Ballarat Affirmation Station
Ballarat Affirmation Station
9 - 10th November, 2024
In the lead up to Transgender Visibility Week, Transgender Victoria and the City of Ballarat are proud to present Ballarat Affirmation Station.
The Ballarat Affirmation Station is trans-led, dedicated to empowering transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary people as they navigate their gender journeys. We welcome anyone wanting to explore their identity, build community and be celebrated for who they are.
The Affirmation Station hosts a variety of workshops and gender-affirming activities such as makeup tutorials and binder fittings. All of our programs are designed to help gender-diverse people freely explore who they are and how they want to express themselves.
At Affirmation Station you can connect with other trans and gender-diverse people, explore your identity, and find the support you need on your gender journey. We're here to celebrate you in all your uniqueness.
Places are limited to 8 participants per session unless otherwise noted. Please note, these sessions are for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary people.
Tickets (Refundable deposit): There is a $15 refundable deposit for this session, and as long as you either attend the session or cancel more than 1 day in advance, you will be refunded this cost. If you do not cancel with at least one day's notice, or you do not show up, you will be charged the $15. If you are committed to coming to the session but the $15 fee poses a financial barrier, please contact us at affirmation@tgv.org.au.
Ballarat Affirmation Station is presented by Transgender Victoria and City of Ballarat, supported by LaNCE TV.
Saturday, 9th November
Personal Styling Group Lesson
Sat 9th Nov 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
About the session:
Elevate your style with our inclusive personal styling group lesson! This session offers tailored guidance on finding and expressing your unique style. Learn how to build a wardrobe that reflects your identity and feel confident in your fashion choices. In a supportive, affirming group environment, you'll gain practical tips and inspiration to confidently showcase your authentic self. Join us to celebrate your style journey and embrace your individuality with flair!
About the facilitator: To be announced!
Makeup Lesson
Sat 9th Nov 2024, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
About the session
Join us for a transformative makeup class! In this inclusive and empowering workshop, you'll learn techniques tailored to enhance your unique beauty, with a focus on creating a look that feels true to you. Our fantastic makeup artist Steph Elkington will guide you through everything you'd like to know about makeup. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a supportive environment to explore, experiment, and express your authentic self.
About the facilitator:
Stephanie is a freelance creative Makeup Artist from Melbourne, Australia. She Graduated from the Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Makeup in 2015. She adores lending herself to stage, screen and runways alike. With clients she has a focus on accentuating their natural unique features and their personality.
Trans Femme 101
Sat 9th Nov 2024, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
About the session:
Transfemme 101 is an affirmation, lived experience and life skills session run by Ballarat local Dr. Sophie Pilbeam. The session is constructed around the most important lesson that Sophie learned during her transition: There is no right or wrong way to be trans, and no two people's experiences are the same. Sophie has asked a dozen of her transfemme friends to fill her in on their own experiences, and tell her what they wish they'd known when they first started their journeys. Topics include clothing size nerves, forming support networks, coming out to family members, navigating the world, and the pressure to pass, and whether anyone is ever really "trans enough". We'll also discuss medical pathways, amending personal details, and the legal rights and protections that affect trans people in Australia.
About the facilitator:
Dr. Sophie Pilbeam is a Ballarat-based transfem academic, trainer, and video producer who holds a Ph.D in sociology of gender. She has previously taught at Swinburne University of Technology, and currently works as the director of Ballarat-based LGBTIQA+ talk show, LaNCE TV.
Sunday, 10th November
Hair Styling Sessions
Sun 10th Nov 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
About the session:
Experience the empowerment of a fresh look with our free gender-affirming haircuts! Whether you're exploring a new style or embracing your true self, our skilled stylist will provide supportive and affirming services tailored to your needs. Enjoy a personalized haircut that aligns with your identity and helps you feel confident.
About the facilitator: To be announced!
This is a single person session, or you are free to bring a friend! Hair sessions run about 45 minutes.
Binder Fittings
Sun 10th Nov 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
About the session: If you're interested in buying a binder, but aren't sure what size will work best for you, this is your chance to do an in-person fitting with the team from Transform Transwear!
About the facilitator: Transform is a new Naarm/ Melbourne-based fashion brand launched by Simone Kelly (she/ her) and her 16 year old stepson, Eli (he/ they), after they struggled to find comfortable, safe, locally designed chest binders for Eli.
Eli says: "I got my first binder in 2020 from the internet, and it was so rigid and hard to get into. But once I had it on, and I put a shirt over it, and I was just looking in the mirror, I was so happy and excited. It’s really important that binders are actually comfortable and we couldn’t find that at the time. So when Sim came up with the idea to launch our own, I was so proud and happy and wanted to be part of it.”
The result is a line of binders that have been designed for comfort, safety and style – with tucking underwear and a range of outerwear to follow.
This is a single person session, or you are free to bring a friend! Sessions run about 15 minutes.
Bra Fittings
Sun 10th Nov 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
About the session:
Discover the perfect fit with our personalized bra fitting appointments! Our expert fitters are here to help you find the ideal style and size for ultimate comfort and confidence. Whether you’re seeking everyday essentials or special occasion pieces, we offer a welcoming and inclusive environment to ensure you leave with a perfectly fitting bra.
About the facilitator: To be announced!
This is a single person session, or you are free to bring a friend! Sessions run about 15 minutes.
Trans Masc 101
Sun 10th Nov 2024, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
About the session:
Join us for a Trans Masc 101 workshop in Ballarat with Rory - a trans nonbinary person who has been medically transitioning since 2018. Covering topics such as binding, packing, accessing hormones, styling your body in a more masculine fashion and how to shave without hurting yourself (in the instance you don’t have someone closer to show you how) - we’ve got an hour and a half to cover all this and answer any other questions you may have.
Covid Safety
Covid safety: We acknowledge that COVID-19 has an ongoing impact on all members of our communities, especially our immunocompromised and disabled communities. Below are the strategies we are implementing at every in-person event or gathering to increase our COVID-19 safety and build a culture of community care.
- Free N95 and K94 masks are available and wearing is encouraged - let’s keep each other safe!
- Doors and windows will be opened when suitable (bring warm clothes as it can get a little chilly)
- Hand sanitizer
- Air Purification
What can you do to increase COVID-19 safety at our events?
- Complete a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test prior to attending any of our events.
- Feel like you are coming down with a cold or flu? Please stay home and cancel your booking by emailing us.
- Bring your favourite mask to wear! (If wearing a mask is accessible for you)