Take part in an informative and educational conversation about transgender issues as they pertain to the workplace and tourism in our area. TD Bank and the GFLGCC present: TRANSforming the Workplace -- Transgender Issues and Answers. It takes place on May 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Place 17th Street Convention Center, 1851 SE 10TH Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
The presentation and panel discussion features perspectives from corporate, federal and tourism professionals with a focus on policy, legal, legislative and practical matters for employers.
Anti-transgender laws have recently passed in Mississippi and North Carolina, highlighting the need to educate people.
“There is a lack of education and understanding,” says Keith Blackburn, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. “I have worked with Richard Gray and our CVB in supporting last year's Southern Comfort Transgender Conference. I have learned that the transgender community faces obstacles on every level. That includes obstacles from society in general to jobs, travel, family and more.
The panel discussion will be interactive, so attendees will be able to ask questions and gain insight from TD Bank on a corporate perspective with policies and background.
“Atticus Rank of SunServe will offer statistical information on practical matters and information for employers and also speak from a transgender man's perspective,” Blackburn said.
Gina Duncan of Equality Florida will offer legislative updates, talk about corporate training and also speak from a transgender woman's perspective. Richard Gray of the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB will discuss the recent transgender study on tourism, mention the upcoming Southern Comfort Conference and give practical information for hotel and hospitality businesses. Finally, Chris Courtemanche of the CIA will share the agency's policy and discuss the high profile story about "Jenny" as explained in a recent Advocate article.
The complimentary event begins with a brief networking component – with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres served. Seating is limited, so please RSVP on GoGayFortLauderdale.com/events or email Keith Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Richard Gray, Managing Director LGBTQ Market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In 1995 he developed the Greater Fort Lauderdale’s highly successful LGBTQ marketing initiative. An inductee in the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Associations Hall of Fame, a Fort Lauderdale hometown hero and a recipient of the gay plus Award for Achievement from MTV/Logo, Gray is passionate about all aspects of travel. Gray is also the Vice Chairman of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
Gina L. Duncan, Transgender Inclusion Director for Equality Florida.
Gina Duncan has served on the Orlando Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee. She chaired the Transgender Day of Remembrance and Transgender Career and Wellness Fair events. Duncan was elected President of the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), the LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. She was the first transgender person to serve as President of a major chamber of commerce in the country. She was the President of MBA and the Come Out With Pride event, which annually draws over 100,000 people to the Orlando area. Partnership Registry in both the City of Orlando and Orange County.
In 2014, Duncan became Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Director embarking on a career in corporate transgender inclusion training and consulting. Duncan has trained major corporations across the U.S. and was a guest speaker at the Global Summit on Human Rights in Milan, Italy. Duncan is now recognized as a national and international speaker on transgender inclusion in the work place. Duncan chairs Equality Florida’s Transgender Inclusion Initiative, TransAction Florida, which is comprised of an 18 member advisory board from all over the state of Florida. TransAction advocates for transgender rights and protections through public policy, advocacy and education efforts statewide.
Chris Courtemanche, LGBT Community Outreach Program Manager for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.)
He has been with the CIA for 21 years. Courtemanche is now the agency’s LGBT Community Outreach Program Manager in the Diversity and Inclusion Office. His role as the LGBT Community Outreach Program Manager for the CIA is to dispel myths and misconceptions about the Agency with the ultimate goal of making the CIA an employer of choice for the LGBT community and creating a stronger relationship between the CIA and the LGBT community.
Atticus Ranck, Director of Transgender Services for SunServe.
He holds a Master’s degree in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Florida Atlantic University. In his current position, he is an educator, advocate, and case manager helping transgender adults as they navigate a world that has no place for them.
Ranck has trained local organizations such as BARC and Fort Lauderdale Hospital on Transgender Cultural Competency and has presented on transgender-related issues across the country. For his work, Transgender Services has been named “Best Place for Trans Folks 2015” by SFGN and Ranck has been named one of SFGN’s OUT50.
Roxanne James, Diversity Relationship Manager with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at TD Bank.
She provides support and serves as a subject matter expert to TD's LGBTA, Women in Leadership and Veterans Subcommittees across the U.S. footprint. In the past year, she had led several Diversity initiatives to increase employee awareness and bolster TD Bank's commitment to be a diverse and inclusive workplace. Her most recent project has been TD's LGBTA "I'm Coming Out" podcast where senior leaders are interviewed about their workplace "Coming Out" experience and why it is important to bring your authentic self to work each and every day.
