Almost Happy Trails Time

We're headed into the home stretch. Today has been more mellow but amazing none the less. Also I don't toss that word around easily. For instance this morning I ran into a friend Shän and I met at Creating Change. Andre is a wonderful person that also does great work for Trans Health in relation to insurance. That's a real challange. OK, so Andre is just great but in addition we get into this conversation about the community, race relations and the detriment of all communities because of racism being used as a secret weapon by others. Yep, and we even had some ways to begin to solve this issue. See, that's what I call amazing.


Hanging out in The Woods

After I talked to ya'll I took a little nap. I was wiped. I got up and went to the workshop, Bear Health: Big, Hairy and Ignored. I learned more stuff than I expected. First the room was filled with big men, young men, trans men, asian men, skinny men femme men, manly men and my little happy butt. I first learned there are so many different names for guys that are Bears: cubs, chubs, brown bears, black bears, wolves, otters, and a bunch more that I don't recall quickly. The demographics of the Bears makes a difference too. West coast Bears are different than East coast Bears that are nothing like Midwestern Bears and yes, regionally they can even be different. San Francisco has differences from L.A. in relation to Bears. Our facilitator, Justin Varney is from Britain. He has a great website for Bears at www.bearhealth.co.uk. He also considers himself a Fashion Cub. I learned that the bear community can be a private, to themselves community. Health wise they have concerns about Heart Disease, Stroke, Depression, Diabetes and Joint issues to name a few. Also HIV is an issue that can be overlooked when it comes to Bears. Why, you may ask? Well, folks can look at Bears like they are the older more mature guys that got their stuff together. Also, out reach folks can be more focused on the stereotypical queer guy and simply over look the guy that has the Bear look. All of this is stereotypes. Bears need outreach as much as everybody else. So go talk to a bear. I'm so glad to know more about the Bear community and their needs. I feel empowered to make sure I keep an eye and some love on my snugglely boys back home.


The last night of Sound Healing

It was a little chilly tonight but everyone was exhaling from relaxation afterwards anyway. We were all so happy that Tony took some time to spend with us and keep us centered during the summit. I hope he attends next year and there is even more holistic opportunities at the summit. Holstic health options are very valuable to our community. It is true preventative health care.


Down time, Reflection time, Zone out time

After the sound healing it was time to go get some food for Shän and me and then FINALLY, dash off to the hot tub! It was really nice. I did have to do some educating for a straight gentleman that had some questions. I was happy (as always) to inform him on some Trans 101 info along with the jewels of information that I learned at the Raising A Transgender Child in an Intolerant Society workshop. Education is the key, ya'll. Even if you're chillin' in the hot tub. You never know who he might have a chat with and it changes someone's life... or even saves a life.
Well, I'm gonna let my food digest and head to beddy bye. Tomorrow is the last day but it's an early day. I will do my best to hit ya'll with one more blog before we leave the hotel. If I don't then I hope to see ya'll readers at the summit next year. Shän and I are surely gonna try to make it myself.

Have a beautiful night.

Love,


Blue