Mazzoni Center is pleased to announce it has hired Dani Murano-Kinney (they/them/theirs) as the Logistics Coordinator of its Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference (PTWC).

Murano-Kinney brings to the role a wealth of logistical events and programming experience gained while working on the Public Programs team of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, during a period where the museum saw some of the most ambitious programming slates of the last ten years. They also bring extensive knowledge and experience gained through more than five years working as a Trans and Intersex Sensitivity Reader both on a freelance basis and at Salt & Sage Books (NYC); as a Trans & Intersex Educator running training workshops for students, faculty, and staff at a variety of institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and; as a Volunteer Patient Advocate, working with patients and providers alike to create more affirming and empowered healthcare experiences for Trans and intersex people.

When discussing their goals and priorities for the twentieth iteration of PTWC, Murano-Kinney says, “A priority of mine is to examine the ways the conference content and planning structures, have historically failed Black and Brown members of the Trans community. It’s a goal of mine, to do more to recognize and honor the often-overlooked roots of PTWC, which was founded and led by Charlene Arcila, a Black Trans woman.”

“We will work towards these goals with the continued support of the PTWC’s Interdisciplinary Review Committee (IRC), whose contributions to past conferences, and conferences to follow, cannot be understated,” Murano-Kinney continued, “It is also my goal ensure that the IRC continues to represent the community by incorporating new voices, through more robust recruiting initiatives.”

PTWC 2021 is scheduled to take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center August 19-21, 2021. But, given the unknowns of Covid-19 and what guidelines on large gatherings will then, Murano-Kinney said they are proactively planning and reviewing options to deliver PTWC 2021 as either a hybrid or completely virtual experience. “Regardless of what the world looks like next August, we’re committed to providing a space to educate and empower the Trans community, through the conference and beyond,” they said.

About the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference

Now in its 20th year, Mazzoni Center’s Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference (PTWC)—founded in 2001 by Charlene Arcila, a Black Trans woman and activist—offers a space for trans people and allies, families, and providers to come together to re-envision what health and wellness means for trans people. The conference brings together a vibrant and diverse group of attendees covering a broad spectrum of ages, ethnicities, races, abilities, sexualities and genders from various communities and professional fields.

About Mazzoni Center

Mazzoni Center is Philadelphia’s leading health center focused on the needs of the region’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. Mazzoni Center’s mission is to provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals it serves.