Celebrating Our Gender Conference 2008

Its over and I loved it
The theme was Celebrating Our Gender and what a celebration it turned out to be. The biggest, and many are saying the best, conference Agender has ever held so far. With around 80 delegates and speakers Christchurch turned on a great weekend. Most of the credit has to go to Jane London as Conference Convenor and Joanne Clarke, then Christchurch Chair and MC, There was a lot of thought and hard work put into it and that was appreciated by those attending. The hotel was accommodating and well situated for the very full on weekend.

From the Friday night welcome from MP Tim Barnett, and the Human Rights Commissioner Joy Liddicoat’s presentation and update of the Transgender Inquiry to the Political Forum with a wide spectrum of parties and local government represented. The tone was set and didn’t let up for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday started bright and early with a Make up workshop with Minifies, and the Boys went off for breakfast. The Ministry of Social Development were there to talk about policy and how to influence it. We had the Police Diversity Liaison Officers talk about their roles and how we are able to use them. Jacquie Grant gave a wonderful and thought provoking address as our Keynote Speaker. The afternoon whizzed by with various workshops and speakers. Saturday night was topped off by The Playgirls, an evening of international performers doing what they do best. Glitz and glamour was the theme and everyone dressed up and looked fabulous.

Sunday saw the AGMs both local and National. Joanne Clarke was elected National President and Jane London took over the roles of Secretary/Treasurer. The committee was rounded out with 8 committee members and with the regional coordinators we have a great team to guide us through the new term. Christchurch saw a new Chair with Nikki Smith taking the reins from Joanne. Michelle stays on as Secretary and Susan Cullen becomes Treasurer replacing Jane. Along with Elspeth, Rebeka and Denise, Christchurch and the South Island will be well looked after.

Sunday afternoon carried on with more workshops and then Sunday night the much anticipated Fashion Parade took place. A bevy of beauties took to the specially constructed runway escorted by the boys with a couple of surprise escorts Steven Gray from Good Morning (who had popped in with Jacquie Grant) and his friend Toby turning up to lead the ladies as well. The audience judged the contestants. Nikki Smith won Daywear, Allyson Hamblett won Evening wear, Jane London took out the Avant Garde section for a second year and Piers won the Mens section. After the conference ended some went to visit Cruz and danced the night away.

If you weren’t there you missed a great weekend. Roll on Conference 2009 in Wellington!

From Joanne
What a weekend! Conference 2008 is over and we are exhausted and delighted with how the weekend turned out. I want to first thank the committee for the work they have done this year, in particular Jane London for the a great job as Treasurer and foremost as Conference Convenor, this past year Jane and I have worked long hours talking over things, creating and organizing conference and where we want to see Agender go in the future. And I have found a wonderful supportive friend in Jane. We have had changes and I accepted Precilla's resignation early in the committees term but welcomed Michelle Smeaton who took over the role as Secretary from Erin and the committee includes Elspeth who does double duty as proof reader for the Newsletter and amazing book reviewer for TranSister Radio! and Erin who has been a great support to  Christina. Agender Christchurch wouldn’t be where it is today if we didn’t have the skills and dedication of our Regional Coordinator Christina Loughton. Christina continues to work hard on offering support and care to those in need, making and keeping connections with the community and within community support organizations. It is because of this dedication that Agender Christchurch has such a good name among the Support, Funding Organisations and the City Council. Thank you to all of you who came to Conference and I am sure we will see a lot more of you in Wellington in 2009. Yes we are already working on the next one. But Jane and I have learnt that we can’t do it all. But we can tell you that next year will be bigger, brighter and we have more work to do as we work to bring all the groups together and work on helping ourselves. And as many of you know because you were there that Jane and I have moved onto the National committee. I have accepted the role as your new President and Jane has accepted the role of Secretary/Treasurer. Along with Dot from Geraldine,  Sarah L from Christchurch, Rachael from the Tauranga, Sarah from Hamilton, Christina from Fielding, Peri from Wellington, Jaimie from Auckland, Caro from Wellington along with Christina and Debbie our Regional Coordinators we have the country well covered.  I am so excited that we have such a passionate and varied committee. These people have put up their hand to help with our vision to help ourselves, to be a voice for the Trans community, to be positive role models. I have sent out an email to the committee sharing what I want to happen in our first year. Conference 2009 of course and as has been reported in some media already a booklet for GP’s and the trans community with clear and accurate information. We are going to revamp the National website and Perspective and we are working a new Logo.

It is a new day people and there has never been a better time for change,

 Joanne Clarke
President, Agender National