PORT ANGELES — They come from all over the Northwest and all walks of life.
But beginning today, the 159 transgender people participating in this week’s Esprit conference will come to Port Angeles simply to be themselves.
“For people actually coming out for the first time, it’s huge for them,” said Karen Williams, one of the conference organizers.
“It means a lot.
“It’s a life-changing event.”
The Esprit Gala is the annual conference for three transgender organizations located in Seattle, Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C.
The participants range from men who simply enjoying dressing in women’s clothes to those, like Williams, who have taken on a female identity.
In PA since 1990
The conference has been held at the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles since its inception in 1990.
That year, the Emerald City Social Club, a transgender group, chose the city to host a conference for each of its 90 members.
Dubbed “90 in 90,” the conference also included the Portland and Vancouver organizations.
Port Angeles was chosen because it was far enough away to feel like a vacation and had a hotel affordable enough to host the event, Williams said.
But the location wasn’t supported by everyone, she recalled.
“People were afraid that the loggers were going to beat us up,” Williams said.
“It turns out that the community was really welcoming.
“It was unbelievable.”
The conference will run from today through next Sunday, May 22.
Most of the events — which include classes on crossdressing, transgender legal rights and even belly dancing — will be held at the hotel.
Events open to public
On Friday, a Western-themed talent show will be held at 8 p.m. at the Elks Naval Lodge, 131 E. First St.
The show is open to the public with a $5 donation. Proceeds go to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County.
Also open to the public with a $5 donation is a gala with live music and dancing, to be held at 9 p.m. Saturday at the hotel.
The Nasty Habits, a transgender band, will perform at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at Bar N9ne, 229 W. First St. The performances, which are listed on the Esprit calendar as non-Esprit events, will go on until 1 a.m. and are open to the public.
________
Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
