VIRTUAL PROGRAM | Real Talk Series | Transgender & Non-Binary: Cultural Competency

Join Central Exchange for this four-part series exploring the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals. We are creating a safe space for open dialogue and discussion. You will hear from trans and non-binary individuals and advocates on four topics: Cultural Competency, Workplace, Family, Youth, and Parenting, and Sports. Come ready to listen, learn, and grow. Together, we can reduce stigma and create a safer, more compassionate, and equitable world.

Cultural Competency
Have you ever had ever had questions you would like to ask of the transgender or non-binary community, but you do not know where to start? Join us for an opportunity to have these hard conversations. We want to extend the table and make sure there are enough chairs. Come take your seat at the table today and be more comfortable in this space.

Do you have a question for the panelists? SUBMIT HERE.

Panelists
Stephanie Byers
She/Her
Stephanie Byers is the recipient of the GLSEN-Kansas state Educator of the Year and the GLSEN National Educator of the Year, and recently retired after 29 years of teaching for Wichita Public Schools. For 28 years, she was the award-winning director of Bands and Orchestras and Fine Arts Department Chair at Wichita North High School. Stephanie is an Oklahoman by birth, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and has called Wichita home for the last three decades. She and her wife, Lori, own and operate a company that assists corporations, community groups and schools with understanding of working with diverse communities.
Since coming out publicly as a transgender woman, she has advocated about issues impacting the LGBTQ community. She has spoken at rallies on the steps of the Kansas State Capitol and given presentations to several local community organizations, as well as public school faculties and student bodies. Stephanie served as the Communications Director for Wichita Pride, the local organization that hosts Wichita?s local LGBTQ pride events, and has volunteered for a number of other local Wichita non-profits. She is the first openly transgender person to serve in the Kansas Legislature and the first transgender Native American person elected to office in America. She is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.







 

CiCi Glasgow Brown
They/She
CiCi is a proud Black GNC (gender non-conforming) lesbian who shows up to speak for the voiceless. They are the CEO and co-founder of Black Pockets LLC. A business dedicated to healing modalities for Black Queer and Trans folks. Including Indigenous People of Color, allies and organizations who wish to dismantle white supremacy and liberate all marginalized people. They are also co founder of Zeke's Freedom Foundation. Which is a charity that centers and encourages love, joy and healing for Black Queer and Trans folks. After working years in the nonprofit sector they saw a large disconnect with Black and POC communities. Pushing them to create new and uncharted avenues for Liberation. They are a member of the LGBTQ+ Greek organization, Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the national ball house Alain Mikli. CiCi is using their life's experiences to support others as they navigate their own. Believing that our collective efforts within and for our own communities truly makes us greater.




 

Tori Gleason
She/Her
Dr. Tori Gleason was born in Dodge City, KS and has been working as a sports chiropractor in Goodland, KS since 2006. Her passions are youth mentorship, health equity in LGBTQ+ populations, and rural health care. She is a board member of Goodland Regional Medical Center, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and on the Community Advisor Board for Masonic Cancer Alliance. She has continued her education with courses such as "Comprehensive Care for Transgender Patients" from the University of Colorado and Harvard/Fenway Institute's "Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health."
She is the proud mom of a teenage daughter and 8-year old son. She is an outspoken advocate for positive health outcomes for all LGBTQ+ youth and adults. She is excited to elevate the voices of LGBTQ+ community to tell the story of how diverse and wonderful people really are.




 

Interested in learning more? Join us to continue the conversation.
 
May 11 | Workplace
How can you be a better employer? What are your roles and responsibilities as an employee? This panel is geared toward all; there will be specific conversations geared towards C-level execs, attorneys, HR professionals, and others who have a vested interest in making their workplaces more accommodating but do not know where to start.
 
June 8 | Family, Youth + Parenting
Fact check: Did you know youth who identify as LGBTQ are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm (Trevor Project)? Nine in 10 trans young people have thought about committing suicide (Youth Chances, 2014). Come join these parents, youth, and mental health professionals understand how to create understanding and safer, more accepting schools, youth groups, etc.
 
July 13 | Sports
In today's climate, there are many conversations around trans and non-binary people in sports. What is fact and what is fiction? What information do I need to understand and to be a meaningful part of this conversation? All are welcome for this open conversation with experts around sports and trans people.