AFCC 61st Annual Conference Opening Keynote Evaluation |
Opening Keynote: Gender Identity and Transitions: Personal, Spiritual, Legal, and Social
In the spirit of this year’s conference theme, Coping with Transitions, participants will be invited into the personal and profound story of a transgender woman detailing her journey of transition. Tina Madison White will share a narrative of her personal and familial evolution, including the many aspirations, challenges, successes, and revelations she has navigated. Allan Barsky will facilitate discussion anchored by the principles of cultural humility and an ethnographic approach: valuing Tina as an expert in her own life, striving for an authentic understanding of her lived experience, and critically reflecting on his own values, beliefs, and preconceptions. This session is not intended to provide a universal story or common strategies for working with transgender clients and family members. Rather, it is intended to exemplify a process of attentive, compassionate, and respectful listening—a core method for all family dispute resolution professionals.