Category Archives: Education

November 8, 2024 – Second Friday In-Person Gathering

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting for November will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Nov8th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

In these challenging times we take additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. Late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

TGEA & SECOND FRIDAY gathers at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.
TGEA & SECOND FRIDAY Gathers at MCC of Northern Virginia
aka
MCC NoVA – the Fairfax City LGBTIQQ+ Community Center

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can continue to open our doors for our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


DID YOU KNOW TGEA SPONSORS A COMMUNITY BUILDING GROUP
FOR SPOUSES AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS?

In addition to the groups above, TGEA currently has an on-line group for Spouses, significant others, and partners
of those who are transitioning, experiencing gender expansion, or who are questioning.
There are other groups as well.
Contact TGEA for more information.


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Community Notes
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NOVEMBER 20, 2024 7:00 PM – THE 16th ANNUAL
NORTHERN VIRGINIA INTERFAITH TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

This will be the 16th year that TGEA has sponsored the Northern Virginia Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service.
We do this in conjunction with the Metropolitan Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), and various host communities.

What is The Transgender Day of Remembrance?
This is the day we remember our dead, those who were murdered over the past year while living their life as their authentic self due to anti-trans violence or hate.
The event will be hosted at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd. Oakton, VA
Please contact Rev. Emma if you have any questions.


DONATE TO TGEA
We are here to serve YOU, the community!
If each individual who has enjoyed the connections made through TGEA were to donate or set up a PayPal autopay of just $5 a month,
we would not only get past our survival but we would be in a position of growth — during a time when we are needed most!

TGEA is a 501c3 and currently exists only by the grace of your donations and occasional grants.
The COVID pandemic has been a challenge for many organizations, and TGEA is certainly one of them

We cherish and welcome all donations, and no contribution is small.

If your company has matching funds, TGEA is a 501c3.
You can always donate at the following link: HERE
Thank You So Much!


October 11, 2024 – Second Friday In-Person Gathering

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting for October will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Oct 11th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

TGEA & SECOND FRIDAY gathers at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.
TGEA & SECOND FRIDAY Gathers at MCC of Northern Virginia
aka
MCC NoVA – the Fairfax City LGBTIQQ+ Community Center

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.


Sept 13, 2024 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for September will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Sept 13th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens & Tweens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


DID YOU KNOW TGEA SPONSORS A COMMUNITY BUILDING GROUP
FOR SPOUSES AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS?

In addition to the groups above, TGEA currently has an on-line group for Spouses, significant others, and partners
of those who are transitioning, experiencing gender expansion, or who are questioning.
There are other groups as well.
Contact TGEA for more information.


===========================
Community Notes
===========================
FALL GENDER MARKER AND NAME CHANGE CLINIC!
SAVE THE DATE – Sat Sept 14 1-4PM GMU Fairfax!


DONATE TO TGEA
We are here to serve YOU, the community!
If each individual who has enjoyed the connections made through TGEA were to donate or set up a PayPal autopay of just $5 a month,
we would not only get past our survival but we would be in a position of growth — during a time when we are needed most!

TGEA is a 501c3 and currently exists only by the grace of your donations and occasional grants.
The COVID pandemic has been a challenge for many organizations, and TGEA is certainly one of them

We cherish and welcome all donations, and no contribution is small.

If your company has matching funds, TGEA is a 501c3.
You can always donate at the following link: HERE
Thank You So Much!


August 9, 2024 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for August will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Aug 9th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens & Tweens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


DID YOU KNOW TGEA SPONSORS A COMMUNITY BUILDING GROUP
FOR SPOUSES AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS?

In addition to the groups above, TGEA currently has an on-line group for Spouses, significant others, and partners
of those who are transitioning, experiencing gender expansion, or who are questioning.
There are other groups as well.
Contact TGEA for more information.


===========================
Community Notes
===========================
TGEA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH – It’s What We Do!
Below:
Rev. Emma & Heather conducting a Trans Educational Outreach for Fairfax County NCS (Neighborhood Community Services),which covers agencies that provide programs and services across the life span from zero years to 100 years of age. July 11, 2024


Below:
Rev. Emma strongly suggesting to folks… that if they can’t do anything else, just be kind.


DONATE TO TGEA
We are here to serve YOU, the community!
If each individual who has enjoyed the connections made through TGEA were to donate or set up a PayPal autopay of just $5 a month,
we would not only get past our survival but we would be in a position of growth — during a time when we are needed most!

TGEA is a 501c3 and currently exists only by the grace of your donations and occasional grants.
The COVID pandemic has been a challenge for many organizations, and TGEA is certainly one of them

We cherish and welcome all donations, and no contribution is small.

If your company has matching funds, TGEA is a 501c3.
You can always donate at the following link: HERE
Thank You So Much!


July 12, 2024 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for July will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, July 12th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens & Tweens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


DID YOU KNOW TGEA SPONSORS A COMMUNITY BUILDING GROUP
FOR SPOUSES AND SIGNIFICANT OTHERS?

In addition to the groups above, TGEA currently has an on-line group for Spouses, significant others, and partners
of those who are transitioning, experiencing gender expansion, or who are questioning.
There are other groups as well.
Contact TGEA for more information.


TGEA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH – It’s What We Do!

Above:
Rev. Emma & Jacob conducting a Trans Educational Outreach at Pohick Regional Library in Burke, VA. June 15, 2024


June 14, 2024 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for June will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, June 14th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030.
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender +, Significant Others, Friends, Family, Allies.

There will also be three break-out groups:
  * Parents
  * Teens & Tweens
  * Transmasculine and TransMasc Nonbinary
We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


TGEA PRIDE
Chaiya and Rabbit represented TGEA for a second year in a row at the Safe Space NOVA sponsored PRIDE Prom on May 31st at the beautiful Alexandria Torpedo Factory. Hats off to the organizers who held an amazing event for queer youth to celebrate a prom as their authentic selves. In addition to popping music and great food, there were quiet spaces, many community booths, and door prizes for the attendees. If you have a teen, you may want to consider this for next year!

On June 1st, Chaiya and Rabbit also represented TGEA at Alexandria Pride. A highlight of the event was the inauguration of two PRIDE cross walks near Market Square. This was TGEA’s second year at this event and the weather, ambiance, and vibes were perfect!


Chaiya Is Leaving The Area But not the Cause or TGEA!
by Rev Emma Chattin
Chaiya will be leaving the area and relocating to another state this month. She is leaving her role as Educational Outreach Participant and Facilitator for the Parent’s Group, however she will always be committed to the cause, and will remain a TGEA Board member and remote participant. (If COVID taught us anything it’s that we can always bridge the distance between us.)

I met Chaiya in May of 2014. We had many conversations, and she joined the first Parent’s Group a month later, on June 27, 2014. In 2016 i asked her to join the reconstituted TGEA, and she was elected as a Board Member on August 28 of that year. She has served on the TGEA Board ever since (8 years!), serving a term or two as Clerk, filling a variety Board functions, participating and leading numerous Educational Outreaches, and staffing the TGEA table at many’a PRIDE event.

I will miss the proximity of Chaiya’s presence as both a dear friend and a co-worker in service to the community. At the same time, I am excited for her as she begins this new phase of her life, and i look forward to what new things may come from her next adventure! I mean this in all sincerity: Go Chaiya! (but not too far) 🙂

If you would like to drop Chaiya a note, please click this link!


Community Notes

Special Thanks to Orit of the WREN Project!
for sharing her table space up front at Reston PRIDE (the organizers placed our purchased space as the last tent on the far row).
You’re the Best Orit!


Pride Proclamation and Rally on Thursday June 13th!
We just wanted to get the word out that we are doing a rally for the Pride Proclamation on Thursday of this week before the school board meeting. We would love for you to come and support the proclamation, speak at the rally, and/or participate in the school board photo after the proclamation.

Here is the link to the event on FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/KucugTj2D1FyFVid/

We’ve had some successes this year and we want to celebrate them. Joy!
We will bring rainbow m&m cookies for the rally.
Yum!
-Vanessa and Chris


Jan 12, 2024 – Second Friday In-Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for January will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Jan 12th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030. We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


Dec 8, 2023 – Second Friday In Person Meeting!

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday for December will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Dec 8th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

At this upcoming Second Fridays groups, we will be having a Winter Potluck! We encourage folks attending to bring a holiday dish or treat to share if they would like. If you do bring something, we ask folks keep in mind attendees allergies and food preferences. Please include a list of allergy warnings (i.e., eggs, nuts, etc.), and whether the dish contains meat, dairy, and or gluten. Hope to see you then!

We’ll meet at the Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), 10383 Democracy Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030. We will feature our open session for Transgender, Gender Non-Binary, Agender + Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies. We will also provide two separate closed group break-out sessions exclusively for Parents/Guardians and for Teens and Tweens.

In these challenging times we will be taking some additional steps for your security. The Second Friday facilitators will be monitoring the facility entrance. Prior to the start of the meeting, we will have folks at the entry door. After the gathering begins, late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

Masks are optional.

We are grateful that we can open our doors to our community once more!
We look forward to seeing everyone!


Transgender Day of Remembrance Service – 7PM

Its Monday, November 20th. The 15th Annual NoVA TDOR is 7PM tonight at Unity of Fairfax.
We remember. https://unityoffairfax.org/calendar/2023-11/tdor LiveStream begins at 6:45PM


This will be the 15th year that TGEA has sponsored the Northern Virginia Interfaith Transgender Day of Remembrance Service, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NoVA), and various host communities.

What is The Transgender Day of Remembrance?
This is the day we remember our dead. Last year there were 41 individuals in this country who were killed while living their life as their authentic self. The remembrance service is traditionally held on November 20, 2023 which is a Monday this year, and will be held at 7:00 PM.

This year the service will be hosted at
Unity of Fairfax
2854 Hunter Mill Rd,
Oakton, VA 22124