transheadlinesMazzoni Center Announces exciting plans for 1st Virtual Edition 2021 Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference, PTWC.
Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic back in December 2020, Mazzoni Center made the decision to move its Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference—usually held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center—to an entirely virtual format on July 22-25, 2021.
While the PTWC looks different this year, Mazzoni Center is hoping the all-virtual format will draw in additional participants who would otherwise face the barriers to access presented by a physical conference in Philadelphia. The virtual conference will still honor its physical roots by bringing back old favorites such as “Show & Tells,” 101 sessions on HRT and Puberty Blockers, and will introduce some exciting new programs touching on the current state of legislation, topics such as trans and plural experiences in the health-care system, a screening of an interview with Charlene Arcila (one of the conference’s original founders), harm-reduction in the Philadelphia trans community, the emerging landscape of TeleHealth, Youth Space workshops led by The Trevor Project, and content that centers BIPOC voices.
“This virtual conference will not fully replace the beauty that our community creates when we hold space together, in-person. But will still achieve our goals of empowering the trans community and the providers who serve us,” said Dani Murano (she/her & they/them), Logistics Coordinator for PTWC.
Former in-person Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference registration, pre-COVID. Photo: Mazzoni Center
PTWC 2021 is presented by Mazzoni Center and made possible through the generous support of the following organizations:
Comcast NBC Universal; Jefferson University; LabCorp; Einstein Pride (Einstein Healthcare Network); DCAP Media; Gilead Sciences Main Line Health, Folx Health, Malvern Treatment Centers and Align Surgical Associates; Philly AIDS Thrift at Giovanni’s Room; Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services; Plume, Quiet Wealth, Fenway Health, Walgreens, RMA of Philadelphia, Arrive Therapy; Phoenixville Hospital; The Rainbow Times/Project OUT; Philadelphia Gay News (local); and POZ Magazine.
About the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference
Mazzoni Center’s Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference (PTWC) is the largest transgender health conference in the world. PTWC was founded by Charlene Arcila who was aided by countless community members, to bring the conference to life, year after year. The mission of the PTWC is to educate and empower trans individuals on issues of health and wellness, recognizing the need for expertise surrounding trans health & wellness to rise from within the community.
About Mazzoni Center
Mazzoni Center is Philadelphia’s leading health center focused on the needs of the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. Mazzoni Center’s mission is to provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals it serves.