To ensure the health and safety of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Equality Virginia is hosting the seventh annual Transgender Information and Empowerment Summit (TIES) virtually for 2020. The free conference will take place Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17.
TIES gives transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals and allies an opportunity to gather and build community, while accessing free resources like legal assistance for the name and gender marker change process, and medical and mental health consultations. Educational workshops will take place throughout the online event, focused on advocacy, voting rights, healthcare access and other topics. A full schedule will be released at a later date.
“TIES helps fosters connections with Virginians from all corners of the Commonwealth and we’re proud we can still offer the event through a virtual format this year,” said Equality Virginia executive director Vee Lamneck. “The conference provides a safe and affirming space, and gives attendees an opportunity to access needed legal and healthcare resources. While TIES will look a little different as we shift online, we are excited about the new possibilities for participants to learn, grow and connect.”
The conference will also celebrate the new legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth. Equality Virginia was a leading advocate for the Virginia Values Act, which went into effect on July 1 and provides all Virginians, including LGBTQ+ people, from discrimination in employment, housing and public spaces.
The conference is free, but registration is required. People can RSVP here.
