We had a great time at the conference with all of you! Now, though, it’s time to close out our books for 2013 and start looking towards the future. We have our first online fundraising campaign, and we need your help getting to our goal of $10k in 10 days.

BUTCH Voices is produced solely through the efforts of an all-volunteer board and a minimal budget. As our commitment grows to enhance awareness and solidarity, we ask that enthusiastic partners and allies like you take the pledge. Without your donation, BUTCH Voices runs the risk of subsidence. Help us close 2013 and continue to build better community by making a financial contribution today.

We have some great rewards: social media shout-outs and homemade cookies mailed to your house, dates with BUTCH Voices board members, our hot BUTCH Voices t-shirts, event planning/community organizing sessions & resume/writing coaching sessions via Skype, a month of personal training, and a week of advertising on our site. Check out the details on our fundraising page.

But no matter how big or small, your investment into our BUTCH Voices – 10 DAYS for $10K campaign shows your dedication to a progressive movement now and beyond. Please support the need for safe space and your BUTCH Voices.

Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support!

With lots of Butch Love,

Joe LeBlanc and the BUTCH Voices Board

Marni over at Autostraddle had this to say about BUTCH Voices conference:

Last weekend I had the distinct honor of representing Autostraddle Dot Com at the biennial Butch Voices conference in Oakland, CA. In case you missed my breathless preview article, Butch Voices strives to “enhance and sustain the well-being of all women, female-bodied and trans-identified individuals who are Masculine of Center by providing programs that build community, positive visibility and empower us to advocate for our whole selves inclusive of and beyond our gender identity and sexual orientation.”… There’s something about being in a space with so many people who have had the same experiences you have that is just incredible.

Miki Vargas Photography

Check out the original article to reminisce about the conference or get a taste of what you missed, and thanks for the great writeup, Marni!.

First, big ups and huge thanks to everyone who came out, showed up, volunteered, and worked it (hard!) to put on such a huge undertaking. There was education, there was dancing, there was performance, and there was a big diverse beautiful community. And it wouldn’t have happened without you. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard.

B.D. wrote in a comment today (among other genius things), “…I applaud everyone who showed up and really showed up – engaging in deep and powerful dialogue. Questioning ourselves and each other with open hearts and vulnerability and humility is the only way to grow.” and it got us thinking: do you agree? How would you put it? We want to know your experience of BUTCH Voices, because your experience matters. And it matters to us especially as organizers, us silent ones who work in the wings and volunteer to make sure this kind of gathering can keep happening. So we invite you to add your voice. It’ll just take a second.

Please note– by pressing submit, you affirm that you’re willing to let us to use your response for our internal development as well as for outreach and fundraising/promotional efforts.

© 2013 Miki Vargas Photography for Butch Voices

Aside from this teaser, we’re still waiting on images from the talented Miki Vargas, our official conference photographer. But if *you* have any shots from the conference, please do share them on the BUTCH Voices facebook page, and we’ll help connect new friends as we head home and integrate an amazingly packed 4 days of performances, workshops, art, and community.

My commitment to my BUTCH Voice is…