District 6 (Penquis) School Nurse Presentation

What does it mean to be transgender? What do all the different terms mean? Do kids really know if they're transgender, or are they just confused? Is our modern world helpful or harmful? And what about the parents??? What about the other kids? What about the bathrooms? Whose safety comes first? What are best practices in these tough situations? And how do I feel about all of this anyway?

If you've been wondering about these things, and probably many others, then you are welcome at this presentation! Hear the personal story of and from a transgender individual, ask all the questions you've ever wanted to ask (even the embarrassing ones), and join in a conversation about what creating safe spaces in your school might look like. This is an opportunity to learn about how you can make a difference in the lives of students, families, staff, teachers, and your school community. And remember, life is too short not to laugh, so be prepared to have fun in the process!

Guest Speaker: Arin C. Hilton

I am a post-operative female-to-male transsexual. I have been speaking professionally for over 20 years on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Questioning, and Allies (LGBTQIQA) issues, first as a lesbian, and for the past 8 years as a transgender male. I also have a mild form of an intersex condition that is a vital part of my story as well as a teaching tool.
I am a husband to my amazing wife of 18 years, Amanda, father to my 2 sons Henry (12) and Ben (10), an active member of a U.C.C. church, treasurer for the local library board, and full-time taxi service to the aforementioned sons. I have a Master's Degree in Theology and Ethics, and I currently work in public education in an elementary school. I provide the opportunity to learn from real-life experiences, meeting individuals and feeling more comfortable talking about LGBT issues. I have both the knowledge and the willingness to approach these topics from medical, psychological, sociological, and my own personal perspectives. I'm known for my candid, yet light-hearted approach to my own story that includes everything from suicide attempts, to parenting, to ​finally living as a whole person. My mission is to meet people where they are and then encourage them through exploration and modeling how to do the same. I believe that every voice matters and in the power of changing understanding one conversation at a time.