scott.kay

Trip Report: SPARK Movie

09/23/201309/23/2013 by scott.kay

Yesterday I went to see “SPARK” in San Francisco at the Roxie Theater where it is showing on Saturday and Sunday at 4:30pm. And, just a recommendation, right around the corner is Puerto Allegre with some seriously good Mexican food!

I cried through half of the movie as I saw an amalgamation of 5 years of my Burning Man experience played out on the screen with footage that went back to 1989. It did gave the sense of a scabs and all view of Burning Man but that was simply not the truth.

The story was amazing. The visuals were inspiring. It was all very touching and a fairly honest expression of Burning Man and the people responsible for it’s existence.

Three people are credited for the first Burn on Baker Beach in 1989: Larry Harvey, Micheal Mikel and John Law. John dropped out of the scene around 1996 and divorced himself from Burning Man for his own reasons while Harvey and Mikel (aka Danger Ranger) continued on with a new cast of crazies that included Harley, Marian, Crimson and others that are all in the movie and credited as “Co-Founders”.

Queers in the Film

There were quite a few Queers in the movie but only 1 talked about his orientation was John La Grace founder of Playa )'( School theme camp. Although this is not a Queer identified camp it gives that deeply help ideology that BMorg seems to continue to perpetuate is that LGBTQ and the rest of the burner community blur together seamlessly.

The Film

This is a fantastic film but it is clearly a tool of BMorg in answer to their ticketing fiasco of 2012. It is an amazing film in spite of that perception. The often staged sessions of angst in boardroom discussions are 2 dimensional based on some of my personal history with some of the people I have known in those meetings.

Fact or Fiction

The movie is amazing. My previous comments should not be taken as a negative reaction to the film, just an observation based on personal experience. My favorite person in the film was Otto Von Danger working on his project from 2012 called “Burn Wall Street”; he gave the most honest portrayal of anyone there.

It has to be seen. This movie should be seen by every Burner. But then again, it was like a trip back to the playa over my lifetime as a Burner. Joy.

Get involved Regionally

09/14/2013 by scott.kay

Burning Man happens once a year for 8 days of pure bliss in the desert. If you have embraced the 10 principles and want this magic to continue in your life on any level between 1 to 10 then get involved with people like you out there. #1 resource is your Burning Man Regional Network through the Burning Man [dot] Com web site. Want to start a network for Queer Burners in your region please let us know so we can help promote it.

Gay Burners on Facebook (main Queer Burner page)
Queer Burners on Facebook (social side of Gay Burners Page)
SF Queer Burners (San Francisco)
LV Queer Burners (Las Vegas)

More to come. You might note that the above pages are ones created by Toaster (that would be me) and I knew there were others out there but I cannot find them as I type this but will add to this post as the list grows. Please feel free to reach out.

Admin Notice: Membership and a Toaster

09/27/201409/04/2013 by scott.kay

Membership is back open now that Burning Man 2013 is finished. This Toaster is back and while I was there in the desert I was working it. Yes, I talk to people and I try to continue build on this idea that this is an important community.

Queer Burners is a project I started at the end of 2008 / beginning of 2009 as a static web site as a place for LGBTQ burners to connect. It had nothing to do with the Gayborhood or creating leadership.

I explained my actions to a camp mate and their reactions was, ‘wow, you are mister popular‘. It’s not about that. I talk about Queer Burners because it is important that we stay united. I am forced to defend my belief that the Gayborhood is vital and that uniting camps and people in the community is as important as community leaders in the Castro, Boys Town or any other community inside a city.

The QBLN: Queer Burner Leadership Network is just the next level in this project and has resulted in the Queer Burner Leadership Summit over the last 2 years. These have been very inspiring and community strengthening exercises.

Nobody appointed me to do this just as much as no one tells you to do the right thing when you know it is what should be done. I do not do this for ego or to be the coolest kid on the block. I would gladly have someone just as committed to this community right there helping out. So far there has been limited inspiration from anyone to help manage this project, but I am getting help and I appreciate it.

For all the people who have thanked me for this work, I cannot share enough appreciation in return. The important thing to remember is that this is community driven.

2013 Cargo Cult : A Trip Report

09/27/201409/04/2013 by scott.kay

After 2012’s Fertility 2.0 and the crushing ticket fiasco of all times it would seem hard to bounce back, but Burning Man Project did and pretty darn well. All the pomp and pageantry came to Black Rock City in a glorious way with Cargo Cult and John Frum. 2013 Temple

What were the numbers? Anyone will tell you there was a glut of newbies, virgins and tourists on the playa with other terms like dark-tards, weekenders and any of many other words for the people who are more and more becoming the gross of the population.

Speaking of population, another fiercely growing majority are LGBTQ people. We cannot see it in a skin color or any other physical trait but it is becoming more and more clear to the observer. LGBTQ people have been open to the embrace of radical self expression over our counterparts who are still learning to wake that part of themselves up. This tremendous sense of living is what brings us back every year.

Gayborhood 2013

Before Burning Man 2013 the Placement Team announced where placed camps would end up which included the camps that would normally consist of the Gayborhood. The Gayborhood is a concentration of camps with camps like Comfort & Joy Village, Camp Beaverton and others at the nexus.

In the formation of the Gayborhood camps were spread out along the 7:30 corridor which brought trepidation and curiosity to this admin. In fact, the Gayborhood was just as good as ever, but we also had the benefit of being half of the 7:30 Plaza.

This area is the Castro of BRC and provides a valuable channel for queer, questioning and our friends to enjoy the special vibe LGBTQ Burners bring to the event.

The Gayburbs are the camps radiating around the Gayborhood.

There were some really bright stars in all of this:

congratulations to Comfort & Joy for their amazing courtyard and Village. The neon flags, glowing flowers and glow in the dark badminton were popular with everyone.
big applause for Crisco Disco who really proved to be a community art car; Brian and his crew who really focused on the community he was a part of and made it special for so many people.
and to BAAAHS who seemed to have a lot of mobility problems but were big hits on the playa with a sound system that matched or out-classed many other art cars out there.

In spite of being spread out the city the Gayborhood was a win! BloAsis Village dominated their block with one of the best setups I ever saw. The Beavers and Gender Blender were great hosts and their vagina glory hole even made the BRC newspaper. Many others were business as usual with business that is loved by the community.

Official Meet & Greet on Monday

The official Gay meet & greet was sponsored by The Down Low Club and welcomed over 200 people through the evening. It went on 3 hours with visitors from all over the city. They served a playa cosmo and snacks.

Guests included many people from this web site whom I had the pleasure of meeting face to face; some for the first time. We also saw Terry and Chris who built the ‘Time To Burn’ Aps for Android and iPhone. There was Tacoboy, Craig and so many others!

I did speak at this event for the first time and extended my appreciation to so many people the community. I had to thank Catcher and Red (Down Low Club managers) for once again sponsoring this event. I had warm thanks to Kitt, Matty Morin, Blitzy, Foxy, Scott Burdette, Indigo (Russ Smith) and so many more for being a part of the Queer Burner Leadership Network and helping make this project work over the last 5 years.

BRC Gay Pride @ Cargo Cult on Friday

In memory of a lost leader in our community, Mario Cisneros, the parade left The Man at 1pm. We managed to get everyone on wheels either via art car or bicycle which allowed us to take a slightly longer route that included the Gayborhood.

The Gayborhood had never been included in the parade before. It went from The Man, passing Center Camp, a lap around the Gayborhood and then off to the Gayburbs where a party was sponsored by Burner Buddies.

Crisco Disco was the shining gem in the crown of the parade and special thanks to everyone who brought out flags and banners. Though Crisco Disco was the only art car it really delivered. Kai Noble from Comfort & Joy worked the megaphone through the whole route adding to the amazing energy from the people participating.

Cargo Cult

The theme this year was the best in a long time and filled the imagination of so many. The iconography and pageantry was only matched by the hundreds of thousands of people who came to be a part of it. The weather all week long was optimal and there was very little wind. We enjoyed small bouts of rain, but in the end it was rain that chased many off on the last Monday afternoon of the event.

Entrance wait times were marginal for many, but up to 9 hours for some. Exodus seemed to average about 5 hours according to social networks.

Saturday night’s burn was breathtaking and it was a shock for many when a huge wave of large burning pieces and smoke tumbled into the crowd due to wind on the 11 o’clock side of the construct.

Sunday’s temple burn was moved up an hour to let people escape the city earlier because of the pending threat of rain the next day in an effort to minimize the time to get out the gate.

Wins!

The weather, art cars, amazing art pieces, camps that filled the city even beyond the outer ring and more events that ever to shake a stick at. More people than ever seemed to state quite confidently than I have ever heard that this was their best year ever. The coolest MAN I ever saw.

Losses!

Unspeakable amounts of MOOP and investments in glow sticks. Darktards out the wazoo! Art-cars unwilling to take on passengers for one reason or another… and on the other hand people who think walking in front of an art car to stop it who think that is a wise decision. There were an unspeakable amount of fake entries in the What Where When, too, frustrating many of the city explorers.

Draw!

A disconnected Gayborhood spread through the 7:30 corridor above D street. More newbs than veterans and an uncommon amount of frat boys, tourists and weekend warriors.

It takes all kinds to make Burning Man happen and all the different flavors can be really fun, but this event and lifestyle are nothing like Coachella or EDC and is in danger of becoming all too much as such.

Conclusion

Best year yet. And what makes me qualified to levy that claim? Just my own experience as well as the general feeling in the air. Those of decades past might say otherwise, because it is not the same Burning Man of the nineties or the eighties. Although there were a lot of people who could not begin to harness the ideals of community and the 10 principles the city was more amazing than ever.

The art was exemplary and fascinating. CORE delivered and their Thursday night burn was pure gobsmack!

In spite of a spread out Gayborhood we were blessed. This year the Gayborhood had art cars, a spectacular nexus provided by Comfort & Joy, and such amazing life represented by Glamcocks and Paradise Motel among others. BloAsis was a new shining star on the 7:30 Strip! Thank you BAAAHS and Crisco Disco for your amazing service to the community.

All Registration for the site is closed

08/23/2013 by scott.kay

As I depart for the playa the site is being locked down. Thank you for your understanding.

Regional Burners on QB.Com

09/27/201408/08/2013 by scott.kay

There have been several requests from members of the site to find Burners that share space in their individual regions. We have a resource on this site, but Burning Man’s web site also has their Regional Network. The first, best place to begin a burner experience (especially if you never have been to Burning Man before) is to get engaged and involved with your local network no matter what their sexual orientation they are.

Burning Man Regional Network

Follow this link and discover burners in your region. Experienced burners who might discover that they have no regional contact could actually become one. If you are looking for local contacts please consider this:

don’t worry about the sexual orientation and do not mention it in your initial contact because it is off-putting to many R.C.’s

R.C.’s are volunteers and have lives and jobs so they might be slow getting back to you, be patient

if you are treated badly by an R.C. who is not enforcing the ideology behind the 10 Principles there are people who will help*

*the Regional Network is managed (or will be managed by The Burning Man Project) and will receive direct contacts from community members. Suggestion only: use your LGBTQ leaders for concerns before contacting them because LGBTQ issues have had marginal support by BMorg and the Regional Network. We hope to eventually build a stronger relationship and have better support but that comes one day at a time. We also do not want to mire them down in issues we can resolve with each other. A little advice from a third party can go a long way.

Using Queer Burners [dot] Com

There are at least 2 resources on this site to help you connect with local contacts. Regional groups in the community are amazing and can be powerful communities to be a part of. While some have their own drama and fractures some offer unbelievable and amazing culture.

The Groups section of Queer Burners [dot] Com

Check out Groups here on the site. Some members have already created regional sections of the site you could jump right into or make your own. Groups are free form and any member can make one.

Go to the Members page and use a city name as a search criteria like “Salt Lake City” or “Los Angeles” for example. As long as someone has these in their profile it will come up.

This is one reason it is very important to make sure you complete your profiles.

Other helpful search terms: Idaho, ID, Boise, Helsinki, Poland, Nowhere… these are all words that can be relevant to your place in the world. Take Utah for example… it could be Utah, UT, SLC, Salt Lake City, Element-11, Element 11 … maybe more. Be creative in your search.

Profiles

All members must complete their profiles and have the first page completed with some mention about your Burning Man plans or history. As a bonus there are 2 sections of extended profile information that are optional. Some of the info is fairly personal, but that is why it is optional.

You can edit your profiles once you are logged in. Click on your user name and look for the Edit Profile link. It will also give you a chance to add a picture for your profile.

2013 Naked Pub Crawl

12/27/201508/05/2013 by scott.kay

The ride starts at the Man at 11:00 AM on Wednesday.

The event is listed here: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9468/

The website is http://www.dragondebris.com/brc_pubcrawl.htm (DEFINITELY NSFW)

Location	Arrive	Depart	Travel Time
The Man		11:00 AM	10m
Barbie Death Camp 4:00 & E	11:10 AM	11:40 AM	5m
Drive-By Misting: Northwest Mist 3:00 & A	If Time Allows		15m
Duckpond 9:00 & E	12:00 PM	12:30 PM	10m
Drive-By Misting: Bloasis 7:30 & D			5m
Celestial Bodies 7:30 Plaza	12:45 PM	1:15 PM	5m
BAAAHS Mutant Vehicle	1:20 PM	1:50 PM	10m
LolliPop Guild w/ The Extra Testicles from Outer Space 7:15 & F	2:00 PM	2:30 PM	5m
Comfort & Joy 7:30 & E	2:35 PM	Afterparty

Playa Events 2013 / LGBTQ

08/05/2013 by scott.kay

A big thank you for Terry Grossman, author of the the iPhone & Android – Burning Man Apps for your smart phone for creating this document which is also available in a Plain Text format and a lighter PDF format. Download a copy today and save it for any device you are bringing to the playa!

Events for ‘Monday’

Celestial Fusion Communicator Camp art (‘Ritual/Ceremony’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
The Celestial Fusion Communicator will be erected in front of our lounge, ready to call out to the Heavenly Ones for more inter-galactic gifts. As an assemblage of gongs, drums, bells and chimes cobbled together from recycled instruments and modern found objects, the Communicator will be available to all comers for their radical musical self-expression. Demandingly loud or sweetly plaintive, rhythms and unique sonic punctuations will fly to the cosmos as prayers and petitions, reinforced at night with beams of light. The Communicator will invite impromptu solo performances as well as many-handed jam sessions, and will be a focal point of our camp’s Thursday afternoon party. (We’ll take away the drumsticks late at night.)
Mon All Day
Tue All Day
Wed All Day
Thu All Day
Fri All Day
Sat All Day
Sun All Day
Mon All Day
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10456/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10456

Manplay at Down Low Club (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Open 24/7 all week at 7:15 GDP, Down Low Club provides the adult 18+ Gay/Bi/Curious men of the Playa a discreet, enclosed, air-cooled tent that’s away-from-home, away-from-prying-eyes and fully equipped for erotic man-to-man play. Whether you’re a player or just want to observe and check things out, all adult 18+ men on the Playa are welcome. At Down Low Club, our credo is “What happens at Burning Man, stays at Burning Man…”
Mon All Day
Tue All Day
Wed All Day
Thu All Day
Fri All Day
Sat All Day
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10080/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10080

be In Playa Yoga (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Stella
BRC Address:Camp Stella
All levels vinyasa yoga practice. Come with an open heart & share a vigorous practice. Some mats provided, BYO if you can. Bring your troubles, fears, excitement; all are welcome!
Mon 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Tue 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Wed 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Thu 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Fri 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Sat 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Sun 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Mon 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8434/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8434

Celestial Bod Massage (‘Care/Support’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Daily hours may vary depending on appointments –
Two Celestial CMTs, Biscotti & Orange Guy, will be in our Lounge Artists Wings to gently massage and moisturize our dusty brothers and sisters.
Mon 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mon 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10457/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10457

Celestial Chill (‘Performance’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Whether you’re an early riser or returning to camp in the wee hours of the morning, come, take a load off, and enjoy comforting classical music in our lounge.
Mon 10:00 AM – Noon
Tue 10:00 AM – Noon
Wed 10:00 AM – Noon
Thu 10:00 AM – Noon
Fri 10:00 AM – Noon
Sat 10:00 AM – Noon
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10454/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10454

Open Life Drawing Session (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Bring your pens and paper and get ready to draw. No messy materials, such as chalks and paints, unless watercolour. The model will be nude and will pose for 1-5 min gestures then one 20 min pose for a total of 1 hour. Limited amount of art supplies available. 15 person max, so come early.Beaver Dome – Women identified/Trans Women only
Mon 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9931/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9931

A celestial Welcome Home Celebration (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Celestial Bodies welcomes the community home with great music and tasty libations in our lounge.
Mon 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10444/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10444

Gay Meet & Greet (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
Black Rock City’s LGBTQQ community kicks off the week in festive rainbow colors with libations, music and an exchange of info on the week’s gay-oriented events. This premier annual opening-night gathering for the Playa’s Gay/Bi/Curious Burners and their friends is hosted by Down Low Club Camp in memory of Mario Cisneros, founder of the event. Come meet new friends, reaquaint with those from past Burns, perhaps spark a new Playa romance or rekindle one from the past. Gather with your LGBTQQ brothers and sisters to learn where they are camped and what events they’ve got planned for the week on the Playa. Don’t forget to bring a flyer or other info about your gay-oriented events to post on our LGBT Community Bulletin Board.
Mon 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10091/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10091

Open AA Meeting (‘Care/Support’ event)
Host Camp:Run Free camp
BRC Address:Meeting tent at Run Free camp
Run Free Camp hosts daily AA meetings, SF style. Format changes. If you think you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, you are welcome to attend.
Mon 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tue 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wed 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thu 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fri 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9967/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9967

Man-to-Man Monday (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Tonight, adult Gay/Bi/Curious men of the Playa flock to Down Low Club @ 7:15 GDP to stoke and inflame the sparks that started to fly at the earlier Gay Meet & Greet. Whether those sparks are between you and the hot man you just met or last year’s Playa boyfriend, the man-to-man play will continue into the wee hours. Open 24/7 during the week, Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed and air conditioned tent at 7:15 GDP is fully outfitted for adult manplay. Start your burn with a bang! Come get acquainted with the playful men of the Playa tonight. Remember, what happens at Burning Man stays at Burning Man…
Mon 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10081/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10081

Events for ‘Tuesday’

Morning Meditation (‘Care/Support’ event)
Host Camp:Run Free camp
BRC Address:Run Free camp
Run Free camp, a clean and sober camp, host daily morning meditations. Format changes. 15 minute meditation followed by 2 minute shares. All r welcome
Tue 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Wed 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Thu 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Fri 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Sat 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9968/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9968

Books and Boobs (‘Unknown’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Who is Jane Frum? Explore the gender binary in apocalyptic fiction and Cargo Cult. We’ll discuss books like The Handmaid’s Tale, Into the Forest, and favorites by Octavia Butler, Ursula Le Guin, and how they differ from ones by male authors like Cormac McCarthy, Philip K. Dick, and books like World War Z.
Beaverton Shade Structure, open to all.
Tue 11:00 AM – Noon
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9932/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9932

Celestial Superscope (‘Performance’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Open during major camp events and other daily hours based on available space in one or our artist wings.
Designed and constructed by Water Truck Bill, our Celestial Scope provides a unique visual and photographic experience.
With this super kaleidoscope, YOU and your friends are the Stars.
See the real thing… many times…and impress the natives. Super fun for all.
Tue 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10475/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10475

Snow Cones at Paradise Motel (‘Food’ event)
Host Camp:Paradise Motel
Search the sands and you may find the Paradise Motel: a lost oasis where natives serve Snow Cones and play oddly rhythmic music to lure back the ones who brought the blessed SPAM but also mad scientists who performed experiments. Horrible, horrible, experiments. So beware the mutant creatures that lurk within. Look for the palm trees, flamingoes and Paradise Motel sign for snowcones every afternoon. Times are approximate … we’ll have the stand open from when we wake up till we get tired. We also appreciate gifts of bags of ice. (Must be unopened) Look for the pink flamingoes, palm trees and the pink RV known as “The USS Barbara Bush”
Tue 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8457/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8457

Hoopla Hula Hoop Factory (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Stella
Calling all hoopless beings. Build, decorate and play. Yours to keep! All supplies provided. Bring your own hips.
Tue Noon – 2:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8435/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8435

Cargo Cult or Celebration of Colonialism? (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Gender Blender
BRC Address:Gender Blender Shade Structure
Was John Frum a racist? Is the current theme of BM ignoring the dangers of colonialism, power, and privilege?
Explore the ways race, class, gender, power, and privilege affect your experience on and off playa.

This workshop is a challenge to the theme that Cargo Cult is all about aliens, visitors returning, and celebrating John Frum. Come join in an interactive workshop that will explore the shadow side of John Frum including the negative impact of colonialism, the glorification of material objects, the destruction of native lands and culture, America’s lack of responsibility for military endeavors, and the current impact of this Cargo Cult story. This workshop will explore our shared reality of how racism, classism, and sexism affect our current Burning Man community. We welcome people of all backgrounds to this workshop and to this exploration of how the oppression we were taught in every day society plays out on playa. We will explore the difficulties of the current paradigm and how that affects our ability to form a new experimental community. There will be space to address how we as the BM community want to create change on and off playa.
Tue 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9966/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9966

Tutu Tattoo Tuesday (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Moonshine & Tripod will be serving up Celestial Bodies’ famous Playa Cosmos for campy good time. Temporary tattoos will be applied to Virgins and Celestial Bodies enthusiasts all afternoon.
Tue 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10445/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10445

Root Beer Floats (‘Food’ event)
Host Camp:Mudskippers Urban Decay Cafe
Enjoy a cold root beer float then dance the calories away as DJ Kelly Kidd spins pop, house and electro remixes. Bring a cup!
Tue 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Wed 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Fri 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sat 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9827/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9827

Manplay With the Bears (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Aroused from the afternoon’s Bear Shower Happy Hour at Astropups, the 18+ Bearish men of the Playa and the adult men that admire them head to Down Low Club @ 7:15 GDP. Open 24/7 all week, no Bear Cave is better outfitted for hot 18+ man-to-man play than Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed and air-cooled manplay tent. GRRRRRRRRR!! Remember, what happens at Burning Man stays at Burning Man.
Tue 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10479/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10479

The Queers, Plain Crackpots, & Fallen Women Group (‘Care/Support’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Stella
BRC Address:Camp Stella
We host old-fashioned AA meetings daily at 3pm. All are welcome! Be sure to check out our Plain Ordinary Whoopee party on Thursday night too 🙂
Tue 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wed 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Thu 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fri 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8495/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8495

Mutants and Mad Scientist Happy hour (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Paradise Motel
Calling all members of the Evil League of Evil! Come down to the Paradise Motel to witness the twisted creations of our own mad scientists and help us make more. Mutant animals are created by combining parts from various stuffed animals together. Bring your own stuffed animal to mutate or we have some leftover parts. The twisted creations we’ve made at our mutant animal parties in SF and LA will be on display.

We’ll have music and test tube jello shots will be given to anyone wearing a lab coat, super villain, mutant or other evil creation outfit.
Tue 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9752/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9752

Clit-Tails, Lesbian Mixer (‘Unknown’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Come to Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls and meet the Beavers! Make new friends and possibly find a date before the Strap-on-a-Thon play party on Wednesday night.
Tue 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9933/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9933

Do Ask, Don’t Tell (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
You can ask but you don’t have to tell at Down Low Club, open 24/7 all week @ 7:15 GDP. Tonight it’s real man-to-man action for adult Gay/Bi/Curious men with a military theme. Our discreet, enclosed, air-conditioned Army tent is fully outfitted for adult manplay. Wear your best camouflage, BDUs, 13-button pants if you like. Or not. Soldier? Sailor? Marine? Airman? Come live your “in the service” fantasy or re-live those manly military days from your past. From foxholes to flight decks, barracks to bulkheads it’s all here, men! Remember, what happens at Burning Man stays at Burning Man…
Tue 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10084/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10084

GLAMCOCKS’ Superhero Party! (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:GLAMCOCKS!
POW! ZIP! BANG! The forces of good and evil are battling it out with the Gotham GlamCocks. Calling all Superheros from Earth, planet GlamCockia, and BEYOND! Take your chances with our Kocktonite Cocktails and other interstellar dangers. Show us your Super Power and we’ll show you ours!
Tue 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9500/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9500

Alien Invasion of Celestial Bodies! (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Gaylactic Invaders will descend on Celestial Bodies Bar to perform strange alcoholic experiments on the bar guests! Will you be probed? Will you be abducted? Will you be turned into an intergalactic love slave? Come get your gaylactic freak on!
Tue 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10386/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10386

Roaring 20s Party (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Run Free camp
BRC Address:jamminjamieg
23skidoo! Run Free camp is hosting a 20s themed clean and sober party starting at 9:00
Tue 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10110/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10110

Events for ‘Wednesday’

Bubbles and Bass (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Bubbles and Bass
We’ll be rockin’ you out from 5am til 11am with bubbly bass-tastic house music as you watch the sunrise over the playa and dance the AM hours away… and drink some bubbly while you boogie. We want to create a home of warmth and positive energy during the AM hours. Together with a team of artists, musicians, circus performers, dancers, planners, bartenders, builders, architects, thinkers, dreamers, and lovers, we are going to bring invigorating house music to the Burning Man community and a dance floor that gets everyone moving and shaking. We’ll offer you champagne to relax and a comfy chill space to enjoy the sounds while resting your feet after a night of partying. We want to provide an environment conducive to connecting: spiritually, conversationally, and energetically.
Wed 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Thu 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Fri 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sat 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sun 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9157/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9157

Naked Pub Crawl (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
BRC Address:The Man
This is our 10th year!

Each year since 2004, hundreds of naked burners meet at the Man to consume a little liquid courage, and pedal off into the City for a few hours of bar hopping. Multiple host camps will have bartenders standing by with icy libations prepared exclusively for the ride participants. We’ll be stopping off at Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro, Celestial Bodies, Duck Pond, and more. If you make it to the end of the ride, the after party at Comfort & Joy will be hosted once again by a team of talented bartenders wearing nothing but their hospitality.

This isn’t an event, it’s a tradition. So if you’re willing to meet the dress code, join us for one of the goofiest parties on the playa. Mugs for the first 400 riders (and yeah, we always run out).

Cheers!
Wed 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9468/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9468

Men’s Underwear Artist (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Male models needed. Artist selects from collection of new, clean men’s underwear. Model puts on underwear and artist paints underwear. All sizes and types of men wanted. Sorry, men only. Take home a treasure you will never forget.
Wed Noon – 4:00 PM
Thu Noon – 4:00 PM
Fri Noon – 4:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10397/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10397

Naked Pub Crawl Stop (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
For the fourth year running, Celestial Bodies will be one of the host camps for this annual event. Meet at The Man at 11am to begin the ride.
Wed Noon – 3:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10448/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10448

Apres Naked Pub Crawl Manplay (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Open 24/7 all week @ 7:15 GDP, Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed and air-conditioned manplay tent is fully outfitted for hot 18+ man-to-man action with other adult Gay/Bi/Curious men of the Playa. Following today’s Naked Pub Crawl, Down Low Club is the perfect venue for frisky and woozy naked pub crawlers to stagger in, cool down, let their inhibitions go and create some man-to-man heat. Remember, at Down Low Club our credo is: What happens at Burning Man, stays at Burning Man…
Wed 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10085/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10085

Consent for Kinky Queers and Genderfucks (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
BRC Address:cclorentzen@gmail.com
Demos, tips, and vital information for folks in the queer kink scence.
Wed 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10265/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10265

Gay meet and greet at Spank The Monkey Bar (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Spank the Monkey Bar and Monkey Love Lounge
Celebrate socially appropriate boner day with STMB. Cool off in our shade structure and quench your thirst with one of our signature cocktails. We will have specially themed cocktails for all you gays and lady gays.
Wed 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8670/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8670

Release Frum Bondage of Self (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Run Free camp
BRC Address:jamminjamieg
Two realities – my brain, its ramblings, old beliefs, judgments, future tripping, nay-saying, fear-oriented, friction and always suspicious. The world – unfolding, nonjudgmental, flow, coincidences, phenomena, joy, love-oriented. The choice is always yours.
Wed 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10111/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10111

Buck Naked Run Free (‘Ritual/Ceremony’ event)
Host Camp:Run Free camp
Tangled up with personal bs, ambition, ego? Old beliefs about self? Turn it over at the TransFRUMstantiator and Run Free nekid back to the community. TransFRUMstantiator is an open playa art piece presented by Run Free camp.
Wed 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10117/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10117

Homojitoville Happy Hour Cocktail & Dance Party (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Homojitoville
Join the boys of Homojitoville & GUZZLE down our bottomless icy fresh Playa Famous Homojitos while dancing to groovy beats with words!
A mirage appears in Deep Playa. The aroma of fresh, icy Homojitos stimulates your hypothalamus. Giant, bright, puffy flowers belt out groovy dance beats. Leave it to serendipity and the boys of Homojitoville! Always on the move, the Mobile Homojito Dance Bar and Sound Garden of Eden appears randomly, erupting in a fabulous cocktail & dance party oasis, then disappears. Never in the same place twice, this is no mirage. Shake your groove thing where spontaneity rules! Bring us your cup, we’ll fill it with love.

Find us randomly serving bottomless icy fresh Homojitos throughout our fair City AND at Homojitoville base camp on the 9:00 side of the city! Come join us for a Delicious Dusty Daytime Drink and a Dirty Dance! Unleash your inner HOMO!!!
Wed 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9268/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9268

Clit-Tails, Lesbian Mixer (‘Unknown’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Come to Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls, your queer female oasis, & get to meet new friends before our infamous Strap-on-a-Thon play party.
Beaver Dome – Women identified/Trans Women only
Wed 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9934/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9934

GLAMCOCKS’ Lord of the Flies Party! (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:GLAMCOCKS!
Lord of the Flies meets the Cock Roost! Loin cloths & playful attitude encouraged. Bring your conch & we’ll make sure it gets blown!
Wed 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9501/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9501

Aetherial Aerialists (‘Performance’ event)
Host Camp:Gaylactic Invaders
BRC Address:F street near 7:15
Come see Gaylactic Invaders Zircon & Wish defy your pitiful gravity! As the sun sets, they climb into the sky and dance upon the air. Stay afterwards and see if you can escape our laser labyrinth
Wed 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10388/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10388

Laser Labyrinth (‘Game’ event)
Host Camp:Gaylactic Invaders
BRC Address:F street near 7:15
Clumsy earth creatures, do you dare test yourself against our intricate web of lasers? Can you navigate the space without breaking one of the beams? What awaits at the end of the gauntlet: treasure? Wealth? Try it and find out! When your yellow sun sets, and Omicron Perseii 8 appears high in the sky… that is when the fun begins!
Wed 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Thu 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10387/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10387

Strap-on-a-Thon (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Beaverton’s infamous play party! Cuddle, play, watch, give, receive, whatever you want, in a safe environment. Bring your own toys or try some of ours.
Women identified/Trans Women only.
Wed 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9930/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9930

Events for ‘Thursday’

Book Reading, Armistead Maupin (‘Performance’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Book reading, signing and gifting, Armistead Maupin. Additional reading may be schedule during morning Celestial Chill music time.
Thu 10:00 AM – Noon
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10450/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10450

Celestial Calling & Tribal Dance (‘Class/Workshop’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Our newest Celestialite, Orange Guy, will host native costume and dance workshops followed by an afternoon of drumming, spinning and dance. Craft your own “native” attire. Materials provided, while they last!
Thu 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10449/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10449

GLAMCOCKS’ Aussie Beach Party! (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:GLAMCOCKS!
Aussie Beach Party! Dress down to your favorite beachwear for the first-ever day party at the GlamCocks’ camp. Expect house music anthem, (beach)balls, water gun action and refreshing Cock Punch from our Aussie lifesavers.
Thu 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9502/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9502

T-Shirt Painting (‘Kid-friendly’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
Celestial Bodies provides easels, stencils and spray paint to spiffy up your own boring T’s. Create your 2013 Burn and Celestial Bodies souvenirs. Bar Bunny and Cat will be on hand to assist.
Thu 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fri 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10455/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10455

Manplay with the Bears (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Aroused from the afternoon’s Bear Shower Happy Hour at Astropups, the 18+ Bearish men of the Playa and the adult men that admire them head to Down Low Club @ 7:15 GDP. Open 24/7 all week, no Bear Cave is better outfitted for hot 18+ man-to-man play than Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed and air-cooled manplay tent. GRRRRRRRRR!! Remember, what happens at Burning Man stays at Burning Man…
Thu 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10082/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10082

Costume Appreciation Party (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Mudskippers Urban Decay Cafe
Here’s your chance to show off that costume you spent days working and half of your burning man budget on! Enjoy our worship and a blended mudslide!
Thu 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9837/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9837

Queer Prom (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Wasabi Kisses
BRC Address:cclorentzen@gmail.com
A prom for queer, trans*, genderqueer, and general sparkly people. Bring your cheesy prom dresses, corsages, and hot queer date. Or, find one here.
Thu 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10262/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10262

Sexploration! A Gender Blender Play Party! (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Gender Blender
BRC Address:Gender Blender Dome
Get your Sexploration on! Its time to get hot and sexy with other fabulous gender queer, trans, and queer folks.

This party is a safe space for trans, gender queer, gender variant, queer, open minded, unidentified folks to get their freak on. Sexy, hot, & off the hook. We practice safer sex and in order to play you must also. This party is designed with queer folks in mind. It is specifically a safe space for gender blenders, gender benders, trans, and gender questioning folks. It also is a safe space for cis-gendered queer folks. Feel free to bring toys, condoms, gloves, lube, and cute people – of course we will also be providing. Consent in our Gender Blender dome is a must. Keep it safe, sane, and consensual. We take our consent and safety seriously, if you are not interested in fun safe play, don’t show up. If you can’t play safely then you can’t play in our dome. If you are ready for an amazing fabulous glittery kickin play party then this is the spot for you! All levels of play are welcome from first timers to sexperts. Respect in our dome is paramount. We are creating a unique space that is not found anywhere else on playa. This party is for people of all genders with a priority on creating safety for communities that are normally marginalized or exoticized. Everyone is welcome and we especially invite our gayborhood neighbors to experience our play dome. We can’t wait to see your hotness shine at this phenomenal event.
All genders welcome all ways.
Thu 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9580/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9580

Events for ‘Friday’

GLAMCOCKS’ Cosmic Creature Feature (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:GLAMCOCKS!
Carouse the GLAMCOCKS Cosmic Creature Feature and see if Earth Boys are Easy too. Alien DJs will spin as you dance with Wookies, Nibblonians and the sexiest Cylons this side of the galaxy.
Fri All Day
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9503/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9503

Cold Pizza Breakfast (‘Food’ event)
Host Camp:Mudskippers Urban Decay Cafe
Come get a slice of cold pizza for breakfast. ‘Nuf said.
Fri Noon – 12:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9851/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9851

BRC Gay Pride Parade (‘Parade’ event)
BRC Address:The Man
We are celebrating our pride and the unique and very special relationship we have in our Burner community. Look forward to this exciting event working its way through the playa with cool stops along the way to Burner Buddies to complete our journey and get the ever desired Gay Cards! #dancing #music #artcars #afterparty …party on the road!
Fri 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10225/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10225

Gay Cards Issued (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
BRC Address:J & 4:15
Ever have someone say you were gonna lose your Gay Card only to realize you don’t have one? Get one @ Burner Buddies on J near 4:15.
Fri 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8406/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8406

Gay Party (‘Unknown’ event)
BRC Address:J & 4:15
Join or follow the Gay Pride Parade into Burner Buddies Camp for the best party, drinks and music on the playa. ALL welcome. On J near 4:15.
Fri 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/8420/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=8420

Cult Of the Smoothie Epic Gayborhood Party!!! (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Gender Blender
BRC Address:Gender Blender Dome
Cult Of the Smoothie!!!

Gather all ye queers…

The whole gayborhood is invited for smoothies, clit & cocktails, dance, gender-blender games, toss the monkey make-out, and all around queer love fest. Hosted by Gender Blender with a special shout out to Comfort & Joy, Beaverton, Fe Boy Collective, Astropups, Stella, Suspended Animation, PolyParadise, ShamanDome, Yes Please, all the camps that were at the Queer Burner Summit, and all you other fabulous queer camps – if we didn’t mention you please show up so we can mention you next year. Our goal is to create the largest ever and most epic gayborhood event. So come and enjoy smoothies and tails! All genders welcome always. (and don’t worry if your straight but not narrow you are welcome too…besides by the time you leave you probably will be bent – that’s right we recruit!)
Also since we are queers – I am sure there will be booty shakin – dance dance!
Fri 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9972/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9972

Furry Men & Fun Manplay (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Are you just wild about Hairy? Does a furry man bring out the beast in you? Tonight, furry adult Gay/Bi/Curious men of the Playa and the 18+ men into them let their hair down to gather for hot man-to-man action @ 7:15 GDP in Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed, air-cooled manplay tent. Open 24/7 all week, it’ll be packed tonight with adult men ranging from smooth to Sasquatch. Missed the whole chia pet craze? Here’s your chance now to play with some of the Playa’s furriest manimals! Remember, at Down Low Club our credo is: What happens at Burning Man, stays at Burning Man…
Fri 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10086/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10086

Friday Night Rock You Socks Off (‘Gathering/Party’ event)
Host Camp:Celestial Bodies
The Cult of Personality – Friday Night Rock Your Socks Off
LaLa and GoGo are your hosts for a rockin’ night of old school and funky mixes. This is a techno-free event.
Fri 8:00 PM – 11:45 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10452/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10452

Queer and Trans* Kinky Play Party (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Wasabi Kisses
BRC Address:cclorentzen@gmail.com
A safe space for queer & trans* bodies to get beaten, bitten, & blown. Wear whatever makes you feel sparkly; be ready for a horde of queer hotties.
Fri 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10263/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10263

Events for ‘Saturday’

Oval Ascension (Female Masturbation Party) (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Camp Beaverton for Wayward Girls
Are you a woman who loves to masturbate? Have you wanted to do it among friends and feel that group energy, but just never had the right space? Then join us at Camp Beaverton in our Beaver Dome for this workshop. We will open with heartfelt sharing about our relationships with masturbation, address the stigmas faced in society, and open ourselves to understanding why and how we pleasure ourselves. Once we are all comfortable, we will start exploring our bodies. We will keep our hands to ourselves and power up our bullets, magic wands, rabbits, or other fun battery operated toys. We will not be able to provide much AC power for the Hitachi’s so if you have an extra generator – please bring it to help charge up those in need. Safe sex supplies like lube, gloves, hand sanitizer, and condoms will be available. Cum take a ride with us!Beaver Dome – Women identified/Trans Women only
Sat 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/9935/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=9935

Married/Bi/Curious Men Manplay (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
Overdosed on estrogen after several days with the little woman in a small tent? Open 24/7 @ 7:15 GDP all week, adult manplay at Down Low Club is the perfect antidote. Sneak away this afternoon for some testosterone fueled man-to-man action with other adult married/bi/curious men on the Playa in Down Low Club’s discreet, enclosed, air-cooled, fully outfitted tent that’s away-from-home and away-from-prying-eyes. After all, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do! Bi-curious? Don’t leave the Playa wondering what it’s all about! Remember, what happens at Burning Man, stays at Burning Man…
Sat Noon – 4:00 PM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10087/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10087

After the Burn Manplay (‘Adult-oriented’ event)
Host Camp:Down Low Club
BRC Address:7:15 GDP
As the hot coals of the Man burn cool from white and red to black and grey, adult Gay/Bi/Curious men of the Playa head to Down Low Club @ 7:15 GDP to enjoy one last night of uber hot man-to-man action. After being open 24/7 all week, our discreet, enclosed, air-conditioned, away-from-home and away-from-prying eyes manplay tent celebrates all things adult male until dawn with this last of our themed events for Burning Man 2013. As we close another testosterone-fueled year on the Playa this last night at Down Low Club is yours to live, men! Still curious? Fantasies yet to live? Don’t go home without checking it out. Remember, what happens at Burning Man stays at Burning Man.
Sat 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM
Event Calendar Link: http://playaevents.burningman.com/2013/playa_event/10088/
Time To Burn Link: timetoburn://event?id=10088

Events for ‘Sunday’

Events for ‘Last Monday’

Sun Guardians
Mon
Tue 10:00am Heart Circle
Wed 7:00 pm Come as your favorite Deity Party
Thu 12:00 pm Heart Circle
Fri
Sat
Sun 11:00 am Heart Circle
Mon
Event Calendar Link:

Burners on the Playa

09/27/201408/02/2013 by scott.kay

This site is a resource for Queer Burners (LGBTQ++ which is Radically Inclusive) who want to connect with and hang out with other burners with similar wants and desires. Those needs might be social and/or it might be sexual. Queer Burners have a lot of talented people. We also have a lot of amazing personalities people want to be a part of.

Gayborhood v. Gay Ghetto

The existence of the Gayborhood has been criticized and discussed in past posts. However, BOTH Queer Burner Leadership Summits (2012 and 2013) the attendees have discussed the real value of this part of the city is in it’s safety and familiarity for LGBTQ+ people. This is a place anyone who needs help will find real sanctuary if needed.

The one sad fact about the Gayborhood is how it is often misrepresented by the perception of those who do not participate in it. Or those from within the LGBTQ community who sit on the sidelines like bitchy gossips peering down their nose and refer to it as the Ghetto; not unlike a gay man being called ‘faggot’ on the street. It’s slanderous and mean-spirited.

The Gayborhood this year sits on the 7:30 corridor and is spread out thinner than it has been in recent years. This is both good and bad as it either undermines the sanctity of the space for queer and queer-friendly people or it gives other Queer Camps a chance to fill in the space and make a bolder statement.

LGBTQ Who’s Who at TTITD*

2006 Demographic At some point (after 2006) Burning Man stopped sharing the actual numbers that were released through the afterburn reports. Assuming that this is a fair representation 22% of the people polled showed how potentially queers were playing a significant role.

In the same year, in a place with some very fluid sexuality, people were asked if they were bi-sexual. 38% of those who answered were vague at best but it further cements in the need for awareness.

Many of us have seen or participated in the census at burning man which can be found in the Center Camp Cafe. There are more questions than you can imagine in it and yet the afterburn reports give us a fraction of the results.

Take a look at the above charts from the afterburn reports and see how the data has been portioned out effectively editing out the queer community and focusing on a homogenized and very heterosexual audience. While the data showed in the past 1/5th and potentially more of the burners out there were or are LGBTQ identified or not. The data released spawns more questions.
(*TTITD: That Thing In The Desert aka Burning Man)

Not every rainbow is gay

Before you get confused about the uncommon amount to rainbow flags out there… they don’t all mean what you think. There are 3 rainbow flags out there and if you were unaware they meant something different one might think there were A LOT of Queers on the playa!

3flags

6 Color Flag: LGBTQS Diversity (gay)
7 Color Flag: Diversity (gay or not but usually not)
7 Color PACE Flag: Diversity with ‘Peace’ in Italian on it (same as #2 but pretending to be Italian)

Not that there are a lot of rules about flying these flags but my initial thought was ‘wow, there are a of gay people in these camps’ as if in many cases these were letting others know where we were… not so! But not necessarily not so either.

Maybe this was the same confusion Oscar Remundo (blogger for the Huffington Post) had when he stated in his post that 70% of Burning Man attendees were LGBT. I know I was starting to wonder myself because gay people were everywhere.

Queer Utopia

LGBTQ people have flocked to this culture because of it’s radical inclusion and acceptance of people irregardless of who they were or where they came from; as long as they can afford a $400 ticket and survive in the dirt for 8 days.

Conclusion

The contribution the LGBTQ community offer a lot to the Burning Man experience inside and outside of the trash fence. Our identity as Queer Burners v. just being referred to as Burners is often at question, but to be minimized by BMorg (the Burning Man Organization) or from within by Queer people is a cancer that is not constructive.

Being aware of each other out there strengthens us as a whole not just LGBTQ but also with Burners everywhere.

We celebrate faggotry and all Queer presence on the playa that gains focus in the Gayborhood and radiates outward. The Gayborhood expands and contracts wildly with layers and satellites that bring diversity all over the BRC (Black Rock City).

2 Tribes: Burner v. Faerie

12/27/201507/11/2013 by scott.kay

This last weekend this burner joined a celebration being held by another community that I have been told is very similar to queer burners. It is very likely some of the original people who brought us Burning Man were Faeries; or better known as Radical Faeries.

They too started off in San Francisco and sought land outside the city for the expansion of their mission that would, after many years, still be a hub of joy and liberation for many. While we have the Black Rock Desert, the Faeries earliest property purchased under their church was called Wolf Creek Sanctuary up in Oregon. Now they have several properties all over the world that celebrate their uniqueness.

Within our Burner community we do have a core of Queer Burners that are also Faeries and marry the two worlds almost seamlessly. San Francisco based Comfort & Joy are mostly members of the Radical Faery community with their amazing play on gender identity and radical self-expression.

Similarities

One of the first things I heard someone say at the gathering, independent of the knowledge of my Burning Man present, was how much Radical Faeries value Self-Reliance. It’s not a unique factor in the world, but my mind immediately went to one of the 10 Principles: Radical Self-Reliance.

On the chores board I saw MOOP (Matter Out Of Place) as the top item on the page and again I saw something else that came from the Burner world. We know many Radical Faery-Burner people have been on Wolf Creek and the influence is there. It goes both ways.

The recent screening of James Broughton’s “Big Joy” (link broken) movie was all about Radical Self Expression and was featured at the Frameline film festival recently and San Francisco faeries took loving ownership of making sure people all over the world knew of this film. Seeing it at this Faery gathering was amazing.

While visiting Wolf Creek there were 2 people present who ever attended Burning Man including myself, but the influences are fairly evident and acknowledged by many members. Consider that just more than a year ago the president of their parent organization (Nomenus) was a burner.

Differences

As similar as the worlds are there are differences in philosophies more than basic principles. Many faeries are fairly witchy or hold to some spiritual ideals that reach well beyond what many burners hold on to, but that is not an absolute.

The largest difference, based on this particular experience, is that there is a significantly reduced focus on the party. Though the event I went to was a requested sober event, there were some (self included) that indulged. Chemical stimulants were no where on the property; it was much lower key than most burner occasions.

Comparing

These really are apples and pears in they way they compare. Both are fruit, sweet and tasty, but the sensitivity and pulse of the community runs on different blood types.

The writer has been hanging out with Faeries for almost 2 years on a very part time basis getting more and more involved over the last year. This year started off with Faery celebrations like Saturnella, Beltane and most recently the SGRF (Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries).

The touching part of each of these communities is how closely knit many of the participants are and how much love of the environment and their spiritual siblings.

More from Toaster on his personal blog

Us, We, Them: Trip Report Part1