GLC: Gayborhood Broken up?

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The Burning Global Leadership Conference (#bmglc2017) (GLC) was last weekend and one question has been on my mind: will Placement be breaking up the Gayborhood / Rainbow Road / Queer Neighborhood? We do not know. But there were people who approached me saying the same thing:

The Rumor Patrol was running around the event and reported:

  • “…there was a placer in one of my sessions who confirmed that the Gayborhood was being broken up”

Burning Man Placement is about to undergo some major changes in that Answergirl is leaving her role as the head of Placement; a role she held for about a year. She has been and acted as a advocate for LGBT needs and the needs of the citizens of our community. On top of that a favorite Placer for Burning Man who had traditionally handled the Gayborhood is leaving Burning Man altogether; Hepkitten is moving on.

When asked for an official statement about the breakup of the Gaybohood; e.g. where Placement is on the issue Answergirl had a very defensive posture and reaction that took me back.  I assured Answergirl I was not an adversary but I should be looked at as a tool for communicating to the community as a whole.

Per Answergirl: (paraphrased quotes)

  • we have 350 applications for a space that holds 250
  • the theme camp application form is still open we do not know how many are asking
  • we included a part of the form about lgbt allies and will group people accordingly…

Burning Man’s official position from Answergirl is that they try and meet everyones needs in the scope of the application process. They do their best to meet everyone’s needs. There is no official Gayborhood to consider breaking up, because it is not officially recognized. So, asking if Placement is breaking up the Gayborhood is not the right question.

All that is certainly true within the scope of how Burning Man looks at it’s community and placement. Queer camps are not acknowledged differently than non-queer camps.  The Gayborhood has existed since the late 1990’s and has only come together because of the way people filled out their applications and with some support with placers like Hepkitten.

How do we keep the BMorg from dividing us? Do we care if they do. It is my opinion that placement in 2016 did splatter us on the map. With the shooting at the Pulse night Club in June 2016 was the idea to break things up pushed back?

And what about safety for vulnerable LGBT burners on playa? Check out that information and more on this page under the tag: #controversy

Answergirl went on to say in a way that was heartfelt, that it breaks her heart to know that some people go to Burning Man who do not feel safe there. It is not just LGBT people who struggle with safety, but a lot of women and other ethnic people in a world dominated by:

  • straight, white, (mostly) male entitlement and
  • an upsurge in tourist and festival goers (See Burn.Life article)
  • a steady loss of burners bringing the burner ethos & life style

The answer is… we don’t know. Answergirl had no answer other than a few bullet points on official policy but would not say there is any plan officially. Bravo Placer is likely to be her replacement and though we met him at the May 2016 meeting with Queer Camp leaders, we really do not know him. No matter what, I think we can be best to be prepared for something different in 2017. One thing I know is for certain, we have people who know how to roll with the punches and bounce back strong.

Update Banner for All Of Us Event 2017

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An updated version of the All Of Us event banner for 2017. This has become so exciting I can hardly believe it. With good people involved the whole things is evolving into a major thing. We have great artists, performers and makers of music all making magic.

I write this in awe of what people can do together as a team and when it is the RIGHT people. As many projects I have done in the burnerverse this one hits home the hardest because it has born the most fruit. Why? Because this mission I have always put out there for Queer Burners is community and networking in the community. Because LGBTQ people (that is ALL the letters in the acronym and beyond) are not willing to be marginalized and simply sewn into the background. We flourish and demand to be seen.

There is so much we can learn from each other. I joined Burning Man and stayed in the community to better my relationship with women. That was actually something that I set as a goal for myself about a decade ago. It was a woman friend of mine who turned me on to this whole community.

Since then, having moved to San Francisco, I have grown a lot. I have fucked up a lot. But I have developed very special relationships with people who in the “real” world I might never have got to know, tried to know, or seen. I have a lot of gender queer, non-confirming and trans people in my life that are … (I just cannot say how much those people have touched my soul).

There are no words or actions I can make to prove how much I am blessed because of you. I write it here… but I hope I can show it better in my actions every day. If I fuck up give me a chance to make it right.

To those amazing supportive makers who have helped along the way… thank you with all my heart. To those who have been there and are still there but have taken a back seat, thank you too.

Thank you… now let’s all make some more magic!

March 2917 News Letter P2

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Queer Burners News Letter

Thank you to all of you who have subscribed and been subscribed to this news letter through joining the web site (www.queerburners.com). Our list is an important channel to the LGBTQ++ community. Help keep this list alive and keep up to date with our event announcements that go out every 2 weeks! Thank you again.

In this issue of the monthly news letter:

  • All Of Us Update
    • The Art Garden
    • Artist coming to All Of Us
  • Burning Man Ticket Sales
    • it’s time to get ready!!!
  • Burning Man Global Leadership Event in Oakland
  • 2017 Queer Camps List
  • Events
  • The Mechanics: How this email works

Next Week

 

All Of Us Update

Tom Seago, aka DJ Traaven, aka Wizard of BAAAHS, aka one of the sweetest humans we know has been working on the Art Garden for “All Of Us event” and it is coming together. You heard us talk about in the last issue a little but since then we had some new amazing additions:

All of Us is excited to announce an artist discussion featuring renowned Burning Man artists Rebekah Waites (The Church Trap), Dan Sullivan (Catacomb of Veils), and Dan Reeves (The Journey). Tickets for All of Us on sale now: www.tinyurl.com/AllOfUsArtPanel

So excited to have Steve Dudek back and bringing an amazing piece that was at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. It is one of the highest traffic technology and art showcases in the city. Steve has also contributed to the Burner community and art for many years.

And 3 (visualby3.com) will also be there in a few roles. He will have an amazing project light piece in the garden and will also be engaged as our lighting/graphics artist for the Afterworld Party and will be performing on the Sunday showcase. Yay!!

Burning Man Ticket Sales

In just a few weeks, TICKETS for the event go on sale, and Ye need to do some things to PREPARE

  • You must create or update your “burner profile” to register for the 2017 ticket sale. https://profiles.burningman.org/
  • You should also create or update a “ticketfly” account http://www.ticketfly.com/
  • MARCH 22nd Wednesday 12:00 noon PST
  • Main sale REGISTRATION begins – No need to rush on this one, all you’re doing is registering for the MAIN sale.
  • MARCH 24th Friday 12:00 noon PST
  • Main sale REGISTRATION closes
  • MARCH 29th Wednesday 12:00 noon PST
  • MAIN SALE starts – Be ready to click at NOON or you will NOT get a ticket!!!

Burning Man Global Leadership Event in Oakland

An annual conference of Burning Man community leadership that happens each spring. From humble beginnings in 2007, where 70 Regional Contacts joined us at Burning Man HQ, the GLC has since grown to include over 400 participants from around the world.

These highly-energized folks are Burning Man’s global representatives and community leaders, ambassadors of Burning Man culture in their regions who throw any of 65 Regional events in 20 countries. They participate in the GLC to share ideas, best practices and inspiration, and to make the invaluable face-to-face connections that may just lead to the next big thing. – burningman.org

There is a chance for leaders on almost all levels to go in 2017 and that deadline to apply is Friday (tomorrow). Email glc@burningman.ord to request access to the event. It does cost between $200 and $695, so be prepared to buy a ticket if one is afforded to you.

2017 Queer Burners Camp List

The list is taking shape and camps are seriously gearing up to get ready for “Radical Ritual” Burning Man 2017. Do not be one of those people who wait til the last minute to commit because you WILL be left out. Check out the 2017 Queer Burners Page on our web site. 

Events

This is a list of events we know about:

Submit your events for the news letter in the link below.

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.

March 2017 News Letter

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March 2017 – Happy Burnal Equinox

It’s a time when the season has really began heating up and the foundation for the 2017 Burning Man event themed “Radical Ritual” is taking root. The DGS ticket sale for theme camps and the participation forms are open are all happening right now. Shit is happening people!

In this issue of the monthly news letter:

  • All Of Us Update
    • The Journey joins All Of Us
    • BAAAHS bus Pearl will be there
    • 2 planned parties announced
    • A complete list of our scheduled DJ’s
  • Burning Man Ticket Sales
    • it’s time to get ready!!!
  • 2017 Queer Camps List
  • Events
  • The Mechanics: How this email works

Next Week

All Of Us Update

Ticket sales are still flowing strong and if all continues to go well we can see a point where we can sell out another year. This is our 3rd year and since it is the ONLY LGBTQ event of its kind we offer something truly special. We are blessed with some amazing talent joining us.

The Journey – a 2017 major art piece headed to Burning Man is coming to All Of Us as a preview!

The Journey is sponsored by Fractured Atlas where you can learn more! [click me] to donate and learn more about this amazing project. For All Of Us attendees this is a great photo op for pictures with the art piece that syncs with the BAAAHS bus with lighting and sound making it a real 360 degree experience!!!

How do you imagine the After World: will it be bright and fun, or dark and dirty, or peaceful and relaxing? Come share your vision with us at After World our Saturday-night event at All Of Us Event 2017! Costumes encouraged, but not required. Get your tickets to All of Us here: https://tinyurl.com/AllOfUsAfterWorld

Here are the 3 banners circulating about the event.

Sunday @ All Of Us Event 
On Sunday afternoon, it’s time to lather on the sunscreen and gather at the pool. Drinks, music and hot wet fun! It’s supposed to be 80°, so grab an itty bitty bikini or your favorite victorian bathing costume and let’s all splash around. We’ll miss Groundswell’s beautiful pond, but this year there will be fewer fish biting you. Plus the 20-person hot tub is just the place to get cozy and meet new friends.

The pool and all the grounds are clothing optional, but please remember to always respect your fellow burners. Everyone is entitled to feel safe and accepted at all times. Treat fellow guests with dignity regardless of sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, body type, culture, etc. and we’ll all get along swimmingly. See you by the pool!

Stay tuned and follow the event on Facebook at All Of Us Event and Twitter @allofus

Burning Man Ticket Sales

Well, they are starting really soon! THE ONLY SOURCE of information for ticket sales is the ticket sales web site. Period. Go to tickets.burningman.org … why, because something really fucking important is happening now:

Make sure your Burner Profile is up to date and has your real information on it (name and address stuff) and that you TicketFly.Com is also up to date. Have at least $1200 of room on your credit card if buying 2 tickets. Just FYI…

2017 Queer Burners Camp List

The list is taking shape and camps are seriously gearing up to get ready for “Radical Ritual” Burning Man 2017. Do not be one of those people who wait til the last minute to commit because you WILL be left out. Check out the 2017 Queer Burners Page on our web site. 

Events

This is a list of events we know about:

Submit your events for the news letter in the link below.

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.

Feb 2017 P2 News Letter

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Happy everything community… Valentines Day, Black History Month and of course we are still recovering from the #Bowling Green Massacre… right? Thank you to everyone who has given input recently and helped make the site and the network stronger. We have a new Queer Burners regional page started by a local burner in the Midwest! Hazah! Check out Midwest Queer Burners and get a complete list of all Queer Burner Resources by clicking this link here [click].

What happen to the Queer Burners GROUP? It was renamed this week to LGBTQ Burners Social Network World Wide because it was confusing for some people on the Queer Burners Facebook PAGE. Technology has finally allowed us to make the change to differentiate.

  • LGBTQ Burners Network: your place to share community stuff
  • Queer Burners Page: more for admin announcements etc…

The network is stronger because of you. Thank you!!!

In this issue of the monthly news letter:

  • All Of Us Update
  • Burning Man Ticket Sales
  • 2017 Queer Camps List
  • Events
  • The Mechanics: How this email works

 

All Of Us Update

Tickets sales for the long weekend event have been fantastic and steady. We are excited to see our goals in site and on the right path. It is highly probable we could sell out again this year. We encourage diversity again this year and will work to make sure you are represented and present at this one of a kind event.

All Of Us Event is the-only-event-of-it’s-kind in the world. It is aimed at LGBTQ and our allies with the foundation of the 10 principles. We want, more than anything, for everyone to feel safe and self expressive with people that feel the same.

In the coming days we will be announcing party themes, workshops and some amazing classes featuring the body and mind… so exciting!!!!

Stay tuned and follow the event on Facebook at All Of Us Event and Twitter @allofus

Burning Man Ticket Sales

Well, they are starting really soon! THE ONLY SOURCE of information for ticket sales is the ticket sales web site. Period. Go to tickets.burningman.org … why, because something really fucking important is happening now:

2017 Queer Burners Camp List

The list is taking shape and camps are seriously gearing up to get ready for “Radical Ritual” Burning Man 2017. Do not be one of those people who wait til the last minute to commit because you WILL be left out. Check out the 2017 Queer Burners Page on our web site. 

Events

This is a list of events we know about:

Submit your events for the news letter in the link below.

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.

Feb 2017 News Letter

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Hi everyone!!! Queer Burners is a platform for LGBTQ++ and our allies to meet and share more diverse resources based on the needs of a community we have fostered over time. The queer part of the city, no matter what it is called, is deeply important to some of us for reasons that include: safety, cohesion, social needs and maybe even more reasons. Why bring this up?

Like everything Burning Man related there has been a slow and steady evolution of resources and community. Do you have something to say about it? Would you like to write for or shape Queer Burners for the future? This platform is yours too. Sign up on Queer Burners and send Toaster a DM and let’s help make more magic.

In this issue of the monthly news letter:

  • All Of Us Update
  • Events
  • The Mechanics: How this email works

 

All Of Us Update

The Early Bird Sale is finished! And there are 36 tickets sold at a slightly discounted rate for early buyers. We are all very excited at the new venue and the potential with amazing artists and collaborators. All Of Us will be a distinctly memorable weekend.

We want YOU to be there. We know the ticket price might be a little steep for some people which is why we have a low income ticket application for a single person. Much more information will be coming out over social media in the coming weeks about the event: workshops, performers, activities and more.

The All Of Us Board is meeting on Feb 9th in central San Francisco. Soon, we will open the doors for a volunteer registry. People who buy special priced tickets are committing to volunteer roles. You will have a chance to choose or be assigned. Check it out!

Events

This is a list of events we know about:

Submit your events for the news letter in the link below.

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.

Jan 16th News Letter

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It is indeed time for people to start polishing up their burner gear and 10 Principles and get ready for 2017 “Radical Ritual”. But before that the “All Of Us event” is heating up and people are getting excited and there are many questions.

Question about All Of Us

There is some confusion on tickets. So few people are taking advantage of the discount mail code for being on this mailing list. We are sorry about that and encourage you to go directly to the Eventbrite page for ticket details.

All the small finished cabins have been taken. The Dormitory rooms (there are 4) are available and we may be able to add some additional places in the Main Sale starting Feb 1st.
An aerial view of Upper Lake, CA where www.saratogasprings.com is located. There is amazing hiking and other amenities  at this beautiful location.

Discount: mailer25eb for $25

Regional Pages

There are multiple Queer Burner pages in various locations around the world. The community as a whole being, the primary sources of community involvement should be your OFFICIAL regional pages. but, there are a lot of places without those and some without clear inclusion for LGBTQ++ Burning Man participants.

Some Queer Burner Regional groups on Facebook are really active while others are more… somber. YOU can start a Facebook group with the Queer Burners moniker, any one can, just please be respectful and use the 10 Principles as your guiding light along with local needs.

Here is a list:

* denotes member created groups while the others were generated by the creator of Queer Burners. To see more on Queer Burners and our various resources and histories click this text. Something missing? Please let us know so we can fix it! …or add it.

What’s Happening

Here is our bi-weekly list of events and notices of things going on out there you should know about.

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.

Honorable Mention

Rebekah Waites who brought you the Church Trap in 2014 is working on the Singularity Project that will make it to Burning Man in 2018. Be sure and check her amazing project out. And see the 2017 projects listed by QB members from the previous email by clicking here.

All Of Us Ticketing concerns

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When the ticketing was set up in Eventbrite it was clear that there was no single or flat rate to put them on. There are a variety of accommodations and spaces for people to stay so they were translated to the Eventbrite app as best as possible. You are best to go directly to Eventbrite to get the details on the event ticketing.

  • A majority of the cabins have been sold out!

We have had some feedback about some complexity in the selections. There is mostly Tenting / RV or Camper camping spots left. We also have the dormitory which is four rooms above the dining hall.

We may well open the two cabins and sell the room individually unless someone wants to buy the whole large cabins.

What can the All Of Us team do better for you and get you tickets?

View Results

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Jan 2nd News Letter: Copy

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It is with excitement and anticipation that we march into 2017 in spite of national politics and the passing of so many great voices and entertainers in 2016. AND we announce the opening of ticket sales for “All Of Us” 2017, formerly known as the Queer Burner Retreat.

 

All Of Us will be held at www.saratogasprings.com in Upper Lake, California for 5 days and 4 nights in the great beauty that is the northern California woods. It is about the same driving distance as Groundswell. While we will miss the lovely and inspiring land of Groundswell, this new location can handle a larger population and is just as beautiful.

Yes, we are expanding by offering more value with stronger leadership. We have built an experience unlike any other for LGBTQ+ Burning Man participants and our allies.

Join us on Memorial Day Weekend for a new level of amazing!

 

Burning Man Ticket Sales

As predicted, in the days before the December Holidays, Burning Man announced it’s theme and then the ticket schema. They are primed for an early sale to raise funds for the artist supported projects through the Burning Man Arts Grants (also announced in December). Some have asked why are there tickets at this price point? There are those eager to go to Burning Man at any price. There are those who are zealots for the cause. Either way, this is partially how grants make their way to artists.

Queer Burner Artists for 2017

There are some special projects we are already excited to see unfolding. Please help support these artists through sharing their gifts to the community or helping to fund/support their campaigns.

2017 The Get Down

The Get Down is a conceptual art installation hoping to find its way to Black Rock City and the 2017 Burning Man Festival. If you are interested in reading more about the project, would like to keep up on our progress, or would like to become a crew member, please join us and help this dream become a reality.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BurnTheGetDown2017/

The Journey

We are a group of friends and artists experienced with Burning Man culture. We will bring a large scale art project, known as The Journey in 2017.

https://www.facebook.com/TheJourneyProject2017/

Leadership in 2017

Rumor has it that the Burning Man Org is inviting more people to the Global Leadership Conference for 2017, that is direct from a top Burning Man source. According to other bmorg staff in 2016 at the same conference, there is a strong desire to open up this inspiring event to more participants.

But, what else for 2017? Beside the “All Of Us” event replacing the Queer Burner Retreat, there is talk of a Queer Burner Leadership Summit as well. And finally, a faction has proposed a post-Burning Man event at Groundswell that looks like a great idea as well but has not been firmed up as of yet.

As for All Of Us we have a strong team creating the project that started meeting in October. Each meeting is like a onion revealing new and exciting miraculous layers. We are still looking for people for parts that will be played in the coming weeks. To sign up fill out this form.

  • Choreographer
  • Stage Manager
  • Gate Manager
  • Rangers
  • Workshop Leads

Very grateful for Ranger Kickstand for leading the Ranger portion of our event and leading a discussion about Mental Health and self care on the playa. To those who have stepped up including Phoenix from QueerCouplesCenter.com who is a licensed psychotherapist who will be also lending  hand with a workshop.

What Else about All Of Us?

It is all very exciting and our Education Manager is Papasmurf from Camp Proper. He and Toaster have been working together to start a program of educational and fun things for diversions at the event. One direction is to focus on mental and physical health. We are looking for programs for newbies that introduce the 10 Principles and burner life inside and outside the trash fence. Stay Tuned:

Upcoming Events:

The Mechanics

Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped keep this network thriving. As we get closer to event season there is room for more people to play in this garden. If you sign up on the Queer Burners web site and are verified, then you too can write posts and continue conversations relevant to the community at large. Thank you to so many of you.