1. Learn about Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center and the resources available to Palm Beach County

2. A quick talk about the differences between gender expression and gender identity 

3. A look into current anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Florida and the impact they will have on organizations, businesses and HR professionals.

PRESENTED BY MICHAEL RIORDAN

From an early age, Michael knew that she had feelings that were not being experienced by a majority of her peer group. In the 1980’s there were few resources for transgender people; in many cases, no one knew that transgender people existed. At the age of ten she tried to express feelings of gender dysphoria to a family member and the reaction she received convinced her to hide how she felt until she was 37.  

Today, Michael happily works at Compass Community Center and identifies as a transgender woman. She goes by any pronoun and is keeping her birth name.  She has a BS in Communications and a Masters in Educational Leadership. Michael is a firm believer that transgender people should live openly and proudly when it is healthy and safe for them to do so and advocates for equal rights for transgender people.