We are currently accepting applications for the following TWO (2) internship positions for Fall 2010! We promise you a rewarding experience filled with learning, mentorship, sisterhood, and food! If you don’t believe us, ask our summer 2010 intern, Erika Turner. Read what she has to say in her last summer blog post. Deadline for first [...]
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STRUT Take Two: A Fundraiser for DREAMActivist.org
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on August 7th, 2010
We hope you all have enjoyed QWOC Week! Tonight, we celebrate!
MANTRA | 52 Temple Place, Boston MA
8PM-10PM Socializing
10PM-1AM Dance Party with DJ Rizzla
Here’s a message from one of the DREAMAct organizers about our event tonight. Please consider showing up to support this really important cause and QWOC Week organizers who’ve been working VERY hard for the past few months. This would mean a lot to all of us.
———————-
To the QWOC + Boston community:
As much as I wanted to be there this weekend and meet all of you – because I have heard you guys rock – I was unable to. Reason being that since May, a few of my friends and I have been working around the clock in order to pass the DREAM Act. For those of you that don’t know what that is, I’ll give as brief a summary as I possibly can.
The DREAM Act is a piece of legislation that has been around since 2001 and would address the legal limbo in which young people that were brought to the US as children by their parents; children that have grown up but are still undocumented. In light of no chance of passing comprehensive immigration reform, the youth movement has been focusing and putting pressure on our legislators for passage of the DREAM Act this year.
In May, my friends and I quit our jobs and left our families and went to Arizona where, on May 17th, we conducted a sit-in at Senator McCain’s office. It’s reported that this is the first ever, known, case of civil disobedience by undocumented people. It was at this sit in that four of us were arrested and consequently, three of us were put into deportation proceedings. Luckily, we were released from ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) but we are, like I mentioned, in deportation proceedings.
I know some people have called us young, naive, foolish and a myriad of other things but we remain grounded by the young people we work with. Young people that currently only find hope and reprieve in passage of this Act. We’ve managed to do get this far and to do all the work we’ve done because our communities have been more than generous with us. They understand that our youth are our future and that with their success, we all succeed.
The immigrant and LGBT struggles are not independent of each other. I believe we are tied in ways more intricate than we most people have yet discovered and, I find it imperative that we not forget that.
So, with that, I’d like to thank the wonderful people behind making QWOC week happen and also thank you for coming out to Saturday’s Strut: Take 2 event, which will have part of their proceeds going to our cause. Our movement – the work I and hundreds of other young people have been a part of – is completely undocumented, immigrant youth run. There are no large corporations, grants or foundations behind our work but still, we have been able to make tremendous strides. Thank you for your support.
One last thing, while I can speak/write about this til I’m blue in the face, I’d like for you to see for yourself the lengths young people have gone through for their lives and their futures (hopefully) in this country. Images of the July 20 student civil disobedience at the Senate Hart Building in Washington DC can be found here (http://www.citizenorange.com/orange/2010/07/dream-act-21—images-of-coura.html) and here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52315725@N08/)
Again, thank you for supporting the work of such brave young people. Thank you for supporting my work and my community. Our community.
- Yahaira Carrillo
Activist and DREAMer
OUT OF THE BOX: Media and Literary Artists Studio
Posted By QWOC+ Boston Intern on July 28th, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
In collaboration with Rising Voices Press, Queer Women of Color and Friends presents OUT OF THE BOX!
ZUMIX
260 Sumner Street
East Boston, MA
Co-hosted by Somos Latinos and Massachusetts South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA), featuring readings from Uriah Bell, Letta Neely, and Vivek Shraya, and a spectacular lineup of New Voices, with jazz/acoustic music accompaniment from ZUMIX youth.
This event will begin promptly at 6:00 PM
An evening gathering of literary artists of all kinds — poets, playwrights, songwriters, novelists, photographers, media artists, and more are invited to gather to support a diversity of voices and talent in music and the arts during our annual multicultural festival.
SPONSORED BY Rising Voices Press.
Hosted by Spectra Speaks and IDALIA Poetry.
ABOUT THE OUT OF THE BOX LITERARY ARTISTS
Vivek Shraya is a gay, South Asian writer and musician from Toronto, Canada, inspired by art and bent on re-energizing the voices of people of color, particularly queer, who are stifled by the belief that they do not exist or that their existence is of little import. He has produced five albums, his latest “Keys & Machines,” released last year. He will be reading from his latest literary work, “God Loves Hair,” is a children’s book featuring short stories that reflect on his experiences growing up as a queer person of color.
Letta Neely is a spoken word artist who has authored two books of poetry, “Juba” and “Here,” and was named “Best Local Author 2001″ by a Boston Phoenix reader’s poll. Twice a Lambda Literary Awards finalist for lesbian poetry, Letta frequents poetry readings around New England and is a regular slam poetry winner. She is an ardent civil rights activist who has done anti-homophobia training and educational outreach. Letta has also conducted writing workshops privately, in public schools, and at juvenile detention centers.
The Martinez Sisters Originally from San Antonio, TX, Marissa Martínez’s (left) poetry and prose has appeared in Rio Grande Review, Seattle Arts, Texas Observer, Bay Windows, Raven Chronicles, Americas Review, Rune and others, and the anthologies Is This Forever, Or What? Poems and Paintings of Texas and What Have You Lost? (both edited by Naomi Shihab Nye), and A Millennium Reflection: Seattle Poets and Photographers. She is a co-editor of and contributor to Caring for Ourselves: The Lesbian Health Book. She has been a featured poet at Bumbershoot (Seattle Arts), Seattle Poetry Festival, and King Co. Poetry on the Bus. A long-time member of Los Norteños, a group of Latino writers, artists, musicians, and performers in the Pacific Northwest, she now makes her home in the Boston area.
Priscilla Martínez (right) began her career as a dancer studying in San Antonio, Boston & New York, performing with various dance groups. While in New York, she added theatre to her stage experience. There she performed in musicals and straight plays as well as numerous national commercials, voice-overs and print ads. Her choreographic works Fragil and Signs of Life were both performed at Regional Dance America’s Southwest Festival and both received the Monticello Award for Emerging Choreography. Out of Chaos, also performed at Festival, received the Project Tier Award. She has attended several National Craft of Choreography Conferences to further her work in choreography. She mixes her love of dance into her love of creating jewelry where her jewel art, using movement and balance, elicits an emotional response and connection much like her choreography. Her jewelry can be seen in galleries across the country and on her website www.joyarte.com.
Visit Their Websites for a Sneak Peek!
Center Yourself at the Mind, Body, Soul Health Conference (2010 Schedule)
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on July 24th, 2010
Saturday, July 31st, 2010
10:00am – 5:00pm
Simmons College’s Kotzen Meeting Center (Lefavour Hall)
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA
About the Mini-Conference
The Mind, Body, & Soul Mini-Conference is yet another event that Queer Women of Color and Friends (QWOC+ Boston) has created to respond to voiced need of the local LGBT People of Color Community to have more frequent, crucial, round-table discussions – real talk – about the health of the marginalized groups within the mainstream queer community.
The organizers of the mini-conference believe that social networking and/or community-building are the necessary primary steps to take in addressing key socio-political health problems affecting LGBT people of color; breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, suicide prevention, and domestic violence awareness, to name a few. As such, the MIND, BODY, and SOUL Mini-Conference will seek to bring together
three various aspects of health – the mental, the physical, and the spiritual – via concurrent sessions presented by experienced community organizers, non-profit organizations, and health practitioners as a way to begin addressing these problems at the macro community level.
Thanks to the generosity of the Simmons Institute for Leadership and Change, The Network/La Red (Platinum Sponsor), and Fenway Health (Gold Sponsor) – the mini-conference will be held at Simmons College’s Kotzen Room (first floor of the library), and lunch/refreshments will be provided to attendees.
*This conference is OPEN TO ALL. Advanced registration/ticketing required. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
MINI-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE (subject to change, view descriptions here)
Session A (11:00AM-12:o0PM)
- Intro to the Benefits of Meditation (Including a Live Meditation Session) Led by People of Color Meditation Sitting Group (Workshop)
- Introduction to Early Morning Yoga (Stretching, Breathing, Centering for Beginners) Led by Mary Thomas and Abby Coakley (Workshop)
Session B (12:15PM-1:30PM)
- Heal Yourself at Home: Natural Home Remedies 101 presented by Dillon DiGiovanni, Holistic Health Counselor of SavorYourExistence.com (Workshop)
- The Upside of Going Down: The Ins and Outs of Sex Toys, Safe Sex, and More! (Workshop)
– 30 Minute Break – Food, Refreshments, and Socializing –
Session C (2:00PM-3:30 PM)
- How to Build Healthy Communities: Intra-Community Organizing within LGBT/Queer Communities of Color Led by Justice Williams, Social Justice Institute (Workshop)
- How to Talk About Healthy Relationships within Queer and Trans Communities of Color presented by the Network/La Red (Workshop)
Close-Out Session D (3:45PM-5 PM)
- The Elephant in the Room: How Can We Talk about Mental Health in Communities of Color?
DOWNLOAD Session Descriptions for Printing | VIEW Session Descriptions Here
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Pre-registration is encouraged as there is limited capacity per session
- Register at http://qwocweek2010.eventbrite.com/
- Please remember that the first session commences at 11:00AM prompt, so we encourage people to arrive by no later than 10:30 AM
- Lunch and refreshments will be available during the conference
Brown Girls Burlesque STRUT through QWOC Week!
Posted By QWOC+ Boston Intern on July 23rd, 2010
On Saturday, July 31st, 2010, QWOC+ Boston in collaboration with In the Streets Productions presents…
STRUT: Take One
EMERSON CABARET THEATER
80 Boylston Street
Boston, MA
Get Your Tickets NOW | RSVP and Share on Facebook
Featuring New York based headliners BROWN GIRLS BURLESQUE and a very sexy lineup of drag queens, kings, and burlesque performers. Warning: There will be pasties at this show! Peep Them
ABOUT BROWN GIRLS BURLESQUE
On October 12, 2007 over 250 packed into the Pussy Cat Lounge to witness the birth of the BGB experience to the sounds of Jimi Hendrix. With allurement, humor, and artistry this troupe of women representing Africa, Asia and the Americas is bringing to the stage theerotic and playful voice of Women of Color.
When something is this hot, fresh and authentic, people take notice. The BGB Lovelies have graced the pages of Bust Magazine, The Advocate, The Village Voice, and $pread Magazine. Features include a six-page editorial in TRACE’s Black Girls Rule issue and a video feature on NYPost.com entitled Burlesque in Color. With New York City in a glittered swoon Brown Girls Burlesque is poised to take it around the world.
ABOUT THE BGB PERFORMERS
Chicava HoneyChild, offers a sublime seduction through her tales. In Evil Beautiful Sunshine she lures you from the innocent into the dark side of hot then brings you back into the sun. Whatever Lola Wants merges the eloquence of Sara Vaughn with slick sexy Ibiza sounds and hot pink feathered fans. As
Black Betty you’ll wish she was your girlfriend, a naughty little black riding hood who rocks your asphalt.
ExHOTic Other Her work will have you laughing, crying and in awe. Puff the Magic Dragon is a sensual protest of stereotyped Asian femininity. Somewhere at the intersection of horror films and the NYC Halloween parade, Hipsters (are) Zombies examines the gentrification of NYC and its effects on the people and communities. Maneater, with Miss SOuthern COmfort, weaves a tale of an imperial hunter’s search for a wild thing, and in a hot battle it’s the wild thing that emerges victorious.
Honey Suckle Duvet Burlesque performer extraordinaire, is one of Boston’s rising Burlesque stars. With her successful “Burlesque for Better Body Image” workshops and numerous stage appearances, this award-winning Burlesque dynamo is not just a pretty face but an inspiration. Ms. Duvet holds a B.S. in Theatre, Dance, and Human Services. Her heart lies in using Burlesque to inspire and lead groups of women to gain confidence and release their inner siren. Honey won the 2009 Most Beautiful award at The Great Boston Burlesque exposition with a moving piece about accepting one’s body and loving yourself. This brought the audience to their feet and some to tears. She was a featured dancer in the runaway hit The Slutcracker a parody of the Nutcracker in 2008 and 2009. Always up for a challenge Honey started doing stand up comedy on the Naked Comedy Showcase.VIDEO SNEAK PEEK
OUTSPOKEN 2010: Queer People of Color Spoken-Word and Live Music Showcase
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on July 23rd, 2010
Tickets will be available at the door tonight!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
QWOC+ Boston in Collaboration with Spectra Events presents OUTSPOKEN 2010!
PRECINCT Live Music Bar (formerly, TOAST LOUNGE)
70 Union Square
Somerville, MA
Featuring Spoken Word Performances from Uriah Bell, London Bridgez, Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene, Nataly Garcia, and Kit Yan!
Live Music Performances from Bells Roar, Rajdulari Jazz Project, Zili Misik!
Doors at 7:00PM, Performances begin at 7:30PM
Do not miss the third installment of the highlight of last year’s QWOC Week! Performances will commence PROMPTLY at 7:30PM, and a Dance Party will follow with DJ Sun One.
ABOUT THE OUTSPOKEN ARTISTS
MC
Jhanea “Jha D” Williams is a spoken word artist, producer and MC. She is known for her story-telling style, aggressive, yet warm & welcoming presence, and her openness. Although she is willing to bless any ‘stage’ that will have her, most of her work has been within the LGBTQ community; she has been hosting LezbnsNPower’s bi-monthly open mics for almost a year. Jha D firmly believes in the power of verbal communication and has a plot to get Everyone (yes, even You!) on the ‘mic’.
SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS
London Bridgez builds creative bridges between spoken word and music. Her stage performance is interactive truly building a bridge between her words, the music and the audience. London is an artist and activist who uses her poetry to educate audiences on Aids, violence against women and Cancer.London is currently a member of the NYC-based Urbintel production company the producers of the “Word Out” performance troupe. WORD OUT is the first show of its kind a “poetical” stage production featuring the best gay and lesbian poets in New York. London will be performing in Word Out touring in 2010-2011.
Uriah Bell — Unapologetic, opinionated, outspoken, sometimes shy, black, gay and at times crazy — has accepted the sum of his whole to embrace and develop the writer within. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, an only child until age twelve, Uriah reached out to the power of prose to express himself
when words fell on deaf ears. Considered more of an outlet than an art, Uriah used the power of his words to express himself to family in times of conflict and dispute. Uriah’s first collection of poetry, “Mood Swings”, was published in 2008. Yet, determined to have sole creative control over his work, in 2009 Uriah founded his own publishing company Rising Voices Press under which his second collection of poetry entitled, ‘epiphany: poems in the key of love’ was published. He is currently working on a anthology of personal stories from people who are currently living with HIV/AIDS.
Kit Yan Recently Featured in the HBO Documentary Asians Aloud, Kit Yan tell stories through slam poetry from the lens of a transgender Asian American from Hawaii now lost in the big city of New York. Bitch magazine states that: “The eloquence of Kit’s spoken-word delivery lies in the anti-racist, anti-homophobic, gender-inclusive, language that ties his lyrics together.” Kit is a nationally ranking slam poet and the first ever Mr. Transman 2010. Check him out on Myspace, follow him on Twitter, and friend him on Facebook!
Nataly “SistaTellit” Garcia is a spoken-word artist and troupe member of Isis Storm based out of Providence, RI. She has been writing poetry for over two years and has recently been branching out into slam poetry. With her work she hopes to be a voice of strength for young women, to inspire them to use their talents and be unafraid to blossom. Her love for the arts, very much like her afro is too big to fit in a box… or this picture. When you hear the words of SistaTellit, you will know why Isis Storm, a affectionately gave her this nickname. Her honesty and fearlessness allow you to reflect and become an even better YOU after the show is all said and done.
Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene taurean mango-eating, Nigeria & syracuse, new york raised, part time vegetarian, hard core carnivore, b-girl-in-training, river-goddess-worshipping, raw corn on the cob eating, mac & cheese from scratch making, bottom of the pot licking, fierce fire breathing, fuschia-colored poem writing, no bra wearing, frohawk rockin, all night dancing, bright color lovin, never a lesbian, sometimes queer, always a dyke POET. A fiercely passionate Nigerian dyke, poet, dancer, essayist, playwright, actress & chef, she uses her poetry to chisel a verbal sculpture of her soul while addressing political issues. Fly has self-published three collections of poetry, released a CD and organized two independent, national poetry tours. she has melted microphones in over 25 US cities. “I taste like sugarcane, move like water, come from Naija, my kiss taste like forever.”
LIVE MUSIC
Bells Roar Sean’ Desiree’s music comes from her experiences with homophobia, sexism, racism, love, community organizing, and the list goes on. Bells’ Roar is a project dedicated to staying independent and speaking out against the social injustices affecting all people. The tone of the project is best described by the source of its name, feminist writer bell hooks. Sean organizes locally within the LGBTGNC communities of color through her work at the Audre Lorde Project, whose mission is keep our communities safe by exercising community accountability, rather than relying on police action.
Rajdulari Jazz Project The lead voice for so many of New England’s eclectic world, jazz and funk groups, Rajdulari hails from Boston and is a ten year veteran of the local performance scene. Her past performance credits include such venues as Jazz clubs Regattabar, Ryles, Scullers, along with many performances at the Emerson Majestic Theater, Saunders Theater, Boston’s Hynes Convention Center, The Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, Agassiz Theater, and The Mayor’s Summer Jazz Concert Series. As a lead vocalist, Rajdulari has performed as a member of the 8-piece, all female world music band, Zili Misik, (winners of the ROCKRGRL/Berklee All Female Battle of the Bands competition), with the David Zoffer Differential (alternative jazz fusion/prog rock, with Guy Mendilow & the Mendilusian Wine (voted Boston’s Best Music Act 2005) and currently with her own band, The Rajdulari Jazz Project. the former slam poet known as valerie.”
Copyright Anh Dao Kolbe
Zili Misik has been bridging cultures, generations, and continents for ten years. With captivating sounds that evoke the African continent, Zili retraces routes of forced exile and cultural resistance through diasporic rhythm and song. Powerful Haitian, Brazilian and West African rhythms infuse Zili’s original creations and traditional folksongs. Reconnecting Haitian mizik rasin, Jamaican roots reggae, AfroBrazilliam samba, Afro-Cuban son, and African American spirituals, blues, jazz and neo soul, Zili Misik honors its influences while creating a sound that is uniquely its own. All-female, zili takes its name from Haitian spiritual entity, “Ezili” who is envisaged as mother, lover, and warrior. Zili’s lyrics glide seamlessly from English to Kreyol to Portuguese to Spanish, spinning tales and visions of lives lived and yet to be.
Visit Their Websites for a Sneak Peek!
(Erika’s Blog) We’re Already Speaking Out; Time to Speak UP
Posted By QWOC+ Boston Intern on July 23rd, 2010
As is common for most college undergraduates, I recently had a brainstorming session on what I should do with my life, whereupon it came down to two possibilities: writing or real estate development. Two very different career paths – one of which happens to be potentially more lucrative and thus more practical than the other. (Can you guess which one?)
Then, I read Adaora’s blog, “To Hell With Mainstream Press Coverage: Women, People of Color, and Trans People Should Create and Control Their Own Media Stories.” (Long title, no?) And I thought to myself, “Well damn. Tell me how you really feel.”
It was written at the perfect time and really made me think about how I could contribute to the community by speaking for myself. (Note: Not speaking for the community – but myself as a member of many communities –queer, people of color, women, queer women of color.) As opposed to, say, people who are a part of none of the above.
But this post really isn’t about me – rather, it’s about us: all of us, as a community of people with unique stories to tell, whose voices are not being heard. And the reason why our voices aren’t being heard is because 1) many of us aren’t even speaking and 2) those of us who are speaking, aren’t speaking loudly enough (in the arenas that need to hear it).
Ah, and thus, we turn to QWOC WEEK. As a newcomer to QWOC+ Boston, I’m still learning about all of the components that go into the organization and the different ways in which we contribute to the community for which we’re named. QWOC WEEK, which is in less than two weeks, is the perfect embodiment of just that: arts, music, activism, performance – and most of all, the opportunity for us (thus, meaning you) to speak for ourselves.
One of our newest events is OUT OF THE BOX, a Media and Literary Artists Studio, in conjunction with Rising Voices Press and co-hosted by Somos Latinos and Massachusetts South Asian Lambda Association (MASALA). This studio is meant to feature artistic and literary work by queer people of color and will give guests the opportunity to meet with the creators of the content and provide feedback. The studio is an exciting venture for us, because, though we have always featured performance-based writing, we are exploring and presenting other ways in which people express themselves; many writers aren’t ‘performers’… so we’d like to give writers who ‘read’ their work, a chance to share their words with us during QWOC Week.
As a person who doesn’t feel like she has enough soul or rhythm to roll out a rhyme, I’m happy to see this event come into fruition. I excel only at stick figures, but the literary medium is my personal passion. It’s important that we also recognize the voices of those who do not speak verbally, but through pens and paper; paint and pastels.
Then, of course, many of you already know about OUTSPOKEN. This premiere spoken word and live music showcase produced annually by Spectra Events, is popular for many reasons, one of which is this: some people just seriously love spoken word.
I’ve mentioned the event to several of my friends who have fallen over themselves trying to find out when and where it is, just because spoken word is, quite frankly, the sh*t – if done right. It’s also popular however for the same reason it’s important – it gives people a way to speak their mind about important issues that affect them. It’s different than penning a blog post or ranting on Facebook, though those things can be pretty effective too. (At least I hope so, since I tend to both quite a bit.) It’s visual as well as auditory – it’s more than just the words that express the feeling. It’s how the person speaks, the rhythm of the phrase, the movement that manifests itself with the moment in which the words are being spoken.
The performances we feature each year at OUTSPOKEN are proof that the issues we speak of (whether love or politics, social issues or the everyday mundane) affect us wholly – physically, emotionally, spiritually. And you can hear it. And you can see it. And thus you, too, can feel it.
Unfortunately for many of my friends, OUTSPOKEN is located at a 21+ venue – thankfully, QWOC+ Boston’s got your back. As mentioned in the last post (QWOC WEEK: Activism Meets Diversity), we’re having a Youth Open Mic during Family Day at Stony Brook Park, co-sponsored Boston GLASS. As a queer youth myself, I stress the importance of this event because I know how hard it can be to swallow your fear and speak up. It doesn’t even have to be in reference to performance – we’re young. We think we know everything. Then people ask us what it is we know and we freeze. Panic. We become silent. Often times, it’s because the question “What do you know” can be patronizing; other times, it’s because we don’t even know if we can answer it.
However, it’s important that we do speak. For one thing, we have to start somewhere. For another, we must speak for ourselves, for the same reason that the queer community as a whole must speak for itself.
If you’re an adult and you’re wondering if Youth Open Mic is something you’d be interested in, consider the words of one of our QWOC+ Boston organizers, Ana:
“Youth find ways to speak out, they find ways to create platforms for themselves. So it is not so much that we (adults or QWOC+) give them a platform/venue but that we give them our attention. They will know coming into our space that we appreciate, acknowledge and support their voices and will encourage them to continue being innovators and leaders. And it is important that they speak for themselves because it is their experience that needs to be articulated, not our perception of their experience, along with the solutions to the inequalities they face as a marginalized group.”
And thus we come to the “and friends” of our name. OUTSPOKEN, Youth Open Mic, and OUT OF THE BOX are all platforms for queer people of color to speak. It goes without saying that, generally, we are not given this opportunity every day; these outlets of self-expression were created for just that reason. Therefore, we don’t have specific events for allies to speak at. However, the love and support of our allies is, always, extremely appreciated. Their attention and recognition is one of the things that gives us courage to speak up, that lets us know that people are listening. We encourage their continued support and attendance during QWOC WEEK.
These three events reach out to the diverse talents of queer people of color – but you don’t have to be a performer, writer, or artist to contribute something. In regards to QWOC WEEK events, even showing up counts. Sharing what you’ve seen and heard is almost as important as the performance or piece itself. Either way, you’re increasing visibility and you’re doing something. And that’s all that matters. There’s a voice in action too.
So, then – review the dates below:
OUT OF THE BOX: Media and Literary Artists Studio
Monday August 2nd @ 6PM-9PM
OUTSPOKEN: Queer People of Color Spoken Word and Performance Showcase
Thursday August 5th @ 7PM-10PM
Family Day at Stony Brook Park Featuring Youth Open Mic
Saturday August 7th @ NOON-4PM
We’ve got two weeks; I can’t wait to see you.
QWOC Week: Activism Meets Diversity
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on July 13th, 2010
In approximately three weeks, Queer Women of Color and Friends (QWOC+ Boston) will be hosting one of the most diverse festival celebrations in the city – QWOC WEEK 2010.
Our “3rd Annual Multicultural Pride Celebration” kicks off on July 31st with Feminist Friday at Caprice Lounge, a social networking event for feminists, womanists, and those who love them, and ends on August 8th with an appreciation brunch for QWOC WEEK’s organizers, volunteers, and collaborators.
Many of you must be wondering, what is QWOC WEEK about, anyway? A handful of you must be going, duuh, it’s a week full of fun activities for queer women of color and allies. Sure, but is that all it is?
When founder and organizer of QWOC+ Boston, Adaora, decided to produce QWOC WEEK in 2007, she did so after noticing that Boston’s queer women of color community remained, for the most part, invisible within the larger, male/white-dominated gay community, and as a direct result, pride celebrations as well — even ones that celebrated people of color.
In Adaora’s words, “QWOC Week is QWOC+ Boston’s take on what a pride week (for LGBTQ people of color) should look like; a variety of art, music, discussion, and social events that appeal to all kinds of people — older, younger, partnered, single, people of color, immigrants of different cultures, the politicians and activists among us, artists and educators, feminists, transpeople — all of us.”
However, the recipe for producing the ideal QWOC WEEK hasn’t yet fallen from the sky; QWOC Week organizers have spent the last three years tweaking (and adding to) an important list of criteria which they use to create the draft calendar; there’s always plenty of social networking and community-building (both of which are at the core of our mission), so other stipulations include having as many all-ages events as possible, facilitating a “Diversity Speaks” discussion, hosting a family-friendly/outdoor event, presenting either a visual art exhibit or film screening, and incorporating a community/direct service component into the week.
Diversity and Activism
This year, inspired by the politically-heavy nationwide Harvey Milk Week, we’ve decided to work with collaborators who exemplify different kinds of activism — health, youth development, arts and music, support groups etc — such as Fenway Women’s Health, Boston GLASS, and Queer Asian Pacific-Islander Alliance, to name a few. This is because the lead organizer believes that “Diversity is about more than just people’s backgrounds. It’s about what issues we care about, and being aware of the different ways people give back to their communities.”
For example, we are hosting an event entitled “Activism and Karaoke: Sign Before Your Sing!“ This event takes place on Wednesday, August 4th at Club Cafe. Activism and Karaoke may be two things which seemingly have nothing to do with each other, except that both involve a little courage, putting yourself out there, and sign-up sheets! BlackandPink.Org a website that creates awareness around prison abolitionist 
issues and promotes advocacy for our oft-forgotten LGBTQ community members in prison, will be helping us host this letter-writing drive to folks who have no support system behind bars, and signing peeps up to be pen pals if they’re up for it. We’re super excited to finally see this event come to fruition (it’s been in the works since Harvey Milk Week in May!) We’re also really excited to co-host this event with Men of Color Creating Change, a social networking group for gay men of color and allies in the area, whose members will be present to make sure new connections are made, and — no doubt — will lead us “altogether now” in karaoke-song at least once during the evening.
On Saturday, August 7th, we’ll be hosting our first Youth Open Mic in Stony Brook Park, as part of a collaboration with Boston GLASS, an outreach and support group to LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 25. Incidentally, last year, an MIT student who attended OUTSPOKEN — our queer people of color spoken-word and live music showcase — remarked to an organizer that the experience had “changed her life.” So when Precinct (this year’s 21+ venue for OUTSPOKEN) reiterated that it could not admit youth to the event, QWOC+ Boston pitched the idea to Boston GLASS of creating an entirely separate event (in alignment with the lgbt youth writing contest) geared towards the younger generation. Thus, as we enjoy the outdoors, sports, food, and pickup sports games, we’ll also be given the opportunity to hear a few brave, “outspoken” youth stand up and speak for themselves.
Stand Up for Kids
In addition to providing various platforms for young people to speak their minds — the writing contest, open mic at stony brook, even our intern’s weekly blog — we’d like to provide for others who aren’t as fortunate; many young people are without a lot more than just a place to speak and be heard; many young people are without a place to sleep, clothes to wear, or food to eat; many of our youth are homeless.
In response to this, we’re partnering with Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity (KPK) to run a clothing and survivor supply drive for Stand Up for Kids, an organization well-known on the west coast for providing support to homeless youth, and who recently opened up an office in Boston.
Says Elijah Dear, the North Atlantic Regional Director of KPK, “[QWOC+ Boston] has been a wonderful role model, and resource for the LGBT community… Assisting with this charitable drive was an opportunity for myself, and my chapter to work alongside QWOC+ and be a part of QWOC week.” In case you didn’t know, KPK is an organization comprised of gentlemen who believe that irrespective of background, “[men] can come together and change not only [their] community, but the world.”
As part of the QWOC Week Clothing and Supply Drive, we will be collecting (newly packaged) underwear and tube socks. Elijah asserts that Stand Up for Kids is “one of a select few youth organizations extremely dedicated and connected to its mission of assisting at-risk kids – especially in Massachusetts,” which was enough for the QWOC Week organizers to get on board and work with KPK on this project. While many of us are familiar (and have participated in) clothing drives, this seemingly simple initiative is unique in that it aims to bring attention to something which is often overlooked (our M.O.). It’s easy to forget that underwear and socks, are just as important – if not more important — than pants and shirts. You might wear the same pair of jeans three days in a row – but what about your underwear?
The drop-off days for the clothing drive are:
- Sunday August 1st (Old School Meets New School T-Dance)
- Monday August 2nd (Out of the Box: Media and Literary Artists Studio)
- Wednesday August 4th (Activism and Karaoke: Sign Before You Sing!)*
- Saturday August 7th (Family Day at Stony Brook Park featuring Youth Open Mic)
*As you can see, donations will be accepted at multiple events all week, but we are dedicating the Activism and Karaoke event specifically to this cause – rather than pay us an admission/door fee to attend, we’re asking all guests to purchase/bring newly packaged underwear and socks to gain entrance.
QWOC+ Boston hopes to make a big difference this summer, and we’re pretty confident that our partnerships with organizations like BlackandPink.Org, Kappa Psi Kappa, Stand-Up for kids, and more will aid us in our efforts. As Elijah says, “activism begins with understanding the needs of the community, and acting on those needs,” and QWOC WEEK’s mission is to respond to as many of those needs as possible.
“QWOC WEEK itself is a direct-service event…,” says Adaora, “the week brings people together, creates awareness across issues that are relevant to queer/LGBT women of color; it includes our allies and supporters, and as a direct result, we are stronger and more unified as a community. I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”
So, when you’re out there enjoying yourself at QWOC WEEK, whether it’s playing Frisbee at Family Day in Stony Brook Park, listening to a queer youth speak up at the Open Mic, listening to your sister sing at Karaoke while letter-writing at Activism and Karaoke, or ‘checking yourself’ during what’s sure to be a thought-provoking QWOC Film Night — just remember that you’re doing something good, you are part of this movement, your voice and participation are equally as important as the platforms we’ll be providing to contribute them.
QWOC week is for everyone. And like Adaora says, “Even if you don’t call yourself an ‘activist’, you’ll feel good about participating, being included. That’s the most important part.”
QWOC+ Boston Hosts a Summer Same-Sex (Queer) Salsa Soiree at Villa Victoria
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on July 7th, 2010
This is a first time super-collaboration between Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Berklee Community Outreach, Queer Women of Color and Friends, and Men of Color Creating Change — all envelope-pushing organizations doing great work for our intersecting communities and the arts.
Please watch the video (and read) below for more details. We hope to see you next week!
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South End Summer LGBTQ+ Salsa Dance Lesson – 1st Annual
THURSDAY JULY 15
O’ Day Park, 85 West Newton Street, Boston, MA
5:30 PM Check-In and Refreshments
5:45 – 6:45 PM FREE dance lesson
7:00 PM Concert
Put some spice into your step with a QUEER community hosted salsa dance lesson followed by LIVE Salsa at the Tito Puente Latin Music Series, July 15, at O’Day Park, 85 W. Newton St, Boston’s South End. We’ll have a limited open bar inside of Villa Victoria Center for the Arts for those beautiful people that join us for the class from 5:30PM to 7PM. Check-in for the salsa a lesson is 5:30 p.m. and the lesson starts at 6:00. Live music begins at 7:00 with Son de Madre, with members from Cuba, Argentina, Israel, and the United States. The band’s international flavor is a blend of Cuban music (son, mambo, bolero, timba) infused with jazz, funk, and Brazilian influences. Son de Madre and its members have performed or recorded with artists such as Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera, Victor Manuel, and La India.
Presented by Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Berklee College of Music, Queer Women of Color (QWOC+) and Men of Color Creating Change (MOCCC).
Preceding the 2nd show of the 2010 Tito Puente LATIN MUSIC SERIES
Six FREE concerts in Jamaica Plain, the South End, East Boston and City Hall Plaza
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (617) 927-1707
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Primera Clase Anual de Salsa por y para la comunidad “Queer” (LGBTQ+) en el South End
JUEVES 15 DE JULIO
O’Day Park 85 W. Newton St., Boston, MA
5:30 PM Registración
5:45 – 6:45 PM Clase Gratis
7:00 PM Concierto
Dale gusto a tu paso con una clase de salsa presentada por la comunidad “Queer” (LGBTQ+) seguida por música en vivo en el Tito Puente Latin Music Series el 15 de julio en O’Day Park, 85 W. Newton St. en el South End de Boston. Tendremos una barra abierta (limitada) para los hermosos participantes dentro de Villa Victoria Center for the Arts de 5:30 hasta las 7pm. Regístrate a las 5:30 y la clase empieza a las 6pm. Son de Madre, con sus miembros de Cuba, Argentina, Israel y EEUU, empezarán a tocar a las 7. El sabor internacional es una mezcla de música Cubana (son, mambo, bolero, y timba) mezclada con jazz, funk, e influencias Brasileñas. Los músicos en Son de Madre han tocado y trabajado con variados artistas incluyendo a Celia Cruz, Paquito D’Rivera, Victor Manuel, y La India.
Presentado por Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Berklee College of Music, Queer Women of Color (QWOC), y Men of Color Creating Change (MOCCC)
Antes del 2do concierto del
2010 Tito Puente Latin Music Series
Seis concierto GRATIS en Jamaica Plain, South End, East Boston y City Hall Plaza
PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN LLÁMA AL (617) 927-1707
Have Your Voice Heard! Now Accepting Entries for QWOC+ Boston’s First Ever Writing Contest!
Posted By QWOC+ Boston Intern on June 29th, 2010
QWOC+ Boston is very pleased to announce its first youth-oriented writing contest! We are looking for queer people of color between the ages of 14 and 22 who have a passion for writing and/or would like to raise their voices and be heard by a diverse and accepting community. 
Entries should detail writers’ experiences with culture, race, sexuality, socio-economic background, etc. As queer people of color, we are often forced to present only part(s) of ourselves, separately, while our experience is anything but fragmented; we are always multilayered, and identify with / relate to multiple issues, simultaneously, and almost all the time. We are looking for entries that embody this reality.
Two Categories:
1) Poetry
2) Essay
Format: 12 point font, 1 inch margins, single-spaced. Preferably 1 and a half pages; 2 pages maximum. Entrants may submit one piece for each category.
Two winners will be selected from EACH category as first place winner and runner- up. Note: If you wish, you may submit (just ONE piece) to both categories.
Prizes: Both will have their winning entries posted on the QWOC+ Boston blog and will receive a small gift. Additionally, the first place winner will receive two all-access Purple Passes for QWOC WEEK and will have the opportunity to *read/perform their piece at a QWOC WEEK event.
*If you are uncomfortable reading or performing in front of a live audience, we will have someone read or perform for you.
Deadline: July 21st
Please send submissions to write@qwocboston.org
Call for Workshop Proposals for Mind, Body, and Soul Health Conference for LGBT People of Color
Posted By QWOC+ Boston on June 25th, 2010
Ever have one of those days, weeks, months where you feel tired mentally, physically, and spiritually? Ever feel like you needed some inspiration, some information, some type of organization is your life? We feel you.
QWOC+ is happy to announce this year’s Mind, Body, and Soul Conference – chicken soup for the LGBTQI Person of Color soul. The conference will be held at Simmons College, with co-sponsorship from Simmon’s Institute for Leadership and Change, on Saturday, July 31st.
But we need you to make it happen. We’re looking for proposals from individuals. health practitioners, experienced community organizers, and non-profit organizations who are willing to engage in real talk about the health of marginalized group within the queer community.
Here are a few of our ideas:
1) Nutrition
2) Feng Shui
3) Herbal Medicine
4) Sex
5) Self-Development
6) Building Healthy Communities/Relationships
7) Exercise/Physical Exercise
Healing for Trauma
9) Spirituality
10) Your idea of what’s most relevant to the queer community of color
To get a better idea of what we’re looking for, check out information on last year’s conference: 2009 Mind, Body, and Soul Mini-Conference
Proposals should include the following information:
1) Title
2) Session Overview
3) The Why: Please elaborate on how you think this topic is relevant / how it would contribute to the conference
4) What do you hope to achieve with your session?
Note: No need to worry about finalized details — we just want the general idea and will work with you to fully develop your session if it is selected.
*Presentations should be for at least one hour, and at most an hour and a half.
Please send proposals and inquiries to: mbs@qwocboston.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
