Bash Back! News

BB! News has received this copy of all of the workshops being planned for the radical queer convergence. If you would like to facilitate a workshop that is not included in the list feel free to Guerilla that shit!
The workshop schedule will be posted in two days or less.

Anti-Racism for White People 101

A workshop aimed aat educating white folks on the history of radical struggles led by black, red, brown, and yellow communities in Amerikka, and introducing them to ways to fight/counteract white privilege, gentrification, and racism in everyday life.

Reviving Our Archives: Putting Memory Into Action

Presented by: The Naughty North

This participatory workshop will focus on dialogs around queer/trans historiography and provide basic information about important/inspiring moments in radical queer history in the U.S. and Canada. We hope to impart knowledge and skills that encourage participants to continue digging up and celebrating our radical queer/trans histories that will inform our present moment and take us to astounding new levels of queer brilliance/activism. Celebrating our radical histories and putting our memories in action is a fierce creative tool to combat erasure, disappearance, oppression, gaystream assimilation and death. Out of the closets and into the libraries!

White Gay Male Privilege

Presented by GenderJUST

Public Sex

A discussion of the revolutionary potential of public sex as a means of resistance (and a biopolitical strike) against the ruling social order. How does keeping sex “behind closed doors” reinforce capitalism and heteronormativity? What mechanisms act to control our public selves? How do we destroy those mechanisms and reclaim the public as a queer and sexual space? We’ll explore historical and contemporary examples of public sex/sexual counterpublics. We’ll theorize the possibility of reterritorializing our desires through the claiming and queering of space through public sex, ultimately destroying the capitalist divide between public and private.

Join together so that you can move: strategies for building community power through difference

The main focus of the workshop will be to both deepen our understanding of the histories of the various oppressions we all face and how they intersect and develop concrete strategies for resistance in our communities. At the beginning of the first session, we’ll establish functional definitions for the systems we will be talking about (heterosexism, racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, imperialism, classism) so that we can have a common understanding of what we are talking about as we move forward. I usually like to ask people to trust the process and see it through even if they feel defensive or confused along the way and to use those feelings as an opportunity for introspection. It is imperative we set boundaries for what happens in the space; we are here to look at some ugly things (some of them inside us). If we are to make progress, we must acknowledge those things and work through them. We will all agree to the following: be on time, getting called out for oppressive behavior is an act of love and an opportunity for growth, what happens in the room stays here, we will actively listen to each other and pause before we respond. We’ll then discuss the histories of some of these systems, how they have come together to create the situation we have now and how oppressive systems keep us apart. Next, we move into small groups (everyone will be instructed to find a few people they have never met before) to discuss ways that we have collaborated in either our own oppression or the oppression of others. What were you thinking at the time? How did you feel after? What could have been done differently? We will then report back about what we learned from one another. On the second day, we’ll talk in small groups about what we have done as part of our activist work to undermine some or all of these systems in our communities. What worked? What didn’t work? Who was part of the planning and why? What do our activist communities look like? After we have discussed these questions, we will rejoin as a larger group and briefly report back what we learned from one another. The third and final day will be devoted to strategies about future work in our communities. What does “liberation” mean? For whom, and on what terms? How will we build community across complex lines of difference? How do we envision the movement changing over time? We will all come up with a list of actions/strategies to use when we return to our communities.

Takin’ it back: Gentrification & Squatting

Presented by: South Florida United Queers and Trans (SoFUQT)

In South Florida, people’ve been battling gentrification ever since the dunes turned to real estate. From power point presentations to direct action construction blockades to directed vandalism campaigns to full-scale land & housing takeovers, the struggle’s been HOT down here in Florida. We have worked in all types of neighborhoods, from upscale-wannabe downtown Lake Worth to the nitty gritty center of Liberty City, Miami. Our latest efforts have been working with black-led organizations Power U and Take Back The Land, backbone of the 6 month Umoja Village shantytown, to move families into abandoned public housing and vacant foreclosures. We’ll talk about what gentrification means in this foreclosure economy and ways to reclaim housing as a human right.

Performing Queer

Through a short presentation on how radical queer performance is developing around the country and internationally, followed by discussion on performance theory’s intersections with radical queers and other nerdy theory bits like post-structuralism and anarchism, we will explore how radical queer performance goes outside established binaries of sex and gender to explore New sex and New gender, off the spectrum. Possibly a short workshop at end to improv a quick performance piece to share with others.

The ExGay Movement: An Evil Right Wing Plot and How to Survive

The exgay movement has been attempting to poison the minds and identities of queers and their allies since the 70s. Even today this movement is behind oppressive legislation and education measures and ideas. This is a workshop giving a brief history of the exgay movement, my own personal story, ways it is being combated today and what individuals and groups can do against it.

BDSM Panel Discussion

Redefining BDSM for a radical context

This panel discussion will explore the use of BDSM as a form of play to subvert imposed social roles and develop radical sexual practice. Whether solely in the bedroom or adapted to one’s full lifestyle — radical BDSM offers a playful approach to power and the opportunity for the challenging of patriarchy and other coercive, hierarchical relationships.

What does BDSM have to offer to those of us who desire to attack and undermine patriarchy and heteronormativity? How can BDSM break down and transformation of gender roles and sexual orientations? In looking at the development of affinity between dominants and submissives and the treatment of consent in such relationships, we seek to develop BDSM as a subversive art form striking against sexual repression and social order.

FREAKS! GEEKS! AND DANCING GIRLS! History of Sex in the Sideshow

An overview of how Sideshows of the early 20th century sexualized deformity and created a new kind of fetish. You will learn about sexy freaks, the start of gynological exams and the roots of Burlesque.

Basic Bike Repair

Basic parts of the bicycle

Identifying the 5 most likely things to go wrong with your bicycle.

How to fix a flat

How to tighten brakes

Where to go to learn more/get help fixing things yourself

Aids, Intellectual Property and Activism

Part 1: Screening of film Patent Fever [32 mins].

Part 2: Facilitated discussion on issues raised by the film and activist struggles around intellectual property and access to essential medicines. I don’t consider myself an “expert”, especially on such a huge topic, but am more interested in generating discussion and hearing participant’s own experiences. I know very little about activism in North America (apart from ACT UP!) and less than I would like about digital media responses to intellectual property, so this will be a learning experience I hope for me too

You Improvise To Survive: Sexual “Safety” For Queers Inside And Outside Of
Prisons

Presented by: The Prisoner Correspondence Project

This workshop will feature statements from gay, queer and trans prisoners across the US and Canada on what sexual “safety” means when condom access is restricted and when queer sex is criminal. The workshop will draw specifically on the development of a resource series called Fucking Without Fear that has been underway with the Prisoner Correspondence Project for the past six months, as well an anthology of writings by our penpals on the inside on how they negotiate risk, safety, and survival against a prison landscape.

The workshop seeks to forge dialogue about how anti-prison struggles, and queer anti-prison struggles in particular, can work more closely with HIV/AIDS prevention work and the histories of queer AIDS and prison organizing that precede us. We hope to use this as a point of departure to start dialogue about how we can support one another, and each others’ struggles for control over our own sexual lives, as trans folks and gays and queers across prison walls.

The Prisoner Correspondence Project is a collectively-run gay, trans and queer prisoner support initiative based out of Montréal, Québec. We coordinate a pen pal program for gay, lesbian, transsexual, transgender, gender variant, two-spirit, intersex, bisexual and queer inmates in Canada and the United States, linking these inmates with people a part of these same communities outside of prison. Through the development of resources for our incarcerated pen pals, coordination of a resource library about trans and queer survival inside prisons, collaborative writing projects, workshops, and programming, we aim to confront the ongoing targeting, policing, and criminalization of trans and queer communities, inside and outside of prisons.

Needles, cuttings, and blood play

Come attend this interactive workshop on the basic safety of needles, cutting and other types of blood sports. Learn what types of tools, techniques, and scenes you can do to incorporate these types of play in your repertoire. Also engage in energy exchange practices.

The Politics of Passing

First, the workshop: What is “passing?” When is it important or safer? What are some ways that someone can be better at it? Tips and demonstrations for passing better will be offered, i.e. binding, packing, voice, surgery, etc..

Then the Discussion: Who does passing effect and how? In what ways does it combat oppression? In anyway does it reinforce it?

Criminal Queers

Criminal Queers visualizes a radical trans/queer struggle against the prison industrial complex and toward a world without walls. Remembering that prison breaks are both a theoretical and material practice of freedom, this film imagines what spaces might be opened up if crowbars, wigs, and metal files become tools for transformation. Follow Yoshi, Joy, Susan and Lucy as they fiercely read everything from the Human Rights Campaign and hate crimes legislation to the non-profitization of social movements. Criminal Queers grows our collective liberation by working to abolish the multiple ways our hearts, genders, and desires are confined. www.criminalqueersfilm.net

Confronting Sexual Assault In Our Communities

Presented by: Denver on Fire

Join in developing community-based models for confronting sexual assault that you can take home and implement in your community. Focusing on how our communities are hurt both by sexual violence and the prison system, we’ll provide some models and tools for prison-abolitionist community accountability, and also create space for dialog about what you’re doing in your unique communities. Denver On Fire’s work is based on the idea of strengthening survivor-centered models for safety, health, and accountability within our group houses, collectives, campuses, communities -so that no one feels alone, overloaded, or the need to call the police.

Blocs 101/Movement Within a Crowd

We have noticed over the years manifold mistakes in the conduct and preparation of bloc participants. This workshop is designed to refresh individuals on basic bloc protocol, and eliminate poor decisions that accompany their manifestations. Topics covered will range from decision-making models, to simple attire adjustments.

The second half of the workshop will take on a more active character. It will start with practicing dearresting skills and games that participants can take back to their AGs, followed by exercises designed to get folks more comfortable moving within a group.

Your Money is No Good Here: building and nurturing Queer economies

As the market-driven, capitalist economy collapses upon itself, local, sustainable, and alternative economies have increased potential. Queers in this moment have an opportunity to reach new participants and deepen their impact within their communities. Jeff Hnilicka, founder of Brooklyn-based FEAST (Funding Emerging Arts with Sustainable Tactics), will lead a discussion looking at successful strategies: InCUBATE (Chicago), GiftCycle (Providence, RI), FEAST (NYC). Additionally, participants will collaborate on developing tactics to implement in their own communities.

Born In Flames

Film Screening.

IED’s (Insurrectionary Erotic Devices)
“Cum Harder comrade, the old world is behind you”

With -Heather Trash and Glitter

WHOSE SEX!, OUR SEX!, WHOSE TOYS!, OUR TOYS! Join our presenter as she shows the ropes on rope bondage. Fills the molds, for filling dildos. Binds the pieces for, bike tube handcuffs. whips up, some fancy floggers. Most importantly though, she teaches you how to punish her for all these puns. *wink* *wink*

Raspberry Reich

Film Screening.

Crisis In Community

Coming together to share stories and support work on how to survive crisis in our radical queer communities. Some explanation of our ideas of crisis are mental stress due to state surveillance or oppression, supporting community member in time of crisis (addiction, mental health issues, suicidal, etc.), death of a community member, sexual assault, and crisis within blood-related family or chosen family. These are not all encompassing, by far, and we hope that attendees will bring with them their own interpretations of crisis as well as their own stories (successful, challenging, or otherwise).

QUIT Workshop

Presented by: Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism (QUIT)

Creating a queer Palestine solidarity network
Video and highlights of QUIT’s creative guerrilla theater actions targeting Starbucks and Estee Lauder, and discussion of the various campaigns we have done and are now doing. Included will be reports from our very successul organizing around World Pride in Israel and the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival’s relationship with the Israeli Consulate.

We want to hear what you have done and are doing, and discuss how we can work together to increase our visibility, effectiveness and fun in this movement.

Tool Time!

Season 6 Episode 66 “Tools for Insurrection”

With -Tim “The ToolBoi” Taylor and Al Boirland

Synopsis- On Today’s episode Tim and Al prepare for a multiple actions happening during The Cumming Insurrection. Be prepared as you will have hands on experience to learn how to make Lock Boxes, Sleeping Dragons, Smoke Bombs, Glitter Bombs, 3 persyn Sling Shots, Paint Bombs, and other fun toys har har har har har…. We will also talk about how to occupy buildings from Schools to Houses to Yachts abandoned by yuppies har har har har har…. WHAT TIME IS IT!! Fuck Shit Up TIME!

DIY Vasectomy 101

Presented by: Snip Das

Why Resist the Olympics?

Presented by: Olympic Resistance Network (ORN)

Why do our cities and communities bend over backwards to host these international sporting events? Is it to support and marvel in amateur sport? Is it to be put on the world map as an Olympic host city? Who is impacted most? Who benefits most?

Far from being simply about ‘sport’, the history of the Olympics is one rooted in displacement, corporate greed, fascism, repression, and violence. Only the political and corporate elite – from real estate developers to security corporations – have anything to gain from the Olympics industry. The effects of the upcoming Winter Games have already manifested themselves- with the expansion of sport tourism and resource extraction on indigenous lands; increasing homelessness and gentrification of poor neighbourhoods; increasing privatization of public services; union busting through imposed contracts and exploitative conditions especially for migrant labour; the fortification of the national security apparatus; ballooning public spending and public debt; and unprecedented destruction of the environment.

The Olympics Resistance Network is primarily based in Vancouver, Coast

Salish Territories Canada and exists as a space to coordinate anti-2010 Olympics efforts. In doing so, we act in solidarity with other communities across ‘BC’ – particularly indigenous communities who have been defending their land against the onslaught of the Olympics since the bid itself. Our organizing is largely being done under the banner of “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land”, while creating an opportunity for all anti-capitalist, indigenous, anti poverty, labour, migrant justice, environmental justice, anti war, and anti colonial activists to come together to confront this two-week circus and the oppression it represents.

Radical Consent Models

We know we don’t want to go with mainstream ideas of sexuality. We know we don’t want to make alt sex acceptable by fitting ourselves into a normative box. What’s the best way to convince the mainstream that we need a serious revolution? Is it better to frame this in a “marketing” way or in a “protest” way? Which tools are serving the radical sex movement well, which tools aren’t working, and which tools would mean selling out? Can we do alt sex activism under false names, or is that dishonest and offensive? How much common ground do different alt sex communities have with each other, and how can we work together?

Drug Addiction and Support in the Community

We are interested in coming together to share stories and strategies on how to talk about addiction and how to be an ally to addicts in our radical queer communities. We are interested in discussing harm reduction, quitting options, as well as ways to be supportive of an addict. We may break into groups, self identified addicts and self identified support persons, to discuss different processes and regroup to share thoughts and experiences.

Queer Counter-Recruitment

Presented by: Bash Back! Denver

With Obama preparing to undo the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, the military is preparing programs and materials recruiting queer youth. These programs will exploit the isolation and oppression felt by many queer youth and recruiters will lie to queers (and everyone else) about the benefits of military service while hiding the truth of imperialism. By engaging in queer counter-recruitment, we strengthen our communities and simultaneously undermine US imperialism.

Queer Alchemy

The radical hirstory and spiritual legacy of LGBTQ people in a hands-on interactive format that looks at the way queer people have manifested in mythology and spiritual roles the world over and what it means today in the Western world. Tracing queer spiritual lineage from the earliest tribal shamanic traditions through the ancient gods of polytheistic civilization to today’s movements bent on reclamation of spiritual purpose and heritage by LGBTQ people (American Indian Two-Spiritedness, Neo-Pagan sects and traditions, Shamanic roles).

Forging Radical Trans Identity

Roundtable discussion on how to forge your own radical identity. What does a radical (trans)gender identity look like? Where does the journey begin? How do you communicate with others about your identity? What words do you use to talk about your own gender identity?

Fatphobia

Presented by: Radical Homosexual Agenda (RHA)

Topics that could be covered are the radical reclaiming of one’s body in the feminism of the 1970’s (Fat is a Feminist Issue); the pros and cons of eroticizing the larger body; “chub and chaser” gay male subculture; “gainer and feeder” subculture and its attendant health issues; the economics of the fat body; and how to use a big-fat-sissy-body to its best advantage in street activism.

Direct Action: Sustainability or Death

Co-Presenters are Eric Stanley: Gay Shame SF, Critical Resistance, Free the NJ4
and
Yasmin Nair: [Khuli Zuban, Queer to the Left], Chicago LGBTQ Immigrants Alliance, Gender JUST

The presenters will discuss their organizing experiences with various groups in Chicago and California. We will offer some examples of what has worked and not worked for us, in terms of organizing around direct action, popular education, and the articulation of a radical queer politics. The goal of this workshop is to continue conversations around how to work toward an organizing structure that lives the politics it represents. Our collective work has tried to build into our organizational structures, to various degrees of success and failure, a self-reflexive politic that attempts to undo the alienation much “activist culture” produces (specifically in terms of race, age. dis/ability, immigration status, and class).

In particular, we are critical of the heightened concern, among contemporary activist groups, about “security culture” and surveillance. Although resisting ever-expanding powers of the state and the prison industrial complex on all fronts is vital, many of these cultural practices can alienate potential members. What is the relationship among accountability, sustainability and security? How do we differently define what makes us feel secure? How do we take caution, while not reproducing harm? And what kinds of process might help ensure those most vulnerable to the wrath of the state are central to organizing? To this end, we are not assuming to be experts, but as facilitators for this urgent and necessary conversation.

Getting Into It: Exploring the agents of and against consent in intimate relationships

At its most obvious, sexual assault is recognizable- but what about more subtle forms of coercion, or even simple confusion? In a society where dominant social narratives infect interpersonal relationships, being able to assert and recognize consent is a vital but often overlooked skill.

Using the participatory techniques of Story Circles and Theater of the Oppressed, we will identify commonalities of consenting experiences as well as non-consenting situations. Participants will leave the workshop with experience-based criteria to assess when they are in a non/consenting situation and specific skills in language to engender consent in intimate relationships and beyond.

Building a Radical Queer Network

This would only be open to people who agree with Bash Back’s Points of Unity and/or other Points that we could come up with in the coming months.

In this we would have a free and open discussion about what that network would look like, how we could effectively organize between cities, etc. This would be more of a guided discussion with a facilitator. The goal would be to have some sort of radical queer network emerge from the meeting. This would not be a conversation to get everyone to join Bash Back!. Instead, we would discuss how all of the radical queer projects in the country could most effectively work together.