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BUTCHFest: The Experience in Dallas by CD Kirven

Butch Voice Convo #1
“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” Malcolm Forbes

Recently, I was told that Butch was a journey on the road to becoming Trans and I decided it was a conversation I wanted to have with other women who are masculine of center. You see … for me Butch was not a pit stop … it was a destination. I had the privilege of attending the BUTCH Voices Community Conversation in Dallas, Texas during the first ever Butchfest weekend. Topics ranged from Butch Misogyny, Trans/Butch Flight, Kink, Healthy LGBT Relationships and Queer Terminology. I was energized by the opportunity to network with and learn about the butch diversity that existed within my own community. The passion and commitment to self awareness has always inspired me. As expected, the community conversation did not disappoint and everyone was refreshingly candid about their feelings around their chosen gender expression.  It was nice to see some familiar faces and to connect with others on what the needs are in advancing the conversation and acceptance of female masculinity in the 21st century. I believe this is critical in advancing rights and opportunities for women in our community.

Sex was a topic that led to a variety of subject matter that included S&M as well as kink but allowed us to explore our comfort with boundaries and the need for more LGBT mentors. We determined that the need is not necessarily for more role models but leaders…outspoken about their chosen gender expression which would serve as an outline allowing future generation to explore gender roads less travelled by other generations.

Butch Voice Convo # 2

“There is no gender identity behind the expressions of gender… identity is performatively constituted by the very ‘expressions’ that are said to be its results.” – Judith Butler 

It is no coincidence, where the rule of law and democracy are struggling to take root are the same places where women and the LGBT community as a whole cannot participate as full and equal citizens.  I have always believed that women and my queer community are not victims, we are agents of change, we are drivers of progress, we are makers of peace—all we need is a fighting chance. Just as important…is the use of technological advances that have helped inspire, organize, and empower grassroots action…allowing the LGBT community to be able to connect virally through organizations like Butch Voices. This will help continue to create change…that is not only wanted but needed…to construct a path that leads to having a clear perception of our own personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions. I am who I think I am … a sum of my best and worst experiences. I am queer … and I am proud!

“I love to be individual, to step beyond gender.” – Annie Lennox 

As an LGBT rights activist, I’ve seen this type of conversation spark change that allowed progress to take hold and that’s where we as members of a fast moving society need to engage others outside our comfort zones. This will not only facilitate change but allow us to become the change we want in the world. 

Butch Voice Convo # 3

The repression of women, Trans or gender queers within the LGBT community only exacerbates the disparities we still face. Our current laws and traditions that hold back women and gender queers, hold back entire societies but if we commit to creating more opportunities for women and minority factions that exist in our community, I believe it will expedite our quest for equal opportunity. As we begin our important work to improve our personal experience, I look forward to continuing our conversations, discussing our thoughts and sharing our strategies to achieve gender equality.

Announcing: Community Conversation in Toronto May 25th!

BUTCH Voices presents our Community Conversations event happening on Saturday, May 25!

toronto-cc

**Space for this event is closed for self-identified butch, stud, and masculine of center trans and cis folks only.**

This Toronto Community Conversation event will be centered around topics of discussion specifically around butch, stud, and other masculine of center identities in order to hold space for each other and foster ways to connect and build community. As always, we do not make the distinction as to who fits those identities; that is for individuals to decide for themselves.

Topics will be generated by the individuals and groups who attend. We expect regional differences to affect which subjects, philosophies, and concerns each group will focus on. Our goal is to have 20-50 people attend each Community Conversation gathering, and we hope to encourage dialog, connection, and networking as we gear up for next year’s 2013 BUTCH Voices National Conference.

Capacity is limited to 20 attendees, so RSVP today. No cost to attend.

**RSVP with your name and contact information via email with BUTCH Voices in the subject line to: butchvoicesto@gmail.com **

LOCATION: Studio 10 address will be emailed to attendees
DATE: May 25
TIME: 1PM – 4PM

Folks have enjoyed our regional and national conferences and asked for more BUTCH Voices events in their towns. We’re looking to help make those happen where we can. In addition to producing our National Conference, we’re holding Community Conversations in various cities across the United States and Canada.

If you are interested in being involved in hosting, fundraising, or coordinating a Community Conversation in your city, contact BUTCH Voices outreach at volunteers@BUTCHVoices.com.

SAVE THE DATE: BUTCH Voices 2013 National Conference – August 15-18 in Oakland, CA. Registration and volunteer sign-ups are open now! butchvoices.com

*****SPECIAL BONUS*******

For those interested, later that night, Aslan Leather is hosting SPUNK, Toronto’s first Transmen for men play party in the Studio 10 space.

Who is welcome?

Guys who are FTM, transmasculine, Masculine presenting, butch identified and Cisgendered. Click the link for details.

http://www.aslanleather.com/spunk_trans_men_men_porn_party_saturday_may_25th_2013

Community Conversation: Portland

portland-cc

BUTCH Voices presents our Community Conversations event happening in Portland, OR on Saturday, May 11th, co-sponsored by the Queer Club at Portland Community College – Cascade Campus.

Capacity is limited to 50 attendees, so RSVP today. No cost to attend.

**Space for this event is closed for self-identified butch, stud, and masculine of center folks only.**

**RSVP with your name and contact information via email with PDX in the subject line to: Registration@BUTCHVoices.com **

LOCATION:
Portland Community College – Cascade Campus
705 N Killingsworth Ave
Portland, OR 97217

Event space – Terrell Hall (TH on the below campus map)
More room specifics and accessibility information coming soon

http://www.pcc.edu/about/locations/cascade/documents/ca-campus-map.pdf

DATE:
Saturday, May 11

TIME:
10AM – 3PM

Folks have enjoyed our regional and national conferences and asked for more BUTCH Voices events in their towns. We’re looking to help make those happen where we can. In addition to producing our National Conference, we’re holding Community Conversations in various cities across the United States.

**This PDX Community Conversation event will be centered around topics of discussion specifically around butch, stud, and other masculine of center identities in order to hold space for each other and foster ways to connect and build community. As always, we do not make the distinction as to who fits those identities; that is for individuals to decide for themselves.**

Topics will be generated by the individuals and groups who attend. We expect regional differences to affect which subjects, philosophies, and concerns each group will focus on. Our goal is to have up to 50 people attend this Community Conversation gathering, and we hope to encourage dialogue, connection, and networking as we gear up for next year’s 2013 BUTCH Voices National Conference.

Facebook post here.

Community Conversation: Dallas

dallas-ccThis Community Conversation event will be centered around topics of discussion specifically around butch, stud, and other masculine of center identities in order to hold space for each other and foster ways to connect and build community. As always, we do not make the distinction as to who fits those identities; that is for individuals to decide for themselves. This conversation occurs as part of the weekend-long Butchfest event.

Topics will be generated by the individuals and groups who attend. Some examples include: Butch Misogyny, Trans*/Butch Flight as Myth, and Butch Terminology. We expect regional differences to affect which subjects, philosophies, and concerns each group will focus on. These topics will be used to create the discussion groups.  Among the discussion groups, there will be closed space for those who self identify as Masculine of Center, as well as open space for all identities for simultaneous conversations.

Our goal is to have up to about 30 people attend this Community Conversation gathering, and we hope to encourage dialogue, connection, and networking as we pass along our thoughts to this year’s BUTCH Voices National Conference.

The Conversations will take place at Resource Center Dallas (2701 Reagan St. Dallas, TX 75219) from 12 pm – 4:30 pm.

_________________

Joe Leblanc
Keynote Speaker and Conversation Facilitator

Joe_LeBlanc-1_web-150x150Joe LeBlanc is a Cajun Genderqueer Poly Butch who believes in personal story-telling as a significant method for people to share experiences and solidify a better understanding about LGBTIQ identities, issues, and concerns. Joe is the Founder and Board Chair of BUTCH Voices. He has served as a member of the University of Michigan’s Spectrum Center Speakers’ Bureau and TransGender Michigan. A graduate from the Out in Front Seattle LGBTQ leadership program, Joe has served as an Advisory Board member for TransActive, a founder and coordinator for Q Patrol PDX, and currently serves as Assistant Citizen Co-Chair for the Alliance for Safer Communities. He has developed and presented workshops at various conferences on issues around identity, community building, event planning, and advocating for trans-inclusive health care. Joe is currently working as the Development Coordinator for Basic Rights Oregon and was awarded the 2011 Pride In Action Award by Pride NW.

C.D. Kirven 
Conversation Facilitator

Formerly the Outreach Coordinator for Legacy of Success Foundation, C. D. Kirven is recognized nationally for her writings, artwork, and activism in the LGBT community regarding sexuality, gender, and racism. Kirven was a founding board member of DFW Pride Movement and was one of the ENDA 4 with the organization Get Equal. Kirven’s artwork appeared at the 2009 Butch Voices Conference in Oakland, CA and the art was featured in the December 2009 issue of Curve Magazine. Recently part of the ‘ART AS A WEAPON’ exhibit at the Smoke & Mirrors Gallery in Dalllas, TX. Kirven is a contributing writing for several LGBT media outlets including; CherryGrrl.com, Bilerico, AMBIENTE magazine, Dallas Voice, Bay Windows, Dallas Post Tribune, San Diego Gay & Lesbian News, KVUE ABC, Telemundo and many others.

Lillith Grey
Conversation Facilitator

As an educator, activist, and artist, most of Lillith’s time is divided between teaching, studying, and sewing sequins. She is a burlesque dancer, event producer, artist, and pianist, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in psychology. She produces Dallas’s annual “Fuck Valentine’s Day” party and performs frequently in local burlesque and fetish shows. Lillith owns Gloryhole Productions and The Glitter Box, and she is the founder and producer of Panty Raid and Dirty Panties, both of which occur regularly in Dallas and also presents educational workshops on a variety of topics across the country, including research, personality, kinky sign language, relationships, and multicultural & diversity issues. She has also served on the advisory council for the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance  held the title of Gulf Coast Leather Woman 2008 and was honored as Woman of the Year in 2010 by the National Leather Association – International, and continues to be involved in various service and community projects.

Ephraim Freese
Conversation Facilitator