The Resource Center of Dallas, through its JEWEL (Joining & Educating Women & Empowering Leaders) program, will present a conference and evening performances May 23-25 exploring gender identity, social activism and strategies for communities to work together, according to Cece Cox, associate executive director of GLBT community services with the RCD.
The conference is called "Borders and Bridges."
Cox said, "Border and Bridges provides a welcoming place where individuals can explore questions about gender identity in such a way that they are empowered by one another, and RCD is proud to host this conference that will strengthen our communities."
Workshops and seminars will cover a variety of topics, including, "Crossing the Bridge of T in the LGBT," "Coming Out to Your Kids," "Drag Queen 101" and "Queer Pedagogy: Education and Social Progression through Performance Art."
Conference sessions will be held at the Resource Center of Dallas on Saturday, May 24. Chicago-based activist and performer Jessica Eve Humphrey will be the keynote speaker, speaking on "Border Crossings: Community Allyship in Gender/Queer Cultures."
Krista Smith, aka Kentucky Fried Woman and nationally known for her work in the LGBT performance community, will headline the premiere performance event, "La Revolucion!," Saturday night, May 24, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Sue Ellen’s, 3014 Throckmorton St.
Smith has said her performances are intended to "create a world that is free of the ‘isms’ and give the audience a new reality to hope and fight for." She will be joined by Dukes of Dallas, Cher Musico, Something Fabulous!, Gina Coffman and more.
Performances and social events will be held also before and after the Saturday conference. A social mixer kicks off the event Friday night, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sue Ellen’s. A performance will be held at Buddies II, 4025 Maple Ave., from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 25.
Conference registration costs $17.99, and registration is required for admission to all events. Registration is available online at www.jewelrcd.com.
For additional information, contact Patricia Granados by e-mail at pgranados@rcdallas.org or by phone at 2124-528-0144.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 16, 2008.