September 16th, 2007

The seminars at the conference were all great.  I wish I was there for more of the week to sit in on them.  I started off with Dr. James Thomas (http://www.voicedoctor.net/), who has done a lot of work to try and feminize voices.  His procedure would seem to do a better job with the 'adams' apple, shorten the vocal cords, and move the voice box up higher in the throat.  He played a bunch of sound samples, and some results were awesome, and others only so so.  But from all the descriptions he gave, I got the impression you could train your voice to do about as well as surgery would, but having the surgery makes it easier.  I'm still going to see if I can just manage it on my own for now.

Then I got to meet the famous Dr. Ousterhoudt (http://www.drdouglasousterhout.com/).  He and his assistant Mira were very friendly and warm, and it was great to see his whole show.  He really knows what he's doing, and the results speak for themselves.  I got a chance to meet them, and he took some measurements.   Only 5 more weeks!!

I got a chance to hear from another FFS surgeon, who also does other body modifications,  Mark Zuckowski (Http://www.facesculptor.com).  He seemed like a good surgeon, and there were several of his patients in the audience to attest to his work.  But for me, I couldn't stand the guys personality.  I know surgeons have egos and I'm told that's a good thing because you need someone with confidence, but he seemed over the top with it. 

But the most entertaining session was by Jenifer Finney Boylan, who read the beginning of her new book due out in January. (http://www.colby.edu/personal/j/jfboylan/).  She had a sense of humor and answered several questions from the audience.  She might have answered more, but she's elaborated on every answer she gave.  Very personable and she signed autographs afterwards.  A friend had loaned me a copy of her book "She's Not There", and I made sure to have it with me, and I was able to get a nice autograph for her.

In between sessions, I had a chance to do some shopping with some vendors set up for the show and picked up a couple rings and a couple books.  One of which, was "Whipping Girl", but Julia Serano (Http://www.juliaserano.com/whippinggirl.html).  This book is a MUST READ for everyone who's transitioning, and more importantly, by anyone who wants to understand the condition of transexuality.  I'm only through the first 6 chapters, but she has really captured what it's like and explains things in a way that this book ought to be on every psycholgists reading list.  I cannot say enough about this book.  Get a copy, read it.

By the time I was done with all the seminars & meetings & shopping, it was 7pm, and I was tiring out, so I went back to the hotel.  I did have a few conversations with other attendees, and everyone was friendly and nice.  I'd like to come back next year, but have a few more days to spend.