When Blue Montana moved to Las Vegas from San Diego recently to begin working as The Center’s transgender program manager, he arrived with multiple ideas for new events and programs already swirling around in his head. One of those is a conference called Genderfest, and he wasted no time developing the first one, which will take place at The Center September 8-10.

“Genderfest is not only a conference about the intersectionality of gender, it’s about growth, learning about the different ways gender is explored and expressed, and navigating through the gender journey,” Montana says. “Having gone to various other conferences and realizing the cost of travel and lodging can be prohibitive, I wanted to give the trans and gender non-conforming (GNC) community in Las Vegas the opportunity to attend a local conference while also showcasing trans and GNC-identified folks from other places, who will bring some outside culture and influence to us here in Las Vegas. It’s inspired by my passion and love for my local community!”

Workshops at Genderfest are anticipated to cover topics such as sex reassignment surgery, legal issues, trans history, name and gender changes, financial literacy, and more. One workshop already confirmed is for parents of trans youth, led by Alexis Pasqua.

Not only is the conference targeted to those in the trans/GNC community but also to allies who want to learn more, as well as professionals in the healthcare and legal fields who wish to gain insight into best practices for serving the community.

Genderfest is not solely about education and discussion.

“We have to have some fun! We will be hosting pool parties at the host hotel, Alexis Park All Suite Resort, as well as a dinner dance at the end of the conference,” Montana says.

Since the inaugural event is in the early planning stages yet just around the corner, financial sponsorship is the most crucial need at this point, followed by securing workshop facilitators. Volunteers and vendors are also being sought. To participate in any of these ways, contact Montana at bmontana@thecenterlv.org or 702-802-5419.

“This is the first ever event of this kind here in Las Vegas, and we need the public’s support! we’re looking to make this an annual event, and community participation is crucial to its success!” Montana says.

Tickets to attend Genderfest may be purchased at www.thecenterlv.org/genderfest.