form of art can be used to find insight on situations ineffable though common means of communication.

5:00-6:00pm

Art and Self

Presenter: Maro Beauchamp

Want to talk about trans* stuff but kinda bored with only lectures and talking? Do you like art? Then come hang out with us as we'll be playing around with self-expression through the visual arts! Don't worry if you think you're not an artist, art-making is not just for the professionals! First, we'll spend a little time getting to know each other, but then itt's time for drawing, collaging, and chatting! After that, we'll do some gallery walking and time for discussion about the pieces we've made. We'll also talk about some trans* artists, historically and contemporary.

Friday June 15th

11:00-12:00pm

Greening Your Insides

Presnter: e.shor

I know trans* health sounds really boring, so let's blend some stuff and see how it tastes. We are going to turn some of those dark green gods of nature (spinache, kale, broccoli, arugula) into tasty ways of getting some extra nutrients. Eating more fruits and veggies can seem daunting, but can have extremely awesome health benefits, especially if one is considering surgery for transition. We will be exploring some different smoothie recipes, tasting smoothies and nutrient filled fruits and veggies, and talkin' nutrition to optimize who you are!

1:00-2:00pm

Name Games: Naming Ourselves as Trans Youth!

Presenter:Mia Tu Mutch

Thinking of changing your name, but don't know where to start? Explore all your options in this interactive workshop by and for young trans* people! Together we will discuss the many ways trans* people name ourselves (legal name, nickname, performer name, PGP etc) and play name games to brainstorm new names for ourselves. We will also connect youth to online resources to explore their identities more, and plan for what to do after we decide our new names. Participants will leave this workshop with more tools, more options, and maybe even a new name! 

5:00-6:00pm

Wrap it Up!

Presenter:D'Angelo Cameron

There's an old adage that says: "you can't love someone until you love yourself"and a part of loving yourself is coming to understand not only who you are as person, but also knowing how to understand and protect your body. But as a young LGBT person it can sometimes be difficult to not only find ourselves, but also other like us! Well if you’ve ever felt alone and have question about your body, self-worth, love and identity then this workshop is for you! Lead by D’Angelo Cameron, 19, who is a peer educator from the Attic Youth Center, this highly educational, fun and interactive workshop will help equip you with all knowledge you need to protect yourself as a young person who maybe sexually active, as well as giving you the opportunity to expand on your self-worth.

Saturday June 15th

10:00-11:00am 

Just as You Are

Presenter: Luca Keefer

Coming out is never easy - let alone as a teenager who may have been told hundreds of times you were wrong. But this is a discussion for you to join, just as you are, to learn about coming out, finding safe spaces, and making the right connections. There's no need for pretenses here. We're all family. As such, there will be group discussions of shared experiences and chances to learn new ways of dealing with potentially frightening circumstances. When you leave, you'll have a better understanding of yourself and new friends to connect with after the conference ends.

1:00-2:00pm

The Right To Be Me: Owning and Empowering our Genders!

Presenter: JAC Stringer, MSW

A Gender has the ability to span a wide range of identities and expressions. Though our culture is becoming increasingly aware of gender differences, real life situations still tell us that fitting in still depends on how "normal" our gender is. We are required to look and act in ways that fit inside the gender binary, even within the trans* community. No matter what your identity is, there is no right or wrong way to experience and express gender. Some of us are masculine, some are feminine, and some are neither, some are both. Sometimes our expression is what people expect from our identities, and sometimes we can even surprise ourselves! In this workshop we will discuss the realities of gender fluidity, talk about ways that ridged gender norms have made us feel, and find ways to empower ourselves in whatever path our gender is destined to take!

5:00-6:00pm

Being In My Skin

Presenters: Qui Alexander, Kevin Viscuso

Ever see yourself differently than how other people see you? Have you heard of trans* but not quite sure what it is? Trying to figure out how you can feel comfortable in your body?Then come to "Being In My Skin"! This workshop will cover the basics of what a trans identity could look like for you. Most folks assume that you have to medically change your body "to be trans," but trans* looks different for every person. Discover what being trans means to you, what a medical transition means and how you can feel best in your own skin no matter what path you choose. Hear from other trans* and gender-variant youth on their experiences, what "transition" means to them and how that changed how they moved through the world. There will be interactive activities for you to think about your own gender experience as well as an opportunity to ask questions.