BUTCH Voices exists because…

As a community we face hate violence on a daily basis – due to our gender presentation, race, religion, class and/or appearance. Every day- this is done regardless of how we identify internally, the language we use to call ourselves, or the politics that we may or may not possess inside.

We are made to feel not a part of our greater communities for how we appear, the clothing we wear, our haircuts, or our preferred language for ourselves.

We take on misogyny on a daily basis by stretching what our identities can look like, what they can embody, how we choose to identify, and where we fall on the gender spectrum. Read more

Letter from BV Founder

As the Founder of BUTCH Voices, I feel it necessary to share my thoughts on the many changes that have taken place over the years with our organization; especially in light of our most recent publicity and after seeing the many responses to official statements [statement 1] [statement 2] released by our BV board president, Krys Freeman. It is important to the entire BV board and 2011 BUTCH Voices Conference steering committee that you feel heard. It is most important to us that you know that, no, we are not the same BUTCH Voices that held the first national conference in 2009. But, we are better. We are the same people, your same community, improved. Still, and only with your help and support, we have the opportunity to become even greater.

An Open Letter

This is something that I never thought I would have to write. Yet, I know, with change, often come awkward stepping stones. Writing this now, I am confident that I will look back on this moment and understand it as one necessary to the development and sustainment of BUTCH Voices.

Recently, former BUTCH Voices members made an attempt at what might be perceived as airing BUTCH Voices’ dirty laundry. It has recently been picked up and covered by media outlets, and I’m sure more coverage will come. Unfortunately, this is often the case when inaccurate and negative information is spread throughout the internet.

I have already made a previous public statement about the press release, and been in contact with many who are concerned about BUTCH Voices’ “internal strife” and the “affect this may have on our upcoming conference” in August. I appreciate your concern, and you have given me and my fellow BV board members much food for thought and improvement.

Still, I want to publicly announce, at this point, there has been no “airing of dirty laundry” because there is no internal strife with BUTCH Voices or the 2011 BUTCH Voices National Conference. We are what we think; we are all on which we focus our thoughts. At present, the entire BV team is focusing on making our 2^nd National Conference the best conference to date.

Saying this, I am still aware that there are issues to be addressed and questions to be answered.

BV11 Keynote Speakers

We are very excited about our keynote speakers this year. This is definitely a conference you don’t want to miss!

BV11 Keynote Speaker - Sharon Bridgforth

BV11 Keynote Speaker - Alice Y. Hom

Learn more about our amazing keynote speakers

bklyn boihood & BUTCH Voices: Fundraiser in NYC

Join bklyn boihood, BUTCH Voices and other sponsors and allies in a celebration to wrap up this amazing experience for our models, photographers and contributors.

Kweer folks, a sexy venue, and fresh music on deck as folks mingle with the models, bloggers, photographers, partners and friends that make the bklyn boihood experience possible.

DC Gurly Show & BUTCH Voices Fundraiser – July 2011

The DC Gurly Show and B.O.I. Marketing and Promotions, LLC will be hosting a fundraiser for BUTCH Voices at the DC Gurly’s July 20th show at Phase One. Partial proceeds from the door and a raffle onsite will go towards BUTCH Voices.