Keystone 2015 Impressions and Photos

Nicole Maines and her father.

Angela asked me to write about my impressions and experiences of Keystone 2015. There are however, so many levels on who and how Keystone has helped, I would like to try to hit several examples briefly, rather then one at length. If anyone would like more details of a subject, I’m sure we can visit them at length.

First, there was the keynote speaker; I had the honor of meeting teen activist Nicole Maines. She was articulate, smart, at times funny and very informed for a 17 year old. She, along with the initial and ongoing help from her father, have greatly aided our cause. I say initial, because she had no idea of how much her father was doing, on her behalf. Like the great parent he is, he was protecting her, from many of the nasty things, the world was trying to do to her.

But after a few years of him working behind the scenes, it was decided that Nicole had to “come out.” Starting with her; “I’m just being me, what’s wrong with that’ attitude and recently ending with her tactic of chasing senators and congressman down hallways in the 2 minutes between chambers. She would try to convince them which bills were wrong, or to let them know which bill was right to support. She did this to so many of them and so convincingly, that she actually got the bill defeated! She even convinced the co-sponsor of the bill, to change HIS mind!

She continues to work for LGBT rights and the right of all people to be what they perceive themselves to be. She also promotes an LGBT friendly summer camp for kids and their parents. These are not camps for therapy or counseling, but camps for having fun, swimming, learning crafts, paddling canoes — the same things all kids want to experience, but were afraid to do at a regular camp, while also being themselves. Camp Aranu’tiq, is a great asset for parents, to help with children that see themselves as different from how society sees them.

Second; the staff at the Sheraton Hotel. This conference, like all others, could not exist, if not for the caring, non-judgmental and accepting attitude of the staff and management. I did see a few occasions where someone got a “sir” but then a quick “sorry miss.“

It wasn’t perfect, but mis-speaks were obviously honest mistakes and not in any way spiteful. I spoke to the management and asked if in the seven years keystone has been there, if anything has changed or improved. They said, that while they always considered themselves non-judgmental, they did have to work with the staff the first year or two to get them to understand who we are and to be respectful of our situation. Also, they have had to learn to respond to other guests questions about us, such as, “Why weren’t we told “they” would be here, or “What’s the deal with them?” They respond that they don’t discriminate against any group, religion or race.

The hotel spokesperson also commented that we are a joy to have at the hotel and that we are a happy, courteous and friendly group. (Unlike the hockey group last weekend, whom they couldn’t wait to see go!)

They said some employees have become more open minded and accepting over the years. I have seen first hand how they came to our defense and were very professional in handling the problem customer (a hockey mom!) who was ranting at them as I walked up. After getting the gist of her tirade, wanting a free room, because her son had to see these freaks and was traumatized, I commented “How is a free room going to help your son?” I got a nasty “I’m not talking to you SIR,” but as the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I turned to confront her, the other desk person put his hand on mine, (I guess to keep me from slapping the smirk off her face!) and said; “Don’t worry, its under control.” And it was handled, and not to her satisfaction, I should add.

So, we should all make it a point to thank and patronize places and people who support us and enable us to put on these events, so people can continue to have the opportunity to learn about themselves and be able to evolve into the person that they can and should be.

Lastly, a girl named Jammi was at Keystone. She is from upstate New York and her first time out ever as a girl was in 2012 when she drove seven hours to the first Renaissance Holiday party, held at my home. She was very shy and withdrawn, but soon opened up when she experienced the Renaissance  hospitality, served up by 25 really nice people. She had a great time and during conversation that night, learned about Keystone. She looked into it when she got home and decided to give it a try. So she went in 2013, and quickly learned that she could be herself there. She went to some seminars and in one, learned how to tell other people about “her.” She came again in 2014, gaining more experience and confidence.

The summer after Keystone, she decided it was time to come out to her two children, aged 21 and 23. And it went well! She says she never could have imagined doing that, or that it could have gone any way but bad, until she experienced Keystone! She came again this year, not only hoping to grow even more, but also to visit again, with her growing circle of friends, none of whom she would have met, without The Keystone Conference.

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Tags: Nicole Maines, TransCentral PA Keystone Conference Harrisburg

Category: Out & About, Transgender Community News