Hear our Story and List of Demands​

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Dear Members of the TCNE Leadership and Board,

We are writing on behalf of our respective organizations, HELP by AMG and Chastity's Consulting & Talent Group, to address concerns that have led to our decision to initiate a boycott of First Event 2025. Our goal is to foster transformative change within TCNE, ensuring it becomes a truly inclusive, accessible, and equitable space for all members of the transgender community.

Below is a formal list of demands that we believe are necessary for TCNE to meet in order to align with its stated mission of serving the trans community in its entirety:

1. Invest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training
   
   1. Engage a BIPOC-owned and operated consulting firm to provide intensive DEI training.
   2. Ensure public transparency regarding the training’s progress through status updates, summaries, and progress notes.
2. Equitable Representation
   
   1. Increase opportunities for trans-masculine, trans-men, nonbinary, and intersex individuals to serve on the board, volunteer, and lead workshops or keynote addresses.
   2. Prioritize diverse generational representation on the board to integrate intergenerational wisdom into TCNE’s programming.
3. Fair Compensation for Board Members
   
   1. Allocate funding to provide fair and agreed-upon stipends for board members to promote equity and allow for broader, more diverse participation.
4. Inclusive Programming
   
   1. Allocate funding and resources to support workshops, performances, and events featuring diverse facilitators and artists, ensuring equitable compensation.
5. Trans Leadership at the Forefront
   
   1. Prioritize trans individuals in leadership positions, on stage, and in keynote roles to authentically represent the trans community.
6. Commitment to Transparency
   
   1. Regularly share updates about organizational changes, leadership developments, and community progress via accessible in-person and online platforms.
   2. Publish quarterly progress reports on TCNE’s work towards achieving these goals, with accountability overseen by a qualified third party.
7. Improved Community Spaces
   
   1. Allocate funding and assign dedicated board members to enhance the BIPOC room and Low-Sensory room during First Event, ensuring these spaces are welcoming, interactive, and well-resourced.
8. Public Accountability Statement
   
   1. Issue a public statement acknowledging harm caused to marginalized members of the trans community, outlining specific steps TCNE will take to address these issues and regain community trust.
9. Venue Accessibility
   
   1. Conduct a community survey to identify more accessible and cost-effective venues for First Event, considering weather, transportation, parking, and safety concerns.
10. Diversity in Vendors and Community Organizations
    
    1. Improve vendor and resource fair arrangements by ensuring accessible table layouts, sliding-scale pricing, and visibility for all participants.

We hope these demands are met with the seriousness and urgency they deserve, as they reflect the voices and needs of the communities TCNE is committed to serving.

We look forward to a transparent response and actionable commitment from TCNE. Only upon seeing meaningful steps toward fulfilling these demands will we consider ceasing the boycott of First Event 2025.