Local Events – March 25 – 27, 2025 – Community News

Fairfax County Public Schools Pride Unity Rallye Thu Mar 27

At its March 27 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board recognized March 31st as the Transgender Day of Visibility. FCPS Pride held a rally beforehand in the front courtyard, and asked folks to join them afterwards in the auditorium for the proclamation! The rally will be fun, but the school board will only see the attendees and speakers during the meeting at 7 pm. Nearly 100 attendees certainly made our community visible, and declared to our trans community: “We stand with you!”

Rev Emma had been asked to speak beforehand – and she gave an inspiring speech.

And this exception image from the FCPS Pride site showing all the folks assembled for a photo op with the FCPS Board
Click the photo to visit the FCPS Pride website!

MARCH 25 FAIRFAX CITY
TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY PROCLAMATION
On Tues March 25 at 7 PM at the Fairfax City Hall (10445 Armstrong Street)
Fairfax City presented a Proclamation Declaring March 31
Transgender Day of Visibility!
Trans… Significant Others… Allies…
We had a wonderful attendance of supporters and allies there!

Mayor Read Presenting the 2025 Proclamation with 4 dozen supporters

March 14, 2025 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting for March will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, March 14th 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.

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!
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.

Statement from TGEA Regarding The Times in Which We Live
So Many Executive Orders. Yet nothing about you has changed. You still exist. You are still who you are. Your pronouns are your own and they belong to you. What has potentially changed are some of our rights as American citizens. Even then…
Continued Here

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.

February 14, 2025 – Second Friday In Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting for February will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Feb 14th 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.

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!
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.

Statement from TGEA Regarding The Times in Which We Live
So Many Executive Orders. Yet nothing about you has changed. You still exist. You are still who you are. Your pronouns are your own and they belong to you. What has potentially changed are some of our rights as American citizens. Even then…
Continued Here

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.

MAKE A NEW YEAR DONATION TO TGEA There’s Still Time!
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!

January 10, 2025 – Second Friday In-Person Meeting

The Transgender Education Association (TGEA), in coordination with MCC NoVA, are pleased to announce that Second Friday Community Building Group Meeting for January will be an in-person monthly meeting format on Friday, Jan 10th 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.

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!
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.

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.

MAKE A NEW YEAR DONATION TO TGEA There’s Still Time!
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!

Dec 13th 2024 – Monthly Meeting, and – Holiday Potluck!


In the spirit of the holiday season, TGEA is pleased to host a potluck at our December Second Friday Meeting on December 13th, 7:00-8:30 PM.
We encourage everyone to bring a dish of choice! Please note on the dish if it contains allergens that attendees may react to (allergens are not limited to: dairy, gluten, and peanuts). Please bring serving utensils for your dishes; TGEA will provide plates, napkins, and utensils.
We very much look to breaking bread with everyone in our community and having unstructured time just to catch up!
Late arrivals will be provided a phone number to call or text for entry.

MAKE AN END OF YEAR HOLIDAY DONATION TO TGEA There’s Still Time!
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!

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.

Additional December Community News

FYI – NoVA Prism Center Legal Resource Fair!
Saturday December 14 12:00 – 5:00 PM

TGEA Represented at Supreme Court Rally Dec 4th

Pictured L – R TGEA Board Member Chris McCormick, Jamie, Executive Director Rev. Emma Chattin, Heather James
Rev. Emma spoke at a rally held on the steps of the Supreme Court on December 4.
The rally looked something like THIS
“For we are powerful beings. That’s why so many have denied us, oppressed us, and tried to suppress us. Because we reveal that the most fundamental thing about humanity- the very first thing that is said about us… is subject to change … and change is a frightening concept to some people.”
~ from Rev. Emma’s Speech on the Supreme Court steps.

Rev Emma’s Full Speech is HERE

TGEA Recognized with Equality NoVA’s 2024 Service Award

TGEA was honored to receive the 2024 Service from Equality NoVA at their Annual Holiday Party on December 10.
On hand to receive the honor were TGEA Board Members Chris McCormick, Chaiya Mohanty Ortiz, and Kristen “Rabbit” Remers.

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.

===========================
Community Notes
===========================
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!