“At its heart, discrimination against gender non-conforming people happens because of a system that rewards conformity and not creativity.”
– Alok Vaid-Menon, Beyond The Gender Binary
Our society is shaped by those in power. The further away we are from those in power, the less our needs are a political priority. This workshop is a space where we can center ourselves and each other as magical trans beings.
Magic is defined as the power to make impossible things happen, using supernatural forces. So, what could be more magical than being trans?
In the first part of this workshop, we want to connect to our magical trans and non-binary bodies. We are aware that sometimes our bodies still don’t feel safe and welcoming to us. In the second part, we also want to connect our minds, creating a collective space of care, imagination and resistance.
Before you sign up for this workshop, we have to kindly warn you. This is not just another workshop. This is a magical sharing circle. This means that there will be magic. But not just any kind. Black magic. Queer magic. Trans magic. So, be careful.
To ensure that you get spell-bound safely, please bring an object that feels magical to you and something to write on. We also invite you to wear clothes that feel really magical and comfortable to you.
10 am – 11 am: trans, non-binary & genderqueer BIPoCs* only
11am – 12 pm: open for all trans, non-binary & genderqueer folx**
*Black, Indigenous, People of Colour. Also, if you’re mixed-race.
** If you are questioning your gender or don’t have a label to describe your gender, are agender, gender-neutral or genderfluid, this workshop is for you too.
The magical sharing circles will be guided by Joy Apata (IMỌLE), Oishi Sengupta and Kristin Jackson Lerch.
Joy Apata (IMỌLE) is a singer and songwriter who will also perform at 2pm at the Queer Feminist Festival Stage. When they’re not actively healing in one form or the other, through music, art and books, they are just passively a very curious, creative and caring soul.
Kristin Jackson Lerch is a dancer and performer, part of the Kiki House of Dive and co-founder of Come’n Kiki, an organisation that uses dance and movement to empower transgender communities.
Oishi Sengupta will introduce themselves personally during the BIPoC magical sharing circle. They are our special guest from Deli who focuses their Master in Gender Studies on Care Work within Trans Communities.
Thank you Denise Van De Cruze for inspiring the idea of this workshop!