Waltham, MA (TCNE FE10 PR) December 22, 2009 — For the second year in a row, Tiffany Club of New England’s First Event Transgender Conference 2010 will offer the Partners in Process program (PiP) lead by Andrea Ziff and Darlene Ginsburg
Andrea and Darlene started PiP to offer support for partners and spouses of the transgendered because these partners and spouses so often feel left out. They are often too embarrassed or upset to reach out to people they know. Coming together with others at First Event allows people to share their stories and gain support and understanding from others who know what they’re going through.
Says Andrea: “Last year was a remarkable experience for me. We had several dozen participants in our seminars, who shared their stories, joys, and heartbreaks. I felt such a deep sense of connection and caring with others who have been in the same place. I really felt we made a difference in people’s lives.”
While other conferences may offer similar programs, First Event’s PiP is distinguished by dedication and empathy of its leaders. Andrea and Darlene create a welcoming and supportive environment They both have been there and know that it can be a lonely time There are so many conflicting feelings. That they create a supportive environment is borne out from the feedback they received at last year’s Spouses’ luncheon. Many women expressed their gratitude for having a place to share feelings they very rarely get a chance to express.
Growing up as the daughter of the director of cosmetics for an international salon, Andrea never dreamed she’d use the skills she learned at her mother’s knee in this unique and creative environment. Disenchanted with the MBA career path of her earlier years, she has found her niche working within this community. She delights in bringing out the inner femininity of her ladies. Additionally Andrea’s S.O. is a lifelong cross-dresser
Darlene is a professional woman, Fortune 500 corporate manager and entrepreneur. Her “Knight in Shining Armor” is now her “Damsel in a Dress”. She has spent 10 years with a wonderful “person”. Right from the beginning she knew he was special in so many ways. He was sometimes a “she”.
Darlene spent years traveling a turbulent path with her spouse, when he wanted to spend time as she…in the beginning it was private time with “her” at home between us, to outings at night which Darlene would arrange when they traveled, to eventually more public places during the day. The three of them endured. Then, the day finally came when her Knight announced the distressing news that he no longer wanted to be her prince and Darlene would have to adjust to living with a princess.
While Darlene had learned to cope with cross-dressing, now she had to discover how to love, honor and cherish as she watched her husband slowly disappear before her eyes. Even while she was self-absorbed in the process, Darlene learned to maintain and grow her love. With many tears and sometimes laughter her love is stronger today than ever before
This year, PiP is holding a series of events – a regular support session and one on Transexuality – a forum for partners to bring up sexual issues and questions around the transgendered. In addition there are several informal events, two meet-and-greets on Thursday and Friday evenings, and an afternoon Tea on Saturday where people can share and connect in a more casual environment.
PiP’s activities are open to any and all spouses/partners of the transgendered – either M to F or F to M – cross-dressers or transsexuals.
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For more information on the PiP program and FE 2010 go to TCNE’s First Event Web Site
In addition to Partners in Process, First Event 2010 will offer e daytime workshops of interest to the entire transgender, spouse, partner and allies community. Evening entertainment will include a fashion show, performances by Karen Grenier, a popular New England folk singer and milDRED Gestrant, an international performance artist, Dr. Jillian Weiss, noted authority on transgender workplace issues is the key note speaker.
First Event 2010 will be held at the Boston Peabody Marriot in Peabody, MA from January 13-17. Registration forms and information for Tiffany Club’s First Event 2010 Transgender Conference are located at the club’s web site at http://www.tcne.org or by calling the club’s First Event program office at 802-356-4582 or via email at firstevent@tcne.org.
