Documentary (film) on Slutmeadow/Schlampenau

(german below) In 2007 the first ”Ferien in Schlampenau”, which roughly translates to “Vacations in Slut Meadow”, took place in Germany, becoming meanwhile a yearly feminist summer camp for women who challenge the concept of monogamy as the sole accepted relationship model. “Also unnatural women need rest”, said the invitation, “and to spend time with other sluts, away from the heteronormativity, exchanging experiences, discussing utopias or developing a new relationship culture.” In this DIY, no-budget film, word is given to four participants in Schlampenau and they speak about polyamory, the camp itself, feminism, queer identities and their dreams for the future. The film shows a sense of fight against alienation in a society where being a woman, polyamorous, feminist, queer or transgender is often misunderstood or outright repressed. The camp is revealed as a place of togetherness, freedom, discussion and fun. Ladies from all genders and gentlemen, welcome to Schlampenau. More on the film at the film´s blog: here (http:://polygarchutopia.blogspot.com) ! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 fand das erste "Ferien in Schlampenau, Sommercamp für unnatürliche Frauen" statt, dass inzwischen zu einer jährlichen Veranstaltung geworden ist. "Auch unnatürliche Frauen brauchen Erholung", stand in der Ankündigung, "einfach Zeit mit anderen Schlampen verbringen, fernab der Heteronormativität, um Erfahrungen auszutauschen, Utopien zu diskutieren oder gemeinsam eine neue Beziehungskultur zu entwickeln." Vier Teilnehmerinnen sprechen über Polyamorie, das Sommercamp, Feminismus, Queer Identitäten und ihre Träume für die Zukunft. Dieser do-it-yourself (and no budget) Dokumentarfilm zeigt einen Kampfgeist gegen die Entfremdung in einer Gesellschaft wo immer missverstanden oder unterdrückt wird, wenn man eine Frau, polyamorös, Feministin, queer oder transgender ist. Das Camp erscheint als ein Ort der Zusammengehörigkeit, der Freiheit, des Austausches und für Spass. Mehr darüber @ Blog zur Film: hier (http://polygarchutopia.blogspot.com).

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Don't rebuff your way to happiness, Manchester

Don't rebuff your way to happiness: a workshop on “Saying no”

29.5.2010, Manchester, at the SM Dykes Conference Lokki and Éskìw

Workshop Goals: to learn strategies to effectively communicate what you want (and understanding what you want), to learn strategies for expressing disagreement in a positive and constructive way, learning to say "no" with or without providing justifications.

Can we honestly say, about ourselves, that we say “no” on every occasion that we should? Hmmm, maybe not. Saying “no” is important, actually it’s vital, but saying “no” in the right situation can be very difficult. There are several mechanisms which make “saying no” quite difficult, like fear of rejection or retaliation, peer pressure, or even an entangled bundle of possible cultural reasons linked to expressing disagreement. We will look at issues such as how the dynamics can affect the negotiation process and the problem of being part of a small group and how being part of one can affect your ability to say no.

Practical exercise: a negotiation situation. Evaluation of the exercise (what went well and not so well, and why; strategies that work best). Presentation of some simple strategies for expressing disagreement and saying “no.”

Polyamory and Jealousy, Manchester

On green-eyed monsters, compersive teddies, and humans in-between (a workshop on jealousy in polyamourous constellations)

Lokki and Éskìw 29.May.10, Manchester, SM Dykes Conference

Whenever a polyamoury lifestyle is mentioned or considered, usually a lot of questions regarding jealousy pop up immediately.

But what is then this disruptive green-eyed monster? Do we all speak of the same thing when we mention jealousy? Do we know what it can put at stake? Are we susceptible to it? Do we have to deal with it? Do we know how to deal with it? And what about compersion?

In this workshop there will not be universal or magical answers to those questions, but we will all be challenged to use the opportunity to find our own personal and tailored answers, with the help of the group. For this, we will sit together, try to analyse a couple of aspects in a simple and pragmatic way, suggest some tools, share our thoughts, and brainstorm together to help everybody find hir personal answer to such questions.

No previous experience with polyamoury lifestyle is required.