TIES Pop-Up 2019 Recap

In the summer of 2019, Equality Virginia (EV) partnered with many local LGBTQ and allied groups to bring the best of Virginia TIES (Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit) across the state with our TIES Pop-Up events in Norfolk, Fairfax, and Staunton. Each Pop-Up was a condensed version of the annual TIES conference, but still offered workshops, a name and gender marker change clinic, mental health and medical consultations, HIV testing, community resources, and a space for trans folks, their families, their friends, and allies to all gather and grow together.

We know that due to many reasons, such as the cost of traveling to Richmond or the lack of transportation options, many people are not able to make it to TIES.  However, we wanted to make sure that more folks are able to access the conference’s resources and build community, so we brought the best of the event to under-served regions in Virginia for a second year in a row.

Check out some highlights from the events:

• Almost 200 people attended all three Pop-Ups
• 48 local LGBTQ and allied groups partnered with EV to make the event happen
• 48 people got assistance with the name and gender marker change process
• 30 people had conversations about medical and mental health with trans-affirming providers
• 5 individuals received HIV testing and now know their status
• Over 60 people attended workshops on topics from employment readiness to healthcare access

Check out the photo albums from each Pop-Up:  Norfolk – Fairfax – Staunton

Check out the program from each Pop-Up: Norfolk – Fairfax – Staunton

Hear from attendees:

“[I loved the] community, visibility, and empowerment. Many trans folks attended who had never attended a trans event and some who had never met another trans person. It is always wonderful to be able to touch one life and it is trans-fantastical when we were able to touch more than 50 lives!”

“I think it is wonderful that EV brings resources to communities with these events. It’s great for meeting people and formal and informal networking.”

“It’s a great place to network and meet fantastic people and community resources.”

“I have found it difficult to find resources as parents, [but] this was a great event. The lawyer support was awesome.”

Shout out to our event co-hosts!

The Pop-Ups could not happen without the generous support of the following organizations that serve the transgender community directly in their area. They remind us that community is the most powerful resource of all. Check out our 2019 Pop-Up webpage to find out how to get connected with them.

In Norfolk: Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia (TAP VA); Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity, Inc.

In Fairfax: Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA); Transgender Education Association of Greater Washington, D.C. (TGEA); TransLatinx DMV; Rappahannock Region Transgender Group (RRTG); DC Area Transgender Ladies and Socials; DC Area Transmasculine Society

In Staunton: Shenandoah LGBTQ Center; Black Trans Men, Inc.

EV was honored to see new and familiar faces across the Commonwealth and build connection with the vibrant trans communities in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley.

We’re also hugely excited for the 6^th annual TIES in Richmond on Saturday, October 19 at the University of Richmond. Don’t miss it – click here to learn more and register!