My favorite presentation from this week conference was the presentation regarding being a transgender. When the topic was introduced, you could feel everyone in attendance sit up and become really engaged to Matilda. The topic was brand new to me and I would argue it was a new approach that not many others have considered ever before. The transgender movement has gained a lot of momentum within the last decade, so rights of these individuals is something that should be discussed and agreed upon. Matilda’s presentation was not only engaging, but her powerpoint was very entertaining. Her strategic use of memes and gif’s really allowed the audience to be involved much more compared to other speakers.

She also brought up great points comparing how identifying as a transgender is not a mental illness. However, without the label of ‘transgender’ being uncomfortable or distressed in your own body can be considered an illness. Through the use of similar comparisons, Matilda was able to evoke many thoughts among the crowd. I thought it was extremely interesting how she proposed questions, yet admitted she has not being able to find answers yet. Standing in front of a crowd discussing transgender issues is anxious enough, but giving a presentation with no clear answers is even more stressful.

My favorite part of this presentation was her comical approach. The metaphor of her presentation and dating was a lighthearted approach on a topic that is very controversial in the media. By using such witty creativity, she was able to reach myself and the rest of the audience in a way no other speaker was able to.