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Unofficial Request for Help
Oct. 23rd, 2010 11:14 amI know, since i've gotten involved in TBC, you've had to read (and listen if you see me in person) about it a lot. Please read this one, I'm asking for your help.
If you don't know the back story, last year was the first year most of us got involved. We did our best to be accessible and supportive, and overall did a really good job. The opportunities I had to talk to attendees and reading the feedback forms, we met out goal of creating a fun, educational, safe, inviting event for people all over the gender, orientation and relationship spectrums.
This year we took a lot of those lessons learned to improve things. One of those things being more accessible. We really mean it when we ask how we can make the conference easier to attend and enjoy. A lot of things don't seem like big deals - choosing a location that is accessible via mass transit or making up some large print conbooks. Some things are real challenges - We've applied for a grant for an ASL interpreter which is otherwise a significant expense. We also do our best to be affordable, and so while the cost seems high for the average attendee, we also work hard to ensure we're able to create full and partial scholarships for the folks who need them.
And that's what i'm writing about.
Most of the money for scholarships comes from the sponsors and donations. This year we've already been hard at work seeking sponsorships from groups all over the northeast and beyond. Individuals and organizations have stepped up and we're amazed by their generosity. Still, we're a bit behind where we want to be in order to meet the needs for scholarships.
This is my department, and I can tell you, the folks who have applied so far are all great candidates. They include a single parent of three going to school for social work, a disabled and formerly homeless person who has decided to begin transitioning late in life, and a group of six from the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program's Trans Support Group.
Last year i saw the impact we had on people who received scholarships. I don't say it to brag, i mean that. We do real, good work for folks.
I know times are tough. I HATE asking for money. Last year a number of you were able to help out and so I'm asking again.
* If you're on the fence about coming, register today. See what we're doing. See why this is important.
* If you're part of an organization, a store, write a blog, have an etsy shop, or just want to spread a happy message, buy an ad in the conbook. They start at $25, which is almost an entire person's scholarship right there.
* Donate the cost of a scholarship. For about $35 we can say yes to another person.
* Even $5 or $10 adds up. If 20 people donate $10 we've almost covered the BHCHP's group right there.
I know money is tight, I know times are tough, and I know this seems self serving. I assure you, TBC is more than a drag show and Lee Harrington. It's community, it's safety, it's not being alone for a lot of people who otherwise feel unwelcome, inbetweened and edged out because of who they are. The organizers all pay to attend, and a lot of us have shelled out money for the other costs that have arisen - tables at events, printing costs, shirts, etc. We don't make anything off of this. If we could cover all of the costs, we believe in it enough we'd probably try. But we can't, this is where we need your help.
Thank you for your support, whatever form it comes in.
If you don't know the back story, last year was the first year most of us got involved. We did our best to be accessible and supportive, and overall did a really good job. The opportunities I had to talk to attendees and reading the feedback forms, we met out goal of creating a fun, educational, safe, inviting event for people all over the gender, orientation and relationship spectrums.
This year we took a lot of those lessons learned to improve things. One of those things being more accessible. We really mean it when we ask how we can make the conference easier to attend and enjoy. A lot of things don't seem like big deals - choosing a location that is accessible via mass transit or making up some large print conbooks. Some things are real challenges - We've applied for a grant for an ASL interpreter which is otherwise a significant expense. We also do our best to be affordable, and so while the cost seems high for the average attendee, we also work hard to ensure we're able to create full and partial scholarships for the folks who need them.
And that's what i'm writing about.
Most of the money for scholarships comes from the sponsors and donations. This year we've already been hard at work seeking sponsorships from groups all over the northeast and beyond. Individuals and organizations have stepped up and we're amazed by their generosity. Still, we're a bit behind where we want to be in order to meet the needs for scholarships.
This is my department, and I can tell you, the folks who have applied so far are all great candidates. They include a single parent of three going to school for social work, a disabled and formerly homeless person who has decided to begin transitioning late in life, and a group of six from the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program's Trans Support Group.
Last year i saw the impact we had on people who received scholarships. I don't say it to brag, i mean that. We do real, good work for folks.
I know times are tough. I HATE asking for money. Last year a number of you were able to help out and so I'm asking again.
* If you're on the fence about coming, register today. See what we're doing. See why this is important.
* If you're part of an organization, a store, write a blog, have an etsy shop, or just want to spread a happy message, buy an ad in the conbook. They start at $25, which is almost an entire person's scholarship right there.
* Donate the cost of a scholarship. For about $35 we can say yes to another person.
* Even $5 or $10 adds up. If 20 people donate $10 we've almost covered the BHCHP's group right there.
I know money is tight, I know times are tough, and I know this seems self serving. I assure you, TBC is more than a drag show and Lee Harrington. It's community, it's safety, it's not being alone for a lot of people who otherwise feel unwelcome, inbetweened and edged out because of who they are. The organizers all pay to attend, and a lot of us have shelled out money for the other costs that have arisen - tables at events, printing costs, shirts, etc. We don't make anything off of this. If we could cover all of the costs, we believe in it enough we'd probably try. But we can't, this is where we need your help.
Thank you for your support, whatever form it comes in.
