We wish we could do this for everyone!
One lucky person will get their entire flight to Gender Odyssey 2015 covered!
How can we do this? One of our sponsors – the amazing LGBTQ Task Force – has donated a round-trip ticket from Southwest Airlines!
But that’s not all…
We are sweetening the deal by adding one full Gender Odyssey or Gender Odyssey Family conference registration pass!
Too good to be true? It isn’t. We really, truly are giving away an airline ticket and conference pass!
But, there is a catch. A couple of them actually:
- Departure city must be one of Southwest Airlines destination city. For a map, click here. U.S. only – apologies to everyone else.
- This does not cover lodging.
How to Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog post. Tell us why you want to attend Gender Odyssey. Or why you want to return, if you’ve attended before. Or tell us why you love being trans! Or tell us why you love someone who is trans. You choose! (Be sure to include a working email address or we won’t be able to contact you if you win.)
Lastly, just ’cause you want to, please like or share one or all three of our Facebook pages: Gender Odyssey, Gender Odyssey Family and Gender Diversity. This won’t increase your chances of winning but you’ll help us increase our visibility and just make us downright happy!
Contest Rules
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2015. Drawing will be held on or about August 1, 2015.
Prizes: One (1) winner will receive one (1) roundtrip airfare on Southwest Airlines and one (1) full conference pass to the 2015 Gender Odyssey OR Gender Odyssey Family conference. There are no cash alternatives or alternative prizes available.
Eligibility: Entries much be received between 12noon PST on July 24, 2015 and 11:59pm on July 31, 2015 (”Contest Period”). Only one (1) entry per person/email address; entries with duplicate email addresses or multiple entries using different email addresses for a single individual will be disqualified. Entrants must be 18 years old or over. Winner agrees to publicity and to be named on the www.GenderOdyssey.org website and Facebook Page (alias or first name only OK.)
Participating and entering in this promotion is considered a complete release of Facebook by each entrant or participant. It is also an acknowledgement that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
By entering, all eligible entrants agree to abide by each and all these terms and conditions. Misrepresentative or fraudulent entries will invalidate an entry.
Selection of Winner: Winner will be determined by random selection on or about August 1, 2015 (from among eligible entries submitted during the Contest Period). Winner will be notified by e-mail on or about August 1, 2015. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
By Laurie Marquis - July 24, 2015, 9:10 pm
I would love to attend the Gender Odyssey Family Conference. My seven year-old daughter is transgender and has identified as a female for a little over one year. I would love to learn more about raising a transgender child and how I can help make her life best as possible. I also have never flown on an airplane before and it would be a dream come true! Thanks for considering me. 🙂
By Sue Cockrell - July 24, 2015, 9:25 pm
I attended the Philly Conference in June and it lit a fire under me, I am a Trans Ally and would love to get more involved in helping young kids fight the school system etc using the rights they already have.
By Michelle Brady - July 25, 2015, 9:42 am
I am Mom to a 19 year old trans male. He came out to me three years ago and ever since, I have been learning about being trans and educating myself. I would love to learn to educate others and need all the tools I can get. I’ve never attending a conference and would love to!
By Lauren Fetterman - July 25, 2015, 10:10 am
My son and I would love to attend! It would be great to get him around some peers as he is pretty isolated and I worry about him.
By Stephanie Twitchell - July 31, 2015, 1:13 pm
That is so cool as a 54 year old tgirl, I was going to enter, however, I think you deserve this more than I do good luck
By Lee Porter - July 25, 2015, 10:22 am
I have wanted to attend the conference for many years. I am a 55 year old Trans male. Two years ago I actually saved up and was able to buy a ticket. Life happened and I was unable to pay for the flight. I was really disappointed. I have a passion for helping other transmen and know that attending this conference would give me more information and references to share with others. Thank you for offering this opportunity for someone who would otherwise not be able to attend.
By Andrea Paradise - July 25, 2015, 10:36 am
I would love to attend and bring my 22 yr old trans daughter who is the love of my life. She would love to connect to other trans people and I want to learn more to be a more active and effective ally.
By Malka Miller - July 25, 2015, 10:41 am
I would love to win the airfare and conference tix.
My 8 year old is gender-nonconforming. It seems most of the parents I meet online have children who are very binary in the sense that they are absolutely a specific gender…and not quite in the middle, as my child is.
I would love to meet other nonconforming people and professionals that deal with nonconforming kids and find out the best way to address name changes, legal sex identification, and medical/body issues.
As a single parent on a single income living in one of the most costly states in the country it is impossible to afford airfare or tickets…but I am quite certain I can find a place to stay if I win.
Thanks
By Chad Mosher - July 25, 2015, 11:04 am
I would love to attend Gender Odyssey because I work for an LGBT behavioral health center and could bring back information and resources to my colleagues and members. It’s such an amazing conference and I would love to attend.
By Amanda Civis - July 25, 2015, 11:12 am
I would love the opportunity to attend the Gender Odyssey Conference. As a student, the information and experiences I have at the conference will be an invaluable addition to my education.
By Patt riese - July 25, 2015, 11:24 am
This would be my first time! I would be so honoured to come!
By kelly Gartland - July 25, 2015, 12:09 pm
i am a 45 year old transwoman. Veteran of Desert storm. Trying to overcome my battles of alcoholism, suicidal idealations and gender dysphoria and homelessness. The VA has been great for me in their support of all my issues. i go get my counseling and hormones through them. In the last year they helped me turn my life around. So i will think i would be a deserving recipient of the trip so I can help spread the word of the value of the VA to Trans Vets.
By R. Wayman - July 25, 2015, 4:20 pm
I’m a 47yr old selfmade man and have never had the opportunity to attend any type of workshop(s) etc. for trans folks. I live in a very,very rural area and have zero local support for anything trans, gender-variant, or LGBTQ for that matter; uber conservative here. I basically have to live stealth here for my own safety. Attending this conference would be a great opportunity for me to actually interact w/ other trans-folks and not be scared for my safety because people know I’m trans.
Thank you for this awesome chance to attend the conference!
By Cai - July 25, 2015, 7:11 pm
Somehow I am the papa bear for a bunch of GQ/NB transmasculine guys and attending the conference could provide me with the information I need to better help them, especially because I’m a binary FtM guy, and they’re more often than not genderqueer. I also come from a small town conservative area that, while is welcoming of trans people like me (libertarian, “live-and-let-live” kind of area), doesn’t know always know how to handle trans people. The resources could definitely help!
By kristopher prescott - July 26, 2015, 4:58 am
I have always wanted to go to this conference but haven’t had the time or money to attend. I am FTM and would really like to gain some knowledge at this conference.
By Casey J. Ash - July 26, 2015, 10:39 am
I am supposed to be attending…on a scholarship that I was awarded.. but I don’t have ANY money, so the getting there from Los Angeles is my problem. I have never been to Gender Odyssey, or even to Washington, but I would be really disappointed if I can’t somehow get there.. seeing this post gave me new hope. If I can just get there, I have queer friends that will let me crash on couches or wherever. If I won this contest, I’d be so unbelievably grateful. I have been transitioning mentally for years; socially since about January 2015. I have become involved more and more in the LGB T communities, and I even became a member of the Trans Health Advisory Board at the clinic I go to. I am a full-time student, a Marine Corps veteran, and I think that I could bring a lot of experience and knowledge to gender odyssey, but also, bring some good info and resources back to my queer L.A. family. Please get me out there! 🙂
By Sean Dennison - July 26, 2015, 6:54 pm
I just celebrated my 18th year since transition and I’ve only made it to one conference in all those years. I love watching the world change and would love to be more involved as it does. Being trans has made me whole.
By Ashley Brown - July 27, 2015, 4:20 pm
I am a older transgenger that has only been out for 1 year now I would love to be able to go to a event like this but for me right I wish I can’t work due to a accident and no money coming in please pick me.
By Roz Keith - July 28, 2015, 11:32 am
I love my son; unconditionally. My FtM 16 year old came out 2 years ago. We went through some really dark times but through it all, we stood by his side. We cannot imagine not supporting him. In order to give Hunter and others like him a voice we made a decision as a family to be public and vocal about our story. I started a blog, initiated steps to start a Parent Support Group, created Ally Moms and founded a non-profit, Stand with Trans. The focus is on transgender youth. Hunter’s life is on a really great path because we’ve stayed right by his side. He isn’t ashamed of who he is. We are so proud of him and how he is handling his transition. There is so much work to do. My heart breaks for those who don’t have their family’s support. Every conference is an opportunity to learn and gain valuable knowledge to help these kids. I would love to attend the Gender Odyssey conference as a parent, an ally, an advocate and a leader in the fight to support transgender youth.
By J. Shultz - July 29, 2015, 8:10 am
I am a trans educator and activist and I am always looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge. Gender Odyssey would be a great place for me to learn and to connect with other trans and GNC people.
By KJ Surkan - July 29, 2015, 8:31 am
I have never been able to attend the Gender Odyssey conference – would love to connect with the trans community on the West Coast! Am a trans parent and engaged in trans health initiatives locally in Philly and nationally.
By Avi - July 29, 2015, 8:38 am
Ironic I received this email when Gender Odyssey was on my mind..I had been hoping something might come up where I might magically be able to attend..LOL.
I would LOVE to attend the Gender Odyssey Conference because I have never attended a Gender conference but I have been to local transgender functions and always feel extremely comforted at Transgender social events as I am an Ftm.
I would also like to Network with others and bring my Anti hate Transgender Poster I have created with my story of a violent hate crime that was committed against me wherein I briefly passed away but survived….and the ensuing aftermath of red tape and total disregard I have received thru the justice system and also the health system…I want my transgender brothers and sisters to know there is hope and that suicide is not an option because we must stand together and not fall because it does “get better” even though we might have to brave a storm…The system may try to take our health away…they may try to bar us from Justice till we feel there is none to be had…but they will never take away our courage,hope and love for one another or our voices… no matter what..and I believe that because I have lived through it …just as my brothers and sisters live through this kind of treatment on a daily basis.
I do have some unbelievable stories to share with the transgender community. And I would like to network with other individuals about forming alliances for forming non profit organizations to help the trangender community.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Avi
By AL - July 29, 2015, 8:45 am
I first went to GO two weeks after top surgery and it was the first time I connected with trans people. Would love to return now and connect with others from a very different perspective. GO has been one of the only trans spaces I felt like I fit… Would love to have that feeling again.
By Troy Armstrong - July 29, 2015, 9:34 am
Thank you for offering this prize draw! I attended the Gender Odyssey conference in the past three years and facilitated a workshop last year on Empowering Language for Beyond-Binary Gender Identities. It is an amazing experience to share space with hundreds of transgender people, one of the most affirming in my life. I wasn’t planning on attending this year (although I would if selected for the airfare and registration prize!) but I look forward to it in the future.
By Kathie Moehlig - July 29, 2015, 9:52 am
I would LOVE to attend GO. I have just started my own non profit to assist families with chdren of all ages along this journey. I have a 14 year old son who is trans and is now doing well but 5 years ago before transition was depressed and suicidal. We live in San diego and have lost three terms to suicide this year. One was a friend of my sons. I want to attend so I can learn more to bring back to our community. I serve on several trans rated boards including one that is with child welfare services to assist trans youth in group homes or foster homes. Because I am just starting out in my nonprofit I don’t have funds yet to attend. I have attended gender spectrum in the past but wod live to attend GO as I have heard so many good things about it. It would be a privilege and an honor that I would use to serve many families in need. Thank you for considering me
By Shirley Dulcey - July 29, 2015, 9:59 am
I am a transgender woman who transitioned relatively late in life (though not as late as Marua n Transparent – it’s never too late). Attending Gender Odyssey is something I have wanted to do ever since I first heard about the conference from a friend; she formerly lived here in Boston and is now in the Seattle area. But the cost of making the cross-country trip and buying a ticket have been out of my reach.
By Sorin Thomas - July 29, 2015, 10:18 am
Thanks LGBTQ Task Force and Southwest Airlines! What a special gift. I am a genderqueer psychotherapist launching a non-profit organization that will offer CEUs and Gender 101 inservices to professionals in healthcare, education, etc. in order to provide pro bono (FREE) psychotherapy for trans* folks. Oh and did I mention that we are a team of trans* professionals?!
I can’t believe that I requested these days off from work, but didn’t my tickets or registered for the conference. Was I waiting for a miracle?!
By Sorin Thomas - July 29, 2015, 10:20 am
Thanks LGBTQ Task Force and Southwest Airlines! What a special gift. I am a genderqueer psychotherapist launching a non-profit organization that will offer CEUs and Gender 101 inservices to professionals in healthcare, education, etc. in order to provide pro bono (FREE) psychotherapy for trans* folks. Oh and did I mention that we are a team of trans* professionals?!
I can’t believe that I requested these days off from work, but haven’t bought my tickets or registered for the conference. Was I waiting for a miracle?!
By Susan Gilleland - July 29, 2015, 10:22 am
I am a counselor for at risk LGBTQIA youth as well as the mom to an amazing trans teen. I would love to be able to attend this conference for the first time so that I can better support both my child and the youth I counsel!
By Tal - July 29, 2015, 10:37 am
What an amazing gift you are offering. I was lucky enough to attend the conference last year and was hoping there was a way I could swing it again this year! I am a non-binary person and it is so wonderfully refreshing to be in an inclusive space where my gender expression is not questioned and I don’t have to agonize over my bathroom choices! I am a counselor working with people assigned male and trying to start an organization that will serve the queer* and trans* community in my area. It is so necessary to network with other activists and allies in order to create change in the world and that is what I look forward to doing at Gender Odyssey this year.
By Connor Maddocks - July 29, 2015, 10:49 am
I haven’t been able to attend Gender Odyssey in quite some time, i am now a full time program manager for Transgender Services at the LGBT Center in San Diego. I would so love to attend again so that i might obtain more resources for my community and do some networking to make my new program bigger and better. I run groups for Families and FTM’s and coming out groups plus social events throughout the year.
By Enrique Ramirez - July 29, 2015, 11:17 am
Hi, I am a 30 year old FTM who has never been to the conference and would love an opportunity to go.
Thank you!
By Jai De Lotto - July 29, 2015, 11:31 am
I am a male with trans experience. Started my transition 9 years ago. Due to financial restraints I have only attended a few conferences. Recently I have had a few transition related surgeries which has me longing to be around my community for support. I love being who I am and the community I belong to. We are a resourceful community and knowledge empowers me! That’s why these conferences are very important!
By Gene Luzala - July 29, 2015, 1:31 pm
I am FTM living in Los Angeles and transitioned about 6 years ago. I’ve never been to a gender confrence let alone Gender Odyssey. I have wanted to attend the confrence for years now but being a graduate student and musician with a family, it has been difficult to save the money to go. This would be a huge opportunity for me as I am looking to have surgery soon and would love to connect with others who can answer my questions that have been through it, and also to further connect with people like me. I don’t have a lot of family support financially or emotionally so I would use this opportunity to further my quest in healing and becoming a better person, husband, and father. Attending the conference this year would mean a lot to
my family and I as it would allow me to further my continued growth throughout this journey.
By Jamie - July 29, 2015, 1:32 pm
I would love to attend the conference. I’ve been reaching out to as many transgender youth as I can and I’d love to be able to meet some face to face and inspire them.
By Kia Swain - July 29, 2015, 6:38 pm
I have been wanting to the Gender Odyssey conferance since I’ve heard of it 3 years ago from my trans son doctor. We are an African-American family that comes from a religious family. With that said I have little to no support from my family as I have been going through this journey with my son. I would love to meet other families that understand and accept me and my child. My son is 17 and has been transitioning hormonally these last 7 months. I would love, love, love this amazing opportunity. If I’m not chosen, I’ve read comments from other parents on this forum and anyone would be deserving.
By Arden - July 29, 2015, 6:44 pm
Greetings!
I have always dreamed of one day attending Gender Odyssey but my low income has not allowed those dreams to come to fruition. I am a young genderqueer trans-masculine person and I would love nothing more than to attend a conference focusing on my community! I long to make connections with trans folks from around the world and to really cleanse my soul at Gender Odyssey. I think that the people, the conversations, the discussions, and the energy will truly validate me in ways that I have yet to uncover.
Best,
Arden Remy
By Pru Palecek - July 29, 2015, 7:32 pm
I would love to go to Gender Odyssey. Every year I plan on going, and every year I realize it is just not going to be possible financially this year. I am the mother of two transgendered daughters, who are now age 31 and 27. They both came out while in college. Somehow our family got through this, not once but twice! My daughters are both doing well and even thriving. It would be wonderful to connect with other people who have transgendered children and share our stories, and also learn the latest of studies, information, healthcare and other recommendations that I could share with my family members. This will be a great gift to whoever wins it!
By Benjamin Kennedy - July 29, 2015, 7:34 pm
I love being trans because I am finally who I am supposed to be. I didn’t transition to become a man – I transitioned to become myself. I love being able to work with queer and trans youth, being an out trans activist on campus, and helping people learn and maybe change their minds about people who are trans. Going to this conference would be a really incredible experience and I would feel so honored and blessed to be able to attend!
By Hailey Ruso - July 29, 2015, 9:10 pm
I’ve always wanted to go to the Gender Odyssey conference, but have never had the money to do so. I would love to go to the conference to meet other trans people, and to learn more about how to help trans people in my community.
By Craig Sauerwalt - July 30, 2015, 7:29 am
My son and I have recently attending the Philly conference and have heard wonderful things about this one! We’d love to attend 🙂
By Craig S - July 30, 2015, 8:05 am
My FTM teenager and I have been able to go to PhillyTrans, but never to this event, and have heard so many good things about it. Would love to come!
By Jennifer Savage - July 30, 2015, 9:37 am
Can’t wait until the conference!
By Jannette Valdez-Witten - July 30, 2015, 11:22 pm
I am a proud grandmother to a transgender 11 year old who just recently disclosed. Our family and community knows very little how to support our Trans child seek the opportunity to learn all we can how to do this and to bring this back to our otherwise closed minded central valley CA community. Our family believes in education as the key to change and who would love this opportunity to use all we learn to promote love and tolerance here where we live and know of many Transgender living in secret fear. We cannot afford the trip this year but have already began a savings for future odyssey events. Please consider sponsoring an 11 year old and her 4 generations of maternal support.
By Cory - July 31, 2015, 7:03 am
I’d love to attend the event because I never have. I transitioned about 15 years ago and I’m a black gay man. It would be great to reconnect with the community and get an update on what’s going on. I have an interest in making some connections with other trans men of color and other gay men.
By Kai West - July 31, 2015, 9:56 am
I’ve never been to Gender Odyssey but I’d love to go! I’m an FTM guy who very recently had top surgery; I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by connecting with community. Thanks for having this contest and for all the work folks have put into creating the conference!
By Crystal Asetta - July 31, 2015, 3:27 pm
My MTF daughter (17) and I are really looking forward to attending! We have so many questions heading into senior year of high school and college (yikes!). Mostly we are looking forward to being surrounded by trans* people and allies who “get it”.
By Vanessa Foed - July 31, 2015, 4:37 pm
I would love to attend because our child just transitioned and we want to ensure we have all the possible resources to support her!
By Jenni - July 31, 2015, 4:58 pm
I would love to be able to attend Gender Odyssey! My wife and I have 7 year old boy/girl twins and our son is gender non conforming. We are in the beginning stages of talking with the school in order to increase education and provide a safe and positive experience for both of our children. This would be my first time attending any event like this, and I would love to be able to learn more and connect with others who are in similar situations. We are working hard to support our fabulously creative little guy!
By Eli - August 1, 2015, 9:16 pm
I’ve always wanted to go to GO! I am a transgender med student hoping to pursue a career in primary care with integrated healthcare needs for trans patients. Getting to know people in the community and gaining a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare needs for transgender and gender non-conforming people is very important to me. And after attending the UCSF transgender health summit, I would love to have again the affirming experience of being around a group of positively collaborating trans* folks and trans* allies. It’s so motivating! Thank you.