Claire Winter

So what's my pedigree? I am an early-retired corporate founder/executive with a teaching degree and a passion to contribute to the TG community--sounds like a dangerous combination! I finally discovered and embraced my true gender starting in 1987 (a baby boomer mid-life epiphany), and have been at various times a member of The Emerald City and IFGE Boards, Tri-Ess, and the Esprit Committee. I currently have the privilege of serving Emerald City as its president (or Presidette, as I call it: never take yourself too seriously). My first Esprit was 1991, and of course it changed my life.

The Transgender Cause is now my full-time life's passion. I have trudged my way down an ongoing learning curve, discovered much along the way, and have embraced a process of personal growth that is never-ending. Recapturing my true gender was made infinitely more possible with help from both pioneers and peers. I hope to offer similar support toward your individual journey with these sessions, where we can all learn from one another.

I am looking forward to giving three presentations this year. I have squeezed a trunk-full of tools, observations and perspectives--based on research, personal experience, public interaction and plenty of mistakes--into each 90-minute overview. You will leave the class with a detailed handout on the material and a brochure or two that might help you in your relationships. I happen to believe that learning is extremely fun, so we'll have a good time covering lots of useful material.

Claire presents:

Trans Makeup Pointers

This class is an overview that emphasizes the most important MTF TG makeup problem areas to address. These are often missed in department store makeovers since they have little trans experience.

Deportment: From/To a T

There are many good resources out there for feminine deportment, yet most all of these are given by GGs. I think it would be useful to talk about feminine movement--and mindset, really--from the perspective of having been a guy for 58 years, and the special challenges of unlearning our male bearing/attitude in order to release the feminine within. We will talk about, and work on, a priority list of feminine movements, concentrating on those that will help you to blend in public most effectively. This will not be a charm school class--this is where the heels meet the sidewalk!

Discovering Your Own Identi-T

I believe that each of us has a very unique and equally valid transgender journey to make. No particular profile is more serious or superior than another, whether you are full or part time, have surgery or not. We will explore many of the different well-populated profiles, so that you have an understanding of some of the many options and can better discover your own. We will go over lots of tools you can use to help you find your unique gender identity.