Role Modeling

Sitting on trans panel allowed alum to share knowledge and experience

Early on in the process of understanding his gender, Kelly Wise, M.S.W. ’05, Ph.D., attended what was then known as the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference in 2006. “It was so exciting, overwhelming, scary,” he said.

Now called the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference, the gathering is the largest, free, trans-specific conference in the world with a mission to empower trans individuals on issues of health and well-being. Wise, who identifies as a trans man, was certainly empowered. “That conference had a major impact on my transitioning,” he said.

Kelly Wise, M.S.W. ’05, Ph.D., converses with a conference attendee.

Shana Sureck

Wise is a psychotherapist, sex therapist and sex therapy supervisor with a private group practice in New York City. At the Trans Wellness Conference this summer, he sat on a panel to discuss “Sex, Sexuality, and Trans Identities: Clinical Guidance for Psychotherapists and Counselors.”

He was invited to take part after presenting at the Trans Sexuality Conference at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy in 2016 and subsequently contributing a chapter to a book called Sex, Sexuality, and Trans Identities: Clinical Guidance for Psychotherapists and Counselors. “I like being a role model for others who are trying to figure themselves out,” Wise said. “To help people understand that there are many people who came before you, and if we can be who we are, so can you.”

Wise discussed topics that ranged from listening to and rethinking the body to holding patience, redefining sex and disclosing truths about sexuality. He also made note of how he discloses his own surgery process with clients, when relevant.

In addition to familiar faces in the audience, Wise also had the opportunity to visit with alumni from SSW. “We talked about many things, such as how to give back to Smith College, how to improve the Smith experience for future students, invest in the diversity of the curriculum, and the many wonderful experiences people had in classes,” he said.

—Janice Beetle