burning man – Page 2 – Queerburners Blog Site

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:

2013 Burning Man Gay Meet & Greet

08/09/201308/03/2013 by Catcher

The 2013 Burning Man Gay Meet & Greet is from 8:00p – 11:00p on opening night Monday, August 26. Hosted by Down Low Club located in the Gayborhood at 7:15 GDP, this annual event is open to the entire LGBTQQ community and their friends on the Playa.

Come in your rainbow finery for the official start of Cargo Cult for Queer Burners and enjoy music, snacks and thirst quenching libations. The first of many LGBTQQ events for the week, this is an awesome way to reconnect with all your friends from years past, make some new friends and perhaps even create some sparks for the week with that new hottie you may meet there.

The Gay Meet & Greet is also a terrific opportunity to network with other LGBTQQ Burners and learn about the week’s gay-oriented events. Bring info on your own events to post on our community board along with any snacks and libations you’d like to share.

Official event Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/491546584227309/

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).

Member Video for 2012

09/10/2012 by scott.kay

Thank you Vincent!!!

Stay Informed!!!

09/27/201408/07/2012 by scott.kay

See the new section in the above menu called “Announces” where I will endeavor to post important announcements and their sources! One of the most important out there is the JRS… see the links below:

[BManUpdate] V16:#25:07.20.12 GREENING YOUR BURN‏
[BManUpdate] V16:#26:07.24.12 LOCAL TOWNS & RESOURCES‏
[BManUpdate] V16:#27:07.27.12 BIKES‏
[BManUpdate] V16:#28:08.1.12 TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC‏
[BManUpdate] V16:#29:08.4.12‏
[BManUpdate] V16:#30:08.6.12 LAW ENFORCEMENT
A gentle reminder from Comfort & Joy; Kitten
E-Mail Announce: Burning Man Placement
[BManUpdate] V16:#32:08.11.12 HEALTH & SAFETY‏
Post by Catcher from the Down Low Club
[BManUpdate] V16:#33:08.15.12 KIDS AT BURNING MAN‏

Keeping up with them Burners

08/05/2012 by scott.kay

The site has been through a lot and it is not done yet. It is vital that this site provide you useful information and help you to be prepared for your burn. Registration was closed for a while because of spamming, but this site gets a lot of attention, so it is bound to attract attention.

Note the new Announces section (yes, I spelled it that way on purpose) where I will repost important information and the source of that info. Things coming from the JRS are vital so grab hold and enjoy the ride.

Events and Stuff

07/17/2012 by scott.kay

A lot of people have asked, but this is the first year no one has taken it upon themselves to help us compile a list of queer events going on in the BRC. Not to mention camps! Speaking for myself, I have started a full time job and have a relationship that has taken a lot of my time away from the site and I apologize that I have not been able to give my all. If you can help… you can do it. All member can update the calendar on the site with events listed here.

Yes, site registration has been temporarily closed, but almost all resources are here for your immediate access. Use the contact form for any unanswered questions. Or get registed by sending me your name, desired login name, and I will set you up manually.

10,000 more souls

06/20/2012 by scott.kay

The more the merrier? With the (oh not so long ago) shit storm with the ticketing situation many disenfranchised and sad-sallie burners could never have imagined any hope of recovery. The mud on BMorgs face could have been a cleanse?

Many of us were pissed off. Many of us saw the lottery for the flaws the minute it was announced. What if it was a success, then who would be wearing the face-mask? Well, it wasn’t and according to a press release a lot of tickets went to people who never participated in the Burning Man experience before. It was estimated to be 70% (yes for real) people who never looked at the 10 principles before.

The Canvas

The fabric of the burner community has been changed, perhaps ripped away, then made into something new. Not only is this the year that Burning Man, LLC became The Burning Man Project 501(c)(3), but the participants who buy tickets also changed. There will be tens-of-thousands of new heart beats out there with new points of view and new expectations.

Thankfully before the last 10 to 20 thousand tickets went on sale BMorg (Burning Man Organization) took a step back and setup a system where people had the pleasure of buying Tier 4 tickets for $390/bux each instead of a real chance at getting anything less. Fortunately, some of those tickets also went to help low-income applicants.

So, on the chess board that was the ticket shit storm BMorg made some headway.

Camps were portioned allotments with the ability to purchase for their encampments. Tickets went to Art Cars, Artists and finally moving in the direction they needed to be.

Newbie Orientation

There was a huge emphasis on how we as a community do several things. One of the most important was another new word in the Burner Community: Enculturation. Even at the Leadership Summit in March 2012 that hosted in San Francisco and attracted leaders from all over the world, there was a strong emphasis on this.

Queer camps like Comfort & Joy, Camp Beaverton, and Astro Pups have all embraced this concept in different ways.

The goal is to get new attendees to embrace the 10 principles and make their participation meaningful without destroying those already entrenched in the life. This means much more than a party or festival. This is more than a bucket list item. But, for many that is all it will ever be.

10,000 More People

Yes, there will be close to 65,000 people out there this year than last year; more than 10,000 additional souls with a prediction for another 10,000 in 2013. The ticket screw ups earlier in the year aside, there is a flushing out as it were, and change is forced upon us.

Not many burners are really welcoming of “change” in spite of the hippy attitude projected on burner activity. Burners and Burner Leadership have to set the example.

We have no choice. We embrace and move forward. We saw the BLM bring sanctions with a deep inhale and the exhale follows an announcement of 10,000 more souls.

With that comes responsibility, too. For US who need to embrace change and for THEM whom we hope to enculturate. It will hopefully culminate in WE in the light of the temple burn. The 10 principles are the biggest key we can hand over to a new generation or a new breed of burners. But this thing, by Larry Harvey and his cavalcade of 5, is/was something very meaningful and the fear is that it will be lost…. or changed.

Change is… inevitable.

How to get a Burning Man ticket

05/15/2012 by scott.kay

Many of us who have taken very visible positions in the burner community amongst our wonderful queers have been asked on many occasions HOW do I get a Burning Man ticket. “Can you help me get a Burning Man ticket?” The answer is yes.

10 Principles: Start Here

There are tickets available. While either passively with BMorg’s help or through articulation tickets have managed to become available and wanting badly to be in your hands. In just recent weeks people have been offering tickets for community members in need.

Why start with the 10 principles? Well, one of them is very important when it comes to almost anything in the Burner community… it is the one that will slap any Sparkle Pony… spank any tourist… it is Self-Reliance. Not to sound snarky, because I am going to tell you how to get a ticket either free or a reduced cost if not full price, but you have to be a participant.

Participation is 90% of the infrastructure of the Burning Man event and if it were not for it’s volunteers or do’ers there really would be nothing to go to. You have to be a part of something or be a contributor in some way. You have to add to the fruit salad of Burning Man with blood, sweat, tears or whatever your Radical Self-Expression might be. So the answer is be a part of the salad.

Be part of a camp infrastructure, help on an art project, create your own art project, art car, performance… whatever. If you are a part of someone’s collective and get your face involved in a community of people then you suddenly have more eyes looking to help you get that ticket.

The Answer

If you skipped down to this part you are missing the point. Burning Man is not a tourist destination. Although a lot of people have figured out how to go and offer nothing with Plug N’ Play camping, thinking it is just one big party, or having no understanding of the lifestyle many of these people have evolved with.

If you skipped down to this part reconsider if this is what you really want. Burning Man is not a bucket list item. Coming to this event with no expectations… Giving of yourself over to the Black Rock Desert… unconditionally and without any expectation… then you are on the right journey.

Conclusion

Be a part of a community by representing yourself as part of a collective. It might just be 2 people, it could be 120, but add to the fruits salad! (If you don’t get the fruit salad comment please read back). Just being on this web site is not the answer but could simply be the point in which you tie into something through the Groups section or by talking with another member. The answer my friend is simple: pARTticpate.

Report: Burning Man Leadership Summit 2012

01/25/201604/03/2012 by scott.kay

The Burning Man Project is the new face of Burning Man as they move into non-profit status and work on expanding their model as a guide for community growth. While Burning Man is growing limbs the journey and mission for Toaster was to reach to the roots.

Glossary of terms:

QBLS – Queer Burner Leadership Summit
Regionals, R.C.’s, R.C. – Regional Contacts / Representatives
Meta-Regional, Metas – R.C.’s with longer arms
BMHQ – Burning Man Headquarters

The Burning Man Leadership Summit Mar 29-Apr 1

The 3 day plus summit brought 185 representatives from around the world to network and share resources. Everyone was bringing questions about their own projects, regions and Burning Man related plans. Out of the 185 attendees approximately 60 were Regional Contacts and the remaining were various Community Leaders.

Marian Goodell (aka maidMarian) one of the 6 owners of Burning Man today — Marian Goodell (aka MaidMarian) giving the key note Saturday

Regional Contacts are officially placed representatives from Burning Man who are geographically located (in almost all circumstances) and have a couple of ‘jobs’: 1. they help protect the brand and report back to Burning Man when it is being abused. 2. many help build community events and cultivate the relationship between Burners in their area.

Community Leaders are people in the Burner culture who have emerged and are cultivating the community without any official recognition or remuneration.

Neither get paid for what they do and are voluntary roles.

A Distilling of BM’s New Mission

Burning Man has an amazing network and a lot of people within it looking to make things happen. However, the means to achieving these things has changed. Along with the 501(C)(3) status of the new Burning Man, it’s minions are taking their projects in directions with more legal protection and mechanisms to protect assets and resources under various legal entities.

The network is looking to cultivate more community based projects and are looking for ways of embracing more people into the concept laid out in the 10 principles. That means developing community relationships by sharing our culture and we were given a lot of examples of how to do that and what people have done in their communities.

Burning Man still says the future is in their Regionals. This was a word was called into question a lot. For those unaware (as noted in the opening paragraphs) Regional Contacts have an official role in communities. Regionals are also the names of events that have an official recognition from Burning Man that are micro Burning Man events.

Conceptually the word “Regionals” is deceiving only that with term has become deprecated. R.C.’s are conduits for the community up to Burning Man and down to the communities they represent. It also has a sense that is separates THEM from the community on some level. There was a lot of talk about this word and better ways to communicate the mission of people in these positions.

Also, $teven Ra$pa gave us a great example of the ticket crisis with a visual representation showing why Regional Events are getting more and more relevant over the Burning Man Event in August. Showing us eggs (like ovaries) and a field of sperm working their way in the eggs soon displayed signs saying “Full” and “No Vacancy” representing the ticket sale process that sent so many people into a frenzy recently. He colored in the areas surround the eggs describing those as where people need to flow into; the Regional events.

I have attended a lot of the events like: Element-11 in Salt Lake City, Toast for Arizona, Dark Skies for Las Vegas which went away and now has Forgotten City. Transformus in the Carolinas, Lightening in the Bottle and so many more.

“Regional”

The word Regional was was called into question and with the recent invention of the Meta-Regional roles. Meta-Regionals are a layer between the Regional Contacts and BMHQ. Some are geographical and some are specialized in areas like event planning, conflict resolution or other things relevant to helping stitch the R.C. network together.

Start Here

Okay, so maybe you already read all that stuff above with definitions and floating data about some of the workings in Burning Man that I tried to distil as best as I could. The most frequent question I have been asked so far from OUR community is about the tickets.

Frankly, Burning Man makes limited apologies for the ticket situation but looks at it for some results in a couple ways. 1. Lesson learned; they have tried for years to give us a working ticket system and people get pissed off every year anyway. 2. Who knew??? Who knew there would be such a demand for people wanting to actually go to Burning Man and fill those many Bucket Lists. Well, they should have had an idea since there own mailing list is gi-normous. There is a viral video that went out that is believed to have inspired a lot of attention to the event itself.

If you need tickets there are ways to get them still without having to rely on scalpers; for some people. Be a part of the machine. Be a cog in one of the wheels; an art project, theme camp, volunteer… something integral and save your fucking pennies because you have to be prepared to make sure your needs and safety are met out there no matter what!

Ticket Issue: Done –

Personal Safety on the Playa

The 2012 Queer Burner Leadership Summit revealed one major concern that I brought safety to the table in several ways and I made myself heard: Personal Safety. With the expected influx of people not invested in the Burner lifestyle there is a concern that there will be more aggression threatening otherwise very vulnerable people at Burning Man in 2012.

Vulnerable means EVERYONE! Although we talked about women for the most part, we also talked about our drag queens and trans-gendered people.

At Burning Man many of us have come to feel we live in a place called Home. It is a place where we have learned to drop our guard. Our guard, walls, shields, anxiety protect us from the harsh realities of the default world. The dog eat dog of society where live 52 weeks a year versus where we are thinking about gifting and hugging everyone we meet is something very special.

Many of us might be physically vulnerable, but if impaired and unable to protect oneself, it is even more important to rally each other and always travel in groups.

Why this level of concern? And is Burning Man listening to OUR concerns? I brought this to Burning Man as OUR main concern as it was related during the QBLS.

I wrote a report on the QBLS that got noticed and started a dialog. On the private Regional Contact list the topic started to get some serious attention but it devolved into something of a joke among the R.C.’s and this was confirmed by a Meta-Regional as well as other R.C.’s who are active on the list.
In a main hall discussion I asked about steps Burning Man would take to help assure personal safety. As usual I was shut down very fast by Andie Grace (aka ActionGrl) when she said: “Everyone attending Burning Man is responsible for their own safety“. And there it died for the day on Saturday. In the main hall this was not a place to chose a battle.

Many more Regionals were genuinely concerned about this subject and were shocked that there was a severe enough issue. Females knew there was a problem especially around Critical Tits and have been vocal.

When I spoke up in the main hall I was trying to channel words spoken by Foxy, Shayna and Kitten; they brought the most real light to the discussion during the QBLS.

The Regional Coordinators (BMHQ) have been incredibly resistant to the idea of any official representation for the Queer Burner Community. Frankly, I am not sure we need our own R.C., but when I discover some of the dialog that has taken place away from the community at large I feel deeply troubled about it.

In the end… Yes, we are all responsible for our own safety so we have to work together to make sure we have safety valves in place for ourselves. It made me smile to talk about the Drag Queens, Drag Kings and Bull Horn use employed by some camps as a great way to defuse situations. Humor and being vigilant is the key and we can help each other with that.

Instead of a response that acknowledged the concern or worry that has been echoed by many of the female population out there already the response was very cold and concise. She called me out by my default world name so she knows WHO I am . I AM not anyone special, but I have been a voice for a long time and sometimes the occasional thorn. However, I sincerely wonder if the question had come from any of the heterosexual women in that audience would we have seen the same kind of response either by delivery (tone) or maybe got a bit more consideration. My question was this:

“With the influx of so many people who are not familiar with the Burning Man culture and lifestyle expected at Burning Man in 2012; is there any plan to increase security for personal safety?”

Maybe from that alone you can see WHY I got the answer I did get?I did have a chance to revisit it through various workshops on Sunday and heard from people more one on one but time will tell how it all sorts itself out.

Queer Burners

There was a perception in some cases that the entity Queer Burners itself was our way of being separate from the BRC community. And it is not unnoticed (in perception only!) that it seems like other Burners and BMHQ perceive us as if WE are asking for some kind of special treatment from Burning Man.

Queer Burners the Community and Burning Man

I described QueerBurners.Com (aka gayburners.com) as a social network for burners of a like mind can come together and find resources within the queer culture inside the community of Burning Man. We are a community as much as Oakland is a community as much as Austin, Texas is a community and we seek each other out for safety, for comfort and for support.

In fact, I also described my experience with the Burner Community in Las Vegas as a community that was very well integrated. Queers blended right in with everyone else and it works pretty much that way in almost every community out there; Burner specific. I was very proud to be a leader in that community. But since then I moved to San Francisco and it plays out very differently here.

In the 9 months I have been here the Decompression is where I witnessed groups blending. There was something called Rites of Massive out on Treasure Island where I was happy to see some more sharing of space among people of various origins.

Personal Note: This might be a time to do some reflection and evaluation. For me, Toaster, I have taken my own position on this relationship with BMHQ. My impression and perception is based on some interesting experiences with Marion and Megs while I was being considered for an R.C. role in Vegas last year. It may have tarnished something in my eyes or jaded my faith.

I could easily say… they don’t get it. BUT! I would be partially wrong. Queers in the Burning Man culture have our own unique and applied perspective just like ALL the others; speaking of geographical regions because we are also a part of those. The irony is that this organization came out of the gayest city of the nation and cannot see the unique puzzle piece like us; it’s pink and covered with glitter and feathers.

Not Burning Man’s Fault

With a lot of listening and absorbing we have to fight for our own place in the sun and not look to Burning Man to fertilize that. Communities, camps and other entities in Burning Man are doing it on their own. Maybe this is a case of Burning Man helping those who help themselves.

I have been looking at Burning Man leadership for a sense of acknowledgement and approval and they are looking up higher in their growing tree and so far I (ME) am that termite that passes in their line of site once in a while.

In the opening of this report I said I was reaching in while Burning Man was reaching out to things past me. I am swimming against the current and risked putting everything in jeopardy for this project in spite of what I was building until this weekend.

We have an opportunity here that is being handed to us and it came from this summit with a gold tray beneath it. We have a tool we can all be a part of, build from, and in turn give back to Burning Man in a way that helps their mission and puts our community in a better position.

At the 2012 QBLS one of the agenda items was the Queer Burner Fund, LLC. We make this a reality and take a step back from wearing a Burning Man label like the word “Burners”. We define our own structure and resources that we can use to help each other raise funds, conduct community projects and provide grants to the community. More to come… so watch out for this one!

Conclusion

It was 3 days of recharging. 185 people went to get their kool-aide containers refilled and we heard about HOW the Burning Man Project is taking on a whole new identity. Burning Man, the event in the desert, has manifested into something else.

Burners seem to hate change, but we embrace it once we get past the lumps. WE, as a community, have to unite and grow with the changing face of what we love. WE need to reflect what is going on around us.

It is, at its core, the same thing we grew to love. Yet this monster sheds its skin and hisses once in a while , it bites, but WE (ALL BURNERS irregardless of identity) rally and find strength in what makes some flake away making way for new.

Authors note: I am Toaster, aka Scott, and have had a strange upbringing in this community. Once upon a time I was going to be an R.C. in Vegas and had some pretty terrible problems with another R.C. and a Community Leader who was a lot more old school Burner than I, which there is nothing wrong with. We tangled over an issue and both had strong opinions on it and it spilled over into the community of Las Vegas at large. BMHQ came in to actively mediate the issue, but there was a point where they gave up. I was told, you guys need to resolve your own problems. Again, I hated the answer but it was true. Out of that, although it may not sound like it, I came to have some expectations out BMHQ that were completely unrealistic. Never has Radical Self Reliance hit me in the face with more frequency than anything else; you would think I would finally get it. Well, I learned a lot this weekend. I hope you will join me on this journey and take some of the ownership of what this project (Queer Burner Project) is and help make it something more grand.