The Alpha Omega Society sponsored a series of book signings and lectures over Memorial Day Weekend 2007 featuring Helen Boyd, celebrated author of My Husband Betty (2003) and most recently She’s Not the Man I Married.

Ms. Boyd and her partner, Betty made the following public appearances:

• May 25th (Friday) 4:00 pm. Loganberry Books, Shaker Heights, OH - Lecture and book signing.
  
  
• May 25th (Friday) 7:00 pm. Hope Lutheran Church, Cleveland Heights, OH - Potluck dinner, discussion and book signing.
  
  
• May 26th (Saturday) 2:00 pm. Borders Books, Westlake, OH - Discussion and book signing.
  
  
• May 27th (Sunday) 12:00 noon. Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Cleveland, OH - Discussion and book signing.
  
  
• May 27th (Sunday) - 8:00 pm. Bounce Nightclub, Cleveland, OH - Informal reception and book signing.
  
  
  

IN HER OWN WORDS (from Helen's blog - (en)gender)

Checking in from Cleveland
Posted in helen & betty doings on May 25th, 2007

So far, we are having a lovely time in Cleveland: our host is as gracious as we could want, & the two events today were interesting and enjoyable. Other than our train getting in 1.5 hours late (which meant a 5am arrival!), things are going quite smoothly indeed.

For all of you who have come to events, thanks for attending. We’re looking forward to meeting the rest of you in the Cleveland area sometime this weekend.

On the Borders
Posted in helen & betty doings on May 27th, 2007

Yesterday, while buying a cup of tea at the Borders I was about to do a book signing in, I heard the announcement for me and my book over the store’s loudspeakers. Quite surreal, and made me realize that Betty & I didn’t bring a regular camera, much less a video camera.

Welcoming Cleveland
Posted in helen & betty doings on May 27th, 2007

I was a little surprised when our host sent me some of the information about events we’d be doing this weekend, among them a visit with Lutherans and another with a UCC congregation. Neither Betty nor myself have been involved with an organized religion for many, many years. But I’m pleased to say that two of our best experiences here in Cleveland were at those meetings: first the Lutherans Concerned on Friday night, where we had a lovely discussion about the book and trans lives, and then today at Pilgrim, where really wonderful questions were asked about how be more welcoming to trans folks & their partners.

So, if you’re Christian & trans in the Cleveland area, I can personally attest that there are people within these congregations who know from trans.

At 8PM tonight, we go to Bounce, which is a bar/nightclub, and thus much more familiar territory.

Wow
Posted in helen & betty doings on May 28th, 2007

I had a great, “full circle” kind of moment tonight, getting a chance to hang out with a couple who were on the original CDOD list back in 2000. Amazing to be with a couple who not only survived but thrived with transness in the picture. & Thanks to you both - you know who you are.

& To everyone else who showed up at Bounce tonight - I won’t name you because I don’t now if any of you want to be named - thanks: I had a really great time. (& Do send me copies of whatever photos you took, pretty please!)

Amtrak, Pt. 2
Posted in helen & betty doings on May 28th, 2007

We depart Cleveland tonight, or this morning, at something around 3am, depending on if the train arrives on time or not (it is, effectively, the same train we got off of Friday morning), and around 10am we’ll be in Chicago.

We went to a lovely fundraiser today for a group who are putting together a diversity conference here in Cleveland the first week of August, and I was so impressed with the idea I have to share it: it was called “A Movable Feast” and three different hosts each served a meal: one appetizers, one the main meal, & the third dessert. You sign up, pay something, the hosts provide the meals, & everyone has a good time while money is being raised for a good cause. At the third house the local City Council member was the host - an out gay man named Joe Santiago, who served in the Navy to boot. It could be a very useful way for people to host for trans issues, since you could provide safe/less public spaces to gather for those who are closeted/private/stealth, but while still providing money for a good cause & getting people to have a good time.

Thanks to all those who met up with us while we were in Cleveland, and a special thanks to Diane Frank and Alpha Omega for organizing our stay in Cleveland, for being fantastic hosts, & for coming to the many events we did.

We’re looking forward now to seeing our Chicago friends.

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Helen Boyd's (EN)GENDER website.   Helen Boyd Books website.

Helen's latest work, She's Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband is now available through the Alpha Omega bookstore.