No Cinderella Story: Friends Remember Ben Scott “Benderella” Rae

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The Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth will host a presentation, “No Cinderella Story: Friends Remember Ben Scott “Benderella” Rae,” by Laura Hodgman on October 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the library, 93 Main Street in Tamworth Village.

In this talk, Dr. Hodgman will delve into the life of Ben “Benderella” Rae, a developmentally disabled victim of transphobia murdered in Tacoma, Washington in 1977. Before she died, Benderella led a life full of family strife, state institutionalization, hustling, self-advocacy, and friendship. She was part of a family, and part of communities, who accepted or rejected her. The many stories surrounding Benderella’s life and death help to increase understanding of transgender lives both past and present.

Laura Hodgman, Professor Emerita of History at Eastern Washington University, moved to Tamworth about 18 months ago. Between 2012-2016, she conducted an oral history project collecting stories of Rae’s life. The article she wrote on the project was published in the peer-reviewed Oral History Review’s Winter/Spring 2016 issue.

Stories and Songs with Shana Aisenberg

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Jackson Public Library will host a fun-for-all-ages performance on Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m. Shana Aisenberg is a local musician and music teacher. Shana is Music Director at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes (UUFES) in Tamworth, NH. She regularly fiddles for contra dances, plays concerts, and teaches music on stringed instruments including guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, ukulele and more to students of all ages. Shana will be reading stories of inclusion and diversity and sharing songs from American folk traditions for everyone to sing along with.

A Pediatrician’s Understanding of LGBTQ

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On Tuesday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m., in conjunction with Bartlett’s book discussion, retired pediatrician Dr. Skip Small will explore the many complexities of sex and gender determination. He will attempt to increase your understanding of why we, as humans, can not always be simply defined physically and mentally as male or female. An open mind is encouraged, but not required. Prior knowledge and/or experience not necessary. Appropriate for teens and older. A 45 minute talk followed by Q & A.