Weekend conference focuses on transgender issues

A statewide group dedicated to educating the public on transgender issues will hold a conference in Lawrence this weekend.

The Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, or K-STEP, conference kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. Stephanie Mott, executive director of K-STEP, will give Friday’s opening remarks that will be followed by a workshop on creating safe spaces for transgender youth. Presentations and workshops will run all day Saturday, then a 6 p.m. banquet at the Lawrence Holiday Inn on McDonald Drive will feature keynote speaker Nate Phelps, an Alberta-based LGBT advocate and son of Topeka’s Fred Phelps.

Cost for attending Saturday’s daytime events is $25, plus another $25 to attend the banquet. Tickets for both can be purchased for $45. Details are available at www.transkansas.com.