An estimated 320 people flocked to Downer's Grove, Ill., the last week of May for Chicago's 30th anniversary Be-All Conference.
The transgender conference is one of the largest of its kind in the country, featuring a variety of workshops, vendors and speakers.
For three decades, the conference has been hosting increasing numbers of attendees largely made up of transgender women. When the first conference was held in Ann Arbor, Mich., six people attended. Since, its crowds have swelled to nearly 500 some years.
"It makes such a huge impact on people, knowing that they're not alone," said Olivia Connors, chair of the 2012 conference.
Amanda Simpson, the first out transgender presidential appointee in U.S. history, gave this year's keynote address. Simpson is currently serving as the special assistant to the Army Acquisition Executive.
Simpson recalled her own gender journey and its impact on her career.
"Even a few years ago, I never would have imagined I would have an office in the Pentagon," she said, adding that the office she currently occupies was destroyed in the 9/11 attacks.
Simpson discussed her fears about how coming out would impact her career, but said that in the end, the choice to come out was a matter of being authentic.
"I was afraid that I would lose everything," she said.
Simpson began her transition long before her presidential appointment, which was intensely scrutinized by the media because she is transgender.
In the end, Simpson said, her transition neither aided nor hurt her career, not even in her new capacity in the U.S. Army.
"I am asked, 'what is worth it?' Was it worth it to be my authentic self?" she said. "Hell, yes."
Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, introduced Simpson's lunchtime address.
Special honors went to Rachel's Wigs, Transformations by Rori, Barbra Getz, Dr. Fred Ettner, Dr. Toby Meltzer, Dr. Douglas Ousterhout, Dr. Ken Dollarhide, Dr. Richard Docter and Kelly Morrissy.
Connors said that Be-All participation has waned in recent years due to the poor economy, but that its mission to educate and empower has remained constant since its start.
"As somebody said to me, 'You've probably saved more lives than you realize,'" she said.
