! FLUID !'s topics - tribe.net

gender and preschoolers - help!

2008-07-15T02:03:39Z

I am a 27 year-old student at Portland State University, and a student teacher at a child development center. I am female-born and identify as gender-confused.

I am trying to create a curriculum for preschool age students (3-4 years old) to introduce them to the concept of multiple gender identities. I hope this curriculum will be helpful to preschoolers who are already questioning their gender identities, as well as students who will encounter people in their lives that express, feel and identify with “non-traditional” gender identities.

Does anyone know of any resources that would be helpful for me to look at to create this kind of curriculum?
** I am especially looking for children’s books and other materials for 3-4 year olds.

Please! email me directly at
goddessdance@hotmail.com

Thanks so much!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 1 reply

fluid sexuality.-your story.

2008-06-10T13:00:19Z

I'm assuming that since you're here in this tribe that your sexuality is/was at one time kinda fluid. Perhaps it still is!
In what ways has it been this way?

So how has your sexuality/attraction changed (if at all) over the years?

sorry if you've read this topic in another tribe, I'm just trying to get a meaningful discussion going in tribes that seem kinda dead.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 5 replies

Pomosexuality and the Death of the Label

2008-03-20T01:51:28Z

BECAUSE LABELS ARE FOR CLOTHING... NOT PEOPLE.

Pomosexuality (short for postmodern sexuality) refers to a nonorientation in which people disregard sexual labels altogether. While it is convenient to sort everyone into a handful of different groups - homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual - pomosexuality argues that not only can these words and categories not do justice to the complexity of human sexuality, but are also grand illusions socially constructed to maintain a state of separateness between people. Like most other things in life, sexual orientation and/or gender identity isn't a black and white, either/or experience for many of us. More appropriately, it is best described as a fluid and incalculably unique journey that is beyond definition. Pomosexuality literally means anything you want it to mean. It means anything goes. And it represents an end to all the confusion, oppression, fear, and restraint that comes with trying to identify with a restrictive label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXxODfmU_iU

Join the new social network that is introducing the concept of pomosexuality to the masses, revolutionizing the way the world views sexuality and gender. http://wWw.POMOWORLD.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

fluid

2008-02-07T23:07:55Z

when a gasp for air that is not there,
watches snow not falling,
floating where it lands,
drifts waving, weaving
to rise up.

topsy turvy

when it comes to atmosphere.
are we under pressure?
simply walking on air's ocean floor,
or perhaps floating, swimming
atop sky's vast expanse.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

androgyne wiki

2007-11-28T21:07:45Z

Hi

I recently started a wiki for people to describe their feelings and experiences of being androgyne. I have written stuff about me there. So have a couple of others so far. It's time to get androgyne aired openly. Why not write something?

androgyne.wikispaces.com/

Paste the URL above. Click on top left on "Join this space." You have to choose a user name. You also have to give an e-mail address to wikispaces which I don't get to see. Wikispaces are the people who do wikipedia. So far I am impressed with their services.

Best wishes
Cody

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

looking for study space on or near UCB campus (summer)

2007-06-12T05:50:05Z

hi all,

i'm going to be researching on the Cal campus this summer and am seeking an office or work space that i can use to write, read, and leave my books in (to avoid the back-breaking task of carrying them to the library every day). if you are a grad student, staff, or faculty and know of a secure work space on/near campus, feel free to get in touch! i know real estate is tightly guarded at UCB, but perhaps just as my campus office in socal is free this summer, so might yours be at berk.

tnx!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

6/01 Primal "Pulse" queer/trans erotic party, in SF

2007-05-30T23:05:52Z

Reminder - It's this Friday.

This is a mixed energy event. Wide range of ages (18+) and queerness (bi, trans, gender queer, leather, etc). A unique event, open to any non-mainstream (hetero-normative) sexuality. We also transform the venue.

- -
Primal "Pulse"

A Private, Queer Erotic Party
Hosted by Iain & Angela of EduKink

Friday, June 1, 2007, 8 pm – 1 am
SF Citadel, 1277 Mission Street, at Ninth Street
$20 per person

The Primal parties are alternative sexuality parties for queer and queer-friendly adults, celebrating all genders, orientations, and preferences.

You must be on the invitation list to attend. Anyone 18 or older with a positive, personal interest in celebrating sexuality in all its flavors, colors, shapes, and expressions, may apply at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EduKink-Erotic-Events

Strict Dress code. Basics:
- Ordinary street clothes not permitted.
- Red sexy attire admired, but not required.
- Trans folk may dress as they please.

Featuring live music by Cuir Bleu
(CuirBleu.com)

Feel the pulse … .. low beat of the drum … .. feel it throbbing in your veins … .. the rhythm of sex … ..
… .. the pulse … .. … .. pulse … .. … .. pulse … .. … .. Feel it.

For more information, see http://EduKink.org/Primal

Do not forward this message to other lists without permission.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Animal right and vegetarian lover

2007-04-22T11:07:26Z

We are a group of progressive singles and friends interested in vegetarianism, environmental protection, peace, animal rights.

Do you enjoy outdoor activities, holistic and healthy lifestyles, caring for animal rights and environmental protection, personal growth and spirituality! If yes, join us and have fun there!
http://hunger4love.bravehost.com/index.html

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Queer & Intersexed - Where are they welcome? Where should they be welcome?

2007-02-18T02:54:04Z

The below message was posted in a yahoo group & got a bit of discussion..

I recently saw a flyer for an event, a fundraiser & was curious about
it. Based on the flyer, I was not certain who is or is not welcome.

Which got me to thinking further on this issue, as it pertains to me
(and people like me). You see, I am Intersexed. Approximately 1% of
the population is intersexed (source: ISNA website). So we are in
fact out there in far more numbers than many folks realise.

I know that the society I live in is a Gendered society. I had to
select a gender to have a Yahoo email address. But they only offered
male or female. I am neither.

I am not a man, I am not a woman, I am not Trans. I am Intersexed.
I am genetically intersexed. Furthermore, I as identify as an
intersexed person. I see my orientation as Queer. Indeed, I don't
actually see it as possible for me to be homosexual, hetrosexual or
bisexual.

There are Men's Events. Women's events. Trans events. I am none of
these things. I don't want to be a man. I don't want to be a woman.
I don't want to Transition. I am happy as I am. Both male and female.

I respect that different spaces & different parties have different
rules. And I do not want to make anyone else uncomfortable.

So.. where do I fit? Where do I belong. Where would I be imposing?

I thank you all in advance for your thoughts or input.

Max

posted in ! FLUID ! - 1 reply

NEW TRIBE: transgender metaphysics

2006-12-01T19:09:52Z

join my new tribe, share and inspire others, challenge ideas of physical reality, and much more! :: http://tribes.tribe.net/transmeta

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

FRENCH SAFE SEX ANIME

2006-10-25T01:26:16Z

, by director Wilfred Brimo

FEMME
A woman tries to find love and sexual fulfillment, ever mindful of the
dangers of unprotected sex. French viral for AIDS awareness by Wilfred
Brimo.

http://www.devilducky.com/media/30912/

HOMME
A great new three-minute cartoon by Wilfred Brimo, set to The Rubettes'
1974 classic "Sugar Baby Love". Why can't the U.S. have safe-sex ads
that are this fun, moving, and romantic?

http://www.salon.com/ent/video_dog/ads/2006/05/02/sugar_baby_love/

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

The end of the Internet as we know it?

2006-10-12T05:41:01Z

Could this be true? Does anyone know of, or heard anything like this more thru the media?

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060213/chester

posted in ! FLUID ! - 7 replies

meditation/Visualization vs. hormones

2006-10-12T04:44:19Z

has anyone here had any success using to meditation and creative visualization to put mind into matter and transform their bodies to suit their needs? im not against hormones, but i beleive that soemday i will be able to "make" my own, and ultimately have control over hspaing my body excatly as i want it, even if it defies western science. i am interested to hear your experiences or if youve heard of someone who has one this.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 3 replies

QUEER WORDS...

2006-07-15T11:47:57Z

My new poetry book, THE RED BOOK (ISBN 1842941801) came out (!) a few weeks ago, and obviously I'm trying to spread the word as much as humanly possible...

ALSO - I've just found out that it is now number one on Amazon UK's 'Hot Books' chart for gay poetry books!! How happy am I !

...sorry to blow my own trumpet (so to speak!) in this way - but in this game no one's gonna do it for me!!

I hope you'll all check it out...

Ben x

http://www.benbarton.co.uk

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Concretely Abstract

2006-05-14T21:10:51Z

The drone of our lives is a self-creation born out of a lack which creates a need and then a necessity into which senses, thoughts, emotions, experiences, memories, knowledge flow to create a reality so concrete that subtle rhythms of nature (let's call it actuality) appears abstract in the background whenever there is a breakthrough within our reality. In general, actuality seems absent in the midst of a forceful presence of reality continually trying to assert itself. We look around in human history and are amazed at so few individuals having had contact with this subtlety and hence, we deem its presence impossible and separate from us. However, more shocking is how much energy is expended in each moment through each individual's life to maintain the facade of the necessity.

Every strong emotion, action, etc. is created with the rationale that it is necessarily so. Everything we do or feel, we cannot do otherwise. That is what our mind and bodies tell us in the moment. Interestingly if that is truly so, why do we then justify or condemn every such movement? Perhaps, because deep down we are aware of the artificialness of the need created by the thought/knowledge/emotion/experience/memory complex, and hence, as human beings and societies we have created norms with boundaries of how artificial we can be. How far can we deviate from actuality. We thus justify or condemn ourselves to either illustrate that we are within the bounds or accept that we extended them.

If we take a look at why we are hurt, angry, needy, desirous, obsessed, we see that all such emotions have a built-in urgency within that is self-created and unreal and takes us away on an illusory road. What is the urgency born out of? Usually the only time in the actual world, anything is urgent is when there is a threat to the physical survival of the organism. Protection from an actual physical threat is immensely life-affirming - a joyous denial of death. Is this what one is hooked on? Notice that if an organism learns how to cry "wolf" all the time to seek protection, whether there is an actual threat or not, it would soon become insensitive to threats of all kind not knowing when it is actual or not. So, to continue the illusion of threat and hence, feign the joy of survival, strong emotions are accompanied with the created urgency which gives an individual, a concrete feeling of reality and solidity. So even though realistically, if we look at our lives retrospectively, we see so many of those urgencies as false, the urgencies of now - 'I must have this sexual encounter or car or drink', ' I must show this person his place', 'why does she hurt me?', etc. , seem all too real again for they are either accompanied by a solid pleasure or pain and hence, we easily forget that the urgency was merely a creation.

Pride, honor, trust and their counterparts are totally abstract self-created values to perhaps, make communal living easy. However, those abstract values have taken a concreteness so solid that we rarely perceive the emotions they generate as fluid. We feel "betrayed when trust is violated". We are "hurt " because we "expect fairness". The feelings generate such a strong response that sometimes lifetimes are destined and directed on such events. Somehow not only do we not question the existence of such abstraction, but we also expect the existence of such solid concreteness in our children. We teach them to respect the egos of others. We teach them lessons that are completely abstract such as 'treat people fairly', 'don't hurt others', etc. In actuality, life by such humanly devised measures appears completely unfair but they are asked to be fair. They are told not to hurt others, what goes around comes around, etc. completely authenticating the existence of ego unrelated to life's other dimensions.

We cannot have it both ways, we cannot teach our children a number of commandments and expect them to have a relationship with nature. The commandments whether followed or rebelled would create a world of its own - a world of thought and knowledge which will create its illusory reality in which man is given a role to play rather than be a play in nature.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Embracing androgyny!

2006-04-23T11:39:55Z

Ok, so I'm finally posting here after like eons if you believe in consecutive time of just reading and wondering why I'm nervous to post. So here goes!

I don't know exactly how much I've talked about anything on this tribe, I'm on so many tribes it makes my head spin. Anyway, a bit about me first. Warning though, this might get both confusing and even a bit hard to swallow so be prepared. I'm biologically female, was assigned male at birth due to a psychotic father(literally a MAD scientist) and a passive mother. There was nothing intersexed about my body upon birth, but have definitely become a very androgynous and hard to place gender label. All the surgeries were to add on and realign things, lucky for me, nothing was closed and removed. Now, after lot's of acceptance and emotional healing around that stuff I embrace my androgyny. It's interesting having a body that is as genderqueer as my body. Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it sucks, but regardless it's me. So to the topic of this post.

How do you embrace, create, enjoy androgyny? Do you sometimes confuse people and free their minds? How do communicate with people who are tripping over your gender confusion?

Hugs,

Sincerly,
Ariel Archaicflame

posted in ! FLUID ! - 3 replies

a new tribe for FTM and Trannyboys

2006-03-16T23:41:18Z

ftm transitions: http://tribes.tribe.net/ftm

A space for F2M, FTM, transman, trannyfag's, butch's and boi's, transdaddy's, the third gendered or two spirited male's who are in the process of transitioning, have already transitioned or are questioning. It is a space to talk about trans issues and share information and support each other through the process. less

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

some definitions of terms

2006-03-12T20:02:24Z

Definition of Terms for Sexuality and Gender
Fluid, Fall 2003

GENDER AND SEX

“How do gender and sex differ?”
While gender and sex are commonly used interchangeably, they are inherently different. Sex is defined by an individual’s anatomy and chromosomes. Sex refers to whether someone is biologically male, female, or intersex. Gender, unlike sex, is not biological, but socially constructed. Gender refers to specific traits, such as femininity and masculinity that are often thought to correspond with a specific sex. Gender is dependent on culture; it changes over time.
-- GenEq (UC Berkeley Gender Equity Resource Center) Transgender Flyer

· INTERSEX
Intersex people naturally (that is, without any medical intervention) develop primary or secondary sex characteristics that do not fit neatly into society's definitions of male or female. Many visibly intersex people are mutilated in infancy and early childhood by doctors to make their sex characteristics conform to one idea of what normal bodies should look like. Intersex people are relatively common, although the society's denial of their existence has allowed very little room for intersexuality to be discussed publicly.
-- www.survivorproject.org/basic.html

· GENDER IDENTITY
Gender identity is the hard-to-define sense of being a woman, a man, both a woman and a man, neither a woman nor a man, or something else entirely. Gender identity does not necessarily correlate with physical anatomy, or sex. For example, some females may identify as men.

· GENDER EXPRESSION
Refers to the expression of masculinity and/or femininity. Men are expected to have masculine gender expressions, and women are expected to have feminine gender expressions. Gender expression does not necessarily correlate with gender identity. For example, one may be a male, identify as a woman, and yet still have a masculine gender expression.

· SOCIALIZATION
Refers to the training process that takes place once birth sex is determined or decided upon. Those whose birth sex is female are ‘socialized’ as women and those whose birth sex is male are ‘socialized’ as men. How one is socialized does not necessarily correlate with how one identifies.
-- Youth Gender Project, TransAction, RESYST Glossary

· GENDER BINARY SYSTEM
A system of oppression that requires everyone to be raised either male or female, and masculine or feminine. This eliminates the possibility for other gender expressions, and gives power to people whose genders do not break gender norms at the expense of transgender and intersex people. This is also responsible for transphobia.
-- Youth Gender Project, TransAction, RESYST Glossary

· TRANSGENDER
“Who is transgender?”
Transgender (sometimes shortened to trans or TG) refers to individuals whose gender identity does not conform to what society has commonly associated with their biological sex. For example, an individual may have the anatomical sex female, and identify with and have a masculine gender expression. Yet not all transgender people fit into a masculine/feminine binary (placing people into the category either man or woman, boy or girl, etc.). Instead, they may express multiple genders or express a unique gender that is neither completely masculine nor feminine. Transgender is also used to identify a larger group of gender nonconforming people such as transsexuals, cross dressers, and genderqueers. It is important to acknowledge that not everyone who appears to fit under this definition of transgender identifies as such.
-- GenEq transgender Flyer

· GENDERQUEER
A person whose “gender is not contained within the gender binary-- this means they might identify as transgendered, transsexual, non-gendered, poly-gendered... the list is infinite.” The term genderqueer specifically describes people who defy gender norms, and as such is a subset of the term queer, which is used by people outside of any mainstream norms of gender or sexuality. People often use the term queer to refer solely to homosexuality. The emergence of the term genderqueer is, in part, a response to that.

· ANDROGYNE
Androgynes have the gender identity of both a man and a woman, or of neither a man nor a woman. That is to say, some androgynes consider themselves to be bigendered in that they identify with both traditional genders, while others see their identity as more of a synthesis and consider themselves to be agendered, as in ‘other’ or ‘none of the above.’
-- Androgyne Online

· INTERGENDER
Intergendered is a gendered state between the polar endpoints of man and woman. Intergendered is NOT identifying primarily as a woman or a man. Some may feel strong (or weak) masculine AND feminine qualities all at the same time. Some may not see themselves on the gender spectrum at all, describing what amounts to a null gendered state.
-- What Is Intergendered?

· GENDER PLAY
Gender play is a term used to describe the erotic exchange of gender, usually between partners. A man or a woman may exchange genders in their play, with a man dressing and behaving as a woman or a woman as a man. Alternatively, they may both decide to play as women, or as men. Gender play is different from transsexuality, because it is much more temporary and more in the nature of a fantasy game.
-- sexuality.org BDSM handbook

· FLUID
This is a new term, and we are shaping its meaning. It has typically been used to describe many aspects of gender and sexual identity that do not fit neatly into other categories. It is also used to describe the fact that many people experience a change in all or part of their gender or sexual identity during their lives, sometimes including several major changes. It can also mean a focus on process or behavior (discovering what feels good to you) rather than ‘final’ outcome (marriage, coming out, or domestic partnership).

SEXUALITY

n. 1. The condition of being characterized and distinguished by sex. 2. Concern with or interest in sexual activity. 3. Sexual character or potency.
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Ed.

· QUEER
“What does queer mean?”
Queer has been used as:
· An umbrella term for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.
· A political statement, as well as a sexual orientation, which advocates breaking binary thinking and by recognizing both sexual orientation and gender identity as potentially fluid.
· A simple label to explain a complex set of sexual behaviors and desires. For example, a person who is attracted to multiple genders may identify as queer.
“Isn’t queer an insult?”
For many years the term queer has been used as an insult towards anyone who is seen outside of society’s heterosexual and/or gender “norms.” In response many older LGBT people do not feel comfortable identifying with queer. In recent years, queer has been reclaimed, most commonly, by younger members of the LGBT community.
-- GenEq queer/pansexual Flyer

· STRAIGHT
adj. 1. Not deviating from what is considered socially normal, usual, or acceptable; conventional. 2. Conventional to an extreme degree. 3. Heterosexual. 4. Honest and morally upright. 5. (slang) Rigidly conventional or old-fashioned. [syn: square] adv. 1. Without deviation. 2. In an honest, law-abiding, or virtuous manner: lives straight. n. 1. A conventional person, especially one considered a member of established society. 2. A heterosexual person; someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex.
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

· BISEXUALITY
Bisexuality (sometimes shortened to bi) refers to the capability of being attracted to women and men. A bisexual person may or may not be equally attracted to women and men, and the degree of attraction to either gender may vary over time. One does not need to be sexually active with both genders to identify as bisexual, since sexual activity does not necessarily define one’s sexual orientation.
[One obstacle that many bisexuals face is] identifying with the term bisexual. The prefix bi refers to sexual feeling for two genders; however many bisexuals recognize that there are more than two genders.
-- GenEq bisexuality Flyer

· HOMOSEXUALITY
n. 1. Sexual orientation to persons of the same sex. 2. Sexual activity or relations with another of the same sex. 3. A sexual attraction to persons of the same sex.
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, and WordNet

· HETEROSEXUALITY
n. 1. Sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex. 2. Sexual activity or relations with another of the opposite sex. 3. A sexual attraction to persons of the opposite sex.
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, and WordNet

· GAY
adj. 1. Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex. 2. Showing or characterized by cheerfulness and lighthearted excitement; merry. 3. Bright or lively, especially in color: a gay, sunny room. 4. Given to social pleasures. 5. Dissolute; licentious. n. 1. A person whose sexual orientation is to persons of the same sex. 2. A man whose sexual orientation is to men: an alliance of gays and lesbians.
-- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Ed.

· PANSEXUAL
Pansexual refers to a person who is fluid in sexual orientation and/or gender or sex identity. Pansexual also refers to the possibility of an attraction to more than one sex, but refuses the use of gender binaries (placing people into the category either man or woman, boy or girl, etc.)
-- GenEq queer/pansexual Flyer

· POLYAMORY
Polyamory is a relationship style (and style of living) involving the creation of “intimate networks” of friends, partners, and lovers. It is also referred to as “responsible non-monogamy.” Since this is done without hiding one's relationships from anyone else in one's life, it requires a high level of integrity, honesty, and communication. One book in particular stands out when it comes to multi-partner relationships: The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt. [Also see Polyamory: The New Love Without Limits by Deborah Anapol, particularly for long-term fidelitous networks, and Redefining Our Relationships by Wendy-O-Matik]
-- sexuality.org

· BDSM
The term BDSM encompasses a diverse range of sexual and sensual activities. It can include role and power playing, sensory games ranging from teasing to intense pain, and more. Given that it is a voluntary form of sexuality undertaken by consenting partners, it is distinct from abuse or rape.

BDSM is the combination of three (count ‘em, three!) acronyms:
· B&D
Bondage and Discipline, or B&D, is an acronym used for sexual activities involving erotic restraint and slave/Master or slave/Mistress fantasy games.
· D&S
Dominance and Submission, or D&S, describes playing with power and trust in an erotic way. D&S play can include, but is not limited to, S&M play. D&S play can also be entirely nonphysical.
· S&M
The common term for sexual or erotic activity involving the giving and receiving of pain and pleasure. The letters of the expression refer to sadism and masochism.
-- sexuality.org BDSM Handbook

posted in ! FLUID ! - 16 replies

WILL COUPLE LOVE NEWBIES MORE? Janet Kira Lessin worldpolyamory@aol.com

2006-03-02T01:39:03Z

WILL COUPLE LOVE NEWBIES MORE? Janet Kira Lessin worldpolyamory@aol.com

MIDWESTERNER wrote, “What would happen if my wife opened herself up emotionally or if
we agreed to allow each other to be more emotionally attached. Would
I later desire the other woman more or she desire the other man
more or some other conflicting combination of feelings?

JANET: My husband, Sasha, and I were blessed to fall in love with a very special
couple. Our commitment to each other was so total and complete, and the other
couple was so devoted to each other, there was never any doubt that we'd
remain involved with our primary partners while loving all the way around.

There did come a point where my love for the other woman felt threatening to
the other man, so they withdrew from us and are no longer involved with us.
And yes, ouch, that hurt. But, I'd do it all again, because the love I
felt and the love we all felt will always be. I have the love, I have the memories and
I have the model that LOVING MORE THAN ONE REALLY WORKS.

Many couples do move into deep sexual and emotional intimacy and some
experience feelings in varying degrees and intensity over the course of the
relationship with their new partners. It's part of the thrill, part of learning how
to love. We feel what we feel. Feelings ARE. They are often uncontrollable
and seem to have a life of their own. Some couples, especially couples that
engage in swinging, pledge emotional fidelity with one another. But
realistically we feel what we feel. We can however make agreements and honor them and
do certain behaviors, like REMAIN HONEST IN OUR COMMUNICATION, STAY TOGETHER; NEVER ABANDON ONE ANOTHER, no matter what we feel for other partners.

Couples make commitments to stay together no matter what, work out the
dynamics of relating with others and RIDE THE WAVE OF EMOTIONS. There may be
some risk, but it sounds as if you are both very much in love with one another,
committed and devoted, secure enough that you'll remain true and you'll
LEARN, GROW, EXPAND AND REMAIN TOGETHER no matter what.

Janet Kira Lessin, Chief Focalizer for the World Polyamory
Association, is featured speaker at the Annual Harbin Hot Springs
Polyamory Conference, "Celebrate Relationship Choice, May 2-14, 2006
Harbin Hot Springs, CA. See www.worldpolyamoryassociation.com

ps: A couple of “flamers,” Sina and Ali by name, compulsively attack anything I write in the respond section of Tribe.net. They obviously need our compassion; nonetheless, please react to my manifest content and don’t let their obsessions deter you from gaining what you may by reading my ideas. Attacking a person rather than dealing with her ideas is a logical fallacy, known as the ad hominim fallacy.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 1 reply

Singer Songwriters:

2006-02-14T19:46:04Z

Hey there you open, creative, beautiful people! I just created a new Tribe called Singer Songwriters tribes: http://tribes.tribe.net/singer_songwriters_unite_inthe_mystery

feel free to join...

Namaste
xo

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Continuum? Says who?

2006-02-11T06:45:14Z

"Fluid is based on the idea that sexuality and gender run along continuums."

I've started to reject this idea that gender and/or sexuality runs in "continuums". Regarding gender, it tends to place gender difference along a spectrum line, with the center being the most androgynous, and the outer ends being the most gender normative, i.e. "totally man" or "totaly woman." At least that the way it's usually understood.

I don't believe this concept of 'continuum' is any different from the heteronormative model. It presupposes that the "end of the lines" are, in fact, the "end states", where, hopefullly, one will be lucky enough to end up as a fully 'passing' 'man' or 'woman', appearing to be gender normative to the rest of society, even if one conceives of one's own gender in a more complex 'gender queer' way.

Furthermore, I've become suspicious of so many 'gender queer' groups and 'trans' groups that are "ALL INCLUSIVE". As one who choses not to pass, my experience in these groups is that I have been used as a prop by fully-transitioned, passing FTMs to show that "I pass and you don't." In fact I've discovered that passing FTMs love to have openly gender queer persons around so that they can be used as such a prop. It bolsters their "gendered ego" and assures them that they 'really do pass.'

I've become more recalictrant in my understanding of gender queer. There are those who think of themselves as 'gender queer' even though they look gender normative. And then there are those, like me, who APPEAR gender queer, to everybody, all the time. I conceive of these as two distinct groups with DIFFERENT gender issues.

recalcitrant; adj. "stubbornly resisting the authority or control of another"

Just because you have gender issues and I have gender issues, doesn't mean that your gender issues and mine are anything alike.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 5 replies

UNITED WE STAND - Looking for support

2006-01-14T01:02:19Z

Seeking support from other tribes regarding TOU rules. Here's a loophole in the laws regarding what is "obscene"....

Obscenity laws are based on what the general concensus of a community deems offensive and obscene. SO, Tribe IS a virtual community. Therefore, if the majority of the people on Tribe believe that George W. and his actions are obscene, and sex is not, then positive photos of him should go and sexual ones should stay - AS THE LAW IS WRITTEN.

So, I have created the tribe "Bush IS Obscene, Sex is NOT" - if you agree with that one statment, please join the below tribe to show your support.

tribes.tribe.net/bushisobscenesexisnot

Let's create a majority in solidarity and create our OWN obscenity laws. War, bigotry, prejudice and hate being created by George W. and our government ARE obscene and offensive. Nudity and sexuality are NOT obscene or offensive.

Peace 2U.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Canada yet again proves itself more awesome than the US

2006-01-05T16:35:44Z

Check out this bit of good news, from the new chronicle of struggle being written by our Canadian siblings and comrades:

Canada high court rulings in sex-club cases replace community standards test

http://tinyurl.com/cqmep

Not all is doom, gloom, worldwide fundamentalist anti-sex resurgence, net porn prosecutions, criminalization of sex work, gaybashing and murders of trannies, and boredom. Just in my country. Sigh.

Anyways, especially exiting in this case is that it does undermine the entire basis of legitimacy for morality laws - it says instead of you being offended by something as a basis for criminalizing it, you have to prove that it harms someone.

Especially pertinent in the context of the great tribe censorship crackdowm, which is giving in to exactly the opposite logic here in the States.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Tribe(tm) Censorship Offensive 2005

2005-12-09T13:17:27Z

In case you haven't heard, tribe is again launching a new round of censorship.

Last time it was hiding everything that might offend anyone under the "mature" label, and people had to intentionally look for and choose the option to be allowed to see it.

Now they're going ahead and eliminating all that stuff, and just deleting whatever they think is "offensive" - claiming they have to by law, which is a lie.

Check my ! SLUTS ! tribe for more info.

"Your struggle is our struggle, for if they come for you in the morning they will be coming for us at night." -James Baldwin (in a letter to Angela Davis)

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

New Girl from Fl

2005-10-09T19:07:13Z

Hi! I joined because I think your group is a great concept. I'm going to start at USF this fall, and I'd like to start a group on campus, similar to this one. I don't know if I'll have anyone else's interest at USF, but I would like to start a safe place where people can discuss and question mainstream ideas about gender roles and sexuality. Does anyone have any idea how to start, or could you point in the right direction?

posted in ! FLUID ! - 3 replies

Are You A Burner? (also, Decompression Party This Sunday)

2005-10-07T01:09:54Z

Hi Everyone,
I just joined here mainly to mention the Decompression Party in SF on Sunday (details below) because I love you all so much - but also to mention that I'm imagining there is a bit of overlap between this tribe and Polyamorous which is another like minded tribe you might enjoy checking out since we're all about LOVE.

Here I am, thinking about encouraging the Fluid Tribe to come to the Decompression Party and play and I become part of Fluid.

Has Fluid ever been compared to the Borg of Star Trek?
(ie "you have just been assimilated...")

Nice to meet you all.

I look forward to getting closer with many of you.
Feel free to reach out and say hi anytime.
I live in Sonoma County but am in Berkeley and SF often.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 1 reply

I love cheetohs because you can use the stuff left on your

2005-09-22T07:36:38Z

fingers for eye shadow! just thought Id say hi, in austin here just thought your tribe intro was very interesting .

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

$5 million US is a lot of money.

2005-07-27T09:38:44Z

So,what are you waiting for ?
Get Arnold Shwartznegger to open the Roswell 1947 file.NEW EVIDENCE HAS APPEARED.
Let's have somefun.

Zargon-friendly.
.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 1 reply

Crave:Sex Party for FTMs (Female to Male)/Transmen, Bois, and all the guys who crave them. July 9th!

2005-07-08T19:20:02Z

Deep-Ocean Productions Presents:

Crave: A New Era in Man on Man Action

Sex Party for FTMs (Female to Male)/Transmen, Bois, and all
the Guys who crave them.

Hit SOMA on July 9th for a hot night of bad boy fun. This event will be held at the Center for Sex and Culture (www.centerforsexandculture.org) at 398 11th at Harrison.

A twenty gets you in the door. Advance payments by PayPal are $15. Email events@deep-ocean.com for more information or to hold your spot.

Doors open at 9pm and the party goes until 2am.

Food and safer sex supplies provided at all Deep Ocean events.

DEEP OCEAN PRODUCTIONS: DIVE IN & GET WET www.deep-ocean.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

UCB 'Empowering Women's Sexuality' class

2005-06-18T07:58:30Z

Once upon a time, I would go to the UCB campus at the end of every semester and give a submission wrestling demo to the students in the Empowering Women's Sexuality class; after which we would all go to the after party, I'd lay my mats down, and everyone would wrestle each other 'till the wee hours of the morning.

Then one year they contacted me late and I had already schedualed a trip to Europe, which meant I couldnt do my regular end-of-semester demo/talk. And I never heard from anyone there ever again... What's up with that?

I have my own grappling school now and I'd LOVE to get in touch with some of those ladies from the class and just open it up to more women in general, but I have no idea who's running things now. Anyone have any ideas?

Helen von Mott
www.viragowrestling.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Trans March Volunteers Needed

2005-06-05T19:53:27Z

Trans March Friday June 24

Trans March

The 2nd Annual Trans March will take place Friday June 24th in Dolores Park, San Francisco. Live bands, transgender and gender-variant speakers, drag kings, and musicians will perform from 3 pm till 7 pm, and the March itself will begin at 7 pm.

The Trans March is a grassroots, community-building political event, welcoming transgender, genderqueer, intersex, and all genders of people, as well as allies. It is a demonstration of trans visibility, celebrating the growth of a gender movement. The purpose of this event is to:
1. Demonstrate that the violence and discrimination directed against the transgender community will not be tolerated.
2. Celebrate the struggles of the trans community for respect, acceptance, and civil rights.
3. Build a supportive, unified trans community bringing together diverse genders, ages, ethnic backgrounds along with our allies.

Last year’s historic, first-ever Trans March brought together an estimated 2000-3000 people for an amazing community-driven grassroots demonstration on the weekend of LGBT Pride. This year’s Trans March will offer live bands and performers including punk rock legends Tribe 8 on a sound stage in Dolores Park.

Organizers and supporters of this event include:
Many individual trans community activists
United Genders of the Universe
FTM International
SF TEAM
Transgender San Francisco
Good Vibrations

Volunteer Needs

during the march:

- 5 stagehands to carry sound equipment, set up and tear down stage - must arrive early, by 2 pm.
- 1 march leader, must have cell phone and be cop-friendly in case of confrontation.
- 1 march tail, must have cell phone and be cop-friendly.
- 5 cleanup crew members to collect trash before march leaves the park, including one responsible crew leader who will have keys to lock dumpster and portapotties, one with camera to photograph us leaving the park super clean, and three head count people to
estimate # of people at the march.
- 20 safety monitors on march route - must attend a training organized through tgsf.
- 2 security people to clear space for performers to get to and from the stage
- someone who is part of critical mass, to connect with critical mass because they might run into us, to suggest they join us to lead the march.

and here's what we need before the march, during the
next 3 weeks:

- sound technicians who can help get performers' instruments set up on stage
- artists to design flyers for the trans march
- folks to distribute flyers and forward emails and send out press releases and generally spread the word.
- folks to warn people that if they bring alcohol, cops might come and might pour out their beers (some new regulation about dolores park because of the
playground there?)

For more information, please contact Sam Davis at samdavis66@sbcglobal.net

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

queering the queers

2005-04-29T03:13:57Z

Howdy all! I am new to this group and found it by snooping through someone's profile... but I figure this is the right place to engage in a conversation about gender/sexual presentation in the increasingly heteronormative gay world.

So, from one sissyboy to all you on those intermediate points along the continuum, hugs kisses and remember you are beautiful.

Keep on queering kids - because queer is a verb not an adjective. We are process and we will proceed.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

any healers

2005-04-24T00:21:40Z

any other fluid people out there who are healers or do any healing work? any in sf bay area?

chriss

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

SF Fluid Mtgs Cancelled

2005-03-14T00:18:45Z

SF Fluid meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Please do not show up at Femina Potens from 1 - 3 PM every first and second Sunday of the month.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Anyone with safe crash space available?:

2005-03-10T04:58:08Z

An Acquaintence of mine recently moved to San Francisco from Florida and has a need for safe crash space while looking for employment , preferably in the tech field ..
She is experienced with computer networking and also has
IT training experience..

This request is to possibly land her some connections so
she doesn't end up on the street while trying to get herself
together and employed ...

Our community could be of great help in this case ..
please email me via tribe, or offline at:
ms.androgyne@mindspring.com

Cheers

Trish

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

For you NYC fluid performance lovers, HoneyToes

2005-03-07T20:04:05Z

Hello fluid lovers,

I am doing a show (for anyone in the NYC area) as part of the BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange Women's Performance Festival, March 18-19. HoneyToes is a Goddess-worshipping Mistress and shares her creative sadistic ventures and her connection to the feminine divine with her audience, asking for their participation in the Goddess education and kinky concoction she is undoing.

Would love it if you could come.

HoneyToes Makes A Scene
(shared bill with Jen Abrams and Melissa Briggs)
March 18 & 19
BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange
421 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn (at 8th Street)
Reservations: 718-832-0018

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF FLUID MARCH CALENDAR!

2005-03-01T20:39:19Z

Hi folks,

Here's a list of SF Fluid events that will be taking place this month. SF Fluid is a community for folks who don't fit neatly into the sex, gender, and sexuality binaries, the boxes of female and male, woman and man, lesbian, gay, and straight ( www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid )

FlUID OPEN MIC
Saturday, March 5, at 8 PM, at Femina Potens (465 South Van Ness @16th St, SF).
The event is co-sponsored by the Berkeley chapter of Fluid, United Genders of the Universe, and the Bay Area Bisexual Network. The venue, Femina Potens, is a cutting edge non-profit that promotes and celebrates the work of women and transgender artists. People of all backgrounds and identities are welcome to attend and perform!

SF FLUID MEETING
Sunday, March 6, from 1-3 PM, at Femina Potens.
This meeting will provide a chill space where Fluid folks can meet each other, chat about what's going on in their lives, laugh, learn, and have fun. People of all backgrounds and identities are welcome to attend.

SF FLUID MEETING
Sunday, March 13, from 1-3 PM, at Femina Potens.
This meeting will provide a chill space where Fluid folks can meet each other, chat about what's going on in their lives, laugh, learn, and have fun. People of all backgrounds and identities are welcome to attend.

I hope to see you soon!

Heidi : D

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

noobie

2005-02-26T03:12:52Z

hello every soul, anyone here from florida? ...ok,then, i'll wait. hmmmmmmmm,hmmhm....hm
bob
http://www.thegreatillusion.com/

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Fluid Open Mic Pre-Announcement!

2005-02-24T03:09:53Z

Hey y'all, it's time to start getting the word out so we'll have a fantastic turnout! Please forward onto all your friends and compatriots.

FLUID OPEN MIC! Saturday, March 5th, from 8:00 PM onwards, at Femina Potens, 465 South Van Ness, San Francisco. SF Fluid with Berkeley Fluid and United Genders of the Universe, welcome poetry, prose, music, and any other form of performance or art from folks who self identify outside of the traditional boundaries of gender, sexuality, race, and class, as well as their fabulous friends and allies. Do you check "other", or un-check, or check more than one on those damn ubiquitous personal information forms? Come tell us all about it. All ages, all identities welcome. For more information, contact 510.282.1575, or heidimisken@yahoo.com. You can also visit fiercemiri.moonfruit.com; click Spoken Word and click Fluid! Tell a friend!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Blair Hansen - until Sarah McLachlan switches sides...

2005-02-17T02:56:42Z

So I was reading about this local singer-songwriter's webpage that characterized her music as "somewhere between the Dixie Chicks and Sarah McLachlan.” Uh huh. Tall order, I'd say.

But Blair Hansen is the real deal. She writes the lyrics (amazing) - the music (addictive pop/folk acoustic) - she plays the guitar (a natural who just finished her official 6th lesson) - and she's only 18. And did I mention that she kind of looks like Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks?

I listened to her songs on her website (www.blairhansen.com) - which I couldn't stop playing. Must buy CD. Must buy CD.

I went to see her play with her band at the Stork in Oakland a couple of weeks ago. Holy Cow! She is really that good. The kind of good that makes you stop in your tracks and say "This one's got it." A great live set balanced well with rock 'n roll, folk, and pop. It was like watching a young Melissa Etheridge before she broke big.

I bought a CD and it made the rounds with Delerium, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Le Tigre. I have to say that this CD leaves me wanting more. Lucky enough, the young prodigy is almost finished with her second album.

Check her out. She's playing at Coffee for Thought in Alameda Friday night (for those of you who are seeing Ani on Saturday). She's also playing at the Stork in Oakland on February 27.

She's also the feature artist on Sonicbids: http://www.sonicbids.com/default.asp?spotlight_id=284

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF Fluid Race Community Co-Organizer Internship!

2005-02-16T06:26:02Z

INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT:
SF FLUID RACE COMMUNITY CO-ORGANIZER

Organization: SF Fluid

The San Francisco chapter of Fluid is a community for people who don’t fit into conventional social categories. Primarily, SF Fluid is a queer group for folks who don’t fit into conventional categories of sex, gender, gender expression, relationship roles, and sexuality, the boxes of female and male, woman and man, feminine and masculine, femme and butch, bottom and top, lesbian, gay, and straight. Many folks in SF Fluid identify as queer, poly-emotional, fluid, FTM, a-sexual, androgynous, power queer, polyamorous, metamorphasexual, intersex, MTF, genderqueer, bi-gender, a-gender, tranzfag, switch, bisexual, bisensual, inter-gender, heteroflexible, transgendersexual, homoflexible, and pansexual, and many folks in SF Fluid do not identify with any labels in relation to their sex, gender, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

Currently, SF Fluid is expanding to include folks who do not fit into conventional categories of race, the boxes of Native American, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian. Many folks in SF Fluid identify as multi-racial, hapa, and bi-racial, and many folks in SF Fluid do not identify with any labels in relation to their race.

SF Fluid hosts discussion and support group meetings, social gatherings, special events, and speaker presentations. Folks at SF Fluid get the opportunity to meet folks like and unlike themselves, to talk about common and uncommon experiences, to support each other, to laugh, to learn, and to have fun.

To learn more about SF Fluid and/or to join the email listserves, please visit the following websites:

San Francisco Chapter of Fluid Events and Announcements:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid

Fluid Online Discussion Group:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fluid_Discussions

(Please note, there is also a chapter of Fluid in Berkeley. The events and announcements home page is www.groups.yahoo.com/group/fluid )

Position: Race Community Co-Organizer

SF Fluid is seeking a community organizer to help develop SF Fluid so that it better serves folks who don’t fit into conventional categories of race, the boxes of Native American, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian.

Responsibilities:
· Work, communicate, and attend occasional meetings with the other organizers of SF Fluid.
· Help organize and facilitate support and discussion group meetings, social gatherings, special events, and speaker presentations that serve folks who don’ t fit into conventional categories of race.
· Help organize the Fluid race community in whatever other manner is appropriate and effective.

Qualifications:
· Experience as a person who does not fit into conventional categories of race, or strong familiarity with the issues of such folks.
· Understanding of racism/white supremacy and dedication to dismantling it.
· Familiarity with and dedication to the queer community.
· Familiarity with the issues of folks who don’t fit into conventional categories of sex, gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation preferred.
· Understanding of and dedication to social justice and radical change.
· Good communication skills—verbal, written, etc.
· Creativity and energy.
· Good organizational, time management, and networking skills.
· Experience fulfilling above mentioned responsibilities preferred.

Schedule:
· 5-10 hours per week, flexible.

Compensation:
· This work pays in terms of fulfillment, but not money.

To Apply:
· Please send an informal letter stating your interest and qualifications via email to heidimisken@yahoo.com or via mail to 3639 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF Fluid Publicity Internship!

2005-02-16T06:25:11Z

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: SF FLUID PUBLICITY INTERN

Organization: SF Fluid

The San Francisco chapter of Fluid is a community for people who don’t fit into conventional social categories. Primarily, SF Fluid is a queer group for folks who don’t fit into conventional categories of sex, gender, gender expression, relationship roles, and sexuality, the boxes of female and male, woman and man, feminine and masculine, femme and butch, bottom and top, lesbian, gay, and straight. Many folks in SF Fluid identify as queer, poly-emotional, fluid, FTM, a-sexual, androgynous, power queer, polyamorous, metamorphasexual, intersex, MTF, genderqueer, bi-gender, a-gender, tranzfag, switch, bisexual, bisensual, inter-gender, heteroflexible, transgendersexual, homoflexible, and pansexual, and many folks in SF Fluid do not identify with any labels in relation to their sex, gender, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation.

Currently, SF Fluid is expanding to include folks who do not fit into conventional categories of race, the boxes of Native American, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian. Many folks in SF Fluid identify as multi-racial, hapa, and bi-racial, and many folks in SF Fluid do not identify with any labels in relation to their race.

SF Fluid hosts discussion and support group meetings, social gatherings, special events, and speaker presentations. Folks at SF Fluid get the opportunity to meet folks like and unlike themselves, to talk about common and uncommon experiences, to support each other, to laugh, to learn, and to have fun.

To learn more about SF Fluid and/or to join the email listserves, please visit the following websites:

San Francisco Chapter of Fluid Events and Announcements:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid

Fluid Online Discussion Group:
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fluid_Discussions

(Please note, there is also a chapter of Fluid in Berkeley. The events and announcements home page is www.groups.yahoo.com/group/fluid )

Position: Publicity Intern

SF Fluid is seeking an intern to handle publicity for the group. The publicity intern will help to promote SF Fluid and to increase visibility for folks who don’t fit into conventional social categories, which is of crucial importance.

Responsibilities will include:
· Working, communicating, and attending occasional meetings with the other organizers of SF Fluid.
· Managing the email listserves.
· Creating flyers that advertise meetings and events, identifying appropriate/effective locations to post the flyers, and posting the flyers.
· Creating meeting and event announcements, identifying appropriate/effective online locations to post the announcements, and posting the announcements.
· Identifying speaking opportunities for the organizers and members of SF Fluid.
· Creating a website for all chapters of Fluid (San Francisco and Berkeley, for the moment).
· Identifying and pursuing other avenues for advertising.

Qualifications:
· Good communication skills—verbal, written, etc.
· Creativity, energy, and flare.
· Good organizational, time management, and networking skills.
· Familiarity with and dedication to the queer community.
· Familiarity with the issues of people of color, understanding of racism, and dedication to fighting racism.
· Understanding of and dedication to social justice and radical change.
· Experience in fulfilling above stated responsibilities preferred.

Schedule:
· 5-10 hours per week, flexible.

Compensation:
· This work pays in terms of fulfillment, but not money.

To Apply:
· Please send an informal letter explaining your interest and qualifications via email to heidimisken@yahoo.com or via mail to 3639 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110.

***People of all identities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply***

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

What do you call yourself?

2005-02-12T23:36:56Z

So because this is the 'Fluid' forum, I will start asking questions. What labels do you give yourselves in referencing your own sexuality or do you? Have those labels changed over the years? Did you used to call yourself gay or straight or bi or something else and now you think differently? How are the people that you are out to dealing with the changes if any?

posted in ! FLUID ! - 24 replies

SF Fluid Mtg Sun. Feb. 13!

2005-02-07T01:56:28Z

SF Fluid Meetings!

The San Francisco chapter of Fluid is now holding regular support and discussion group meetings every first and second Sunday of the month, from 1 PM - 3 PM, at Femina Potens. Femina Potens is located at 465 South Van Ness @16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, just a few blocks from the 16th St. BART station.

WHO: Folks who don’t fit into the sex, gender, gender _expression, and sexual orientation binaries

WHAT: Support & Discussion Group Meetings

WHEN: Every first & second Sunday of the month, from 1 PM - 3 PM

WHERE: Femina Potens-- 465 South Van Ness @16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Fluid...

Fluid provides a comfortable, safe space to talk for people who don’t fit into conventional categories of sex, gender, gender __expression, and sexual orientation, the boxes of female and male, woman and man, feminine and masculine, femme and butch, bottom and top, lesbian, gay, and straight.

Many folks in Fluid identify as queer, fluid, FTM, androgynous, power queer, polyamorous, intersex, MTF, genderqueer, bi-gender, a-gendered, switch, bisexual, bisensual, inter-gender, heteroflexible, transgendersexual, homoflexible, and pansexual, and many do not identify with any labels in relation to their sex, gender, gender __expression, and/or sexual orientation. Allies and people who would like to learn more are also welcome at Fluid gatherings.

At Fluid support and discussion group meetings, social events, and speaker presentations, you can get to know people like and unlike yourself, discuss related experiences, and support each other. Come prepared to laugh, learn, meet new folks, and have fun.

**To learn more about Fluid and to sign up for the email listserves, please visit the following sites**

SF Fluid Events & Announcements: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid

Berkeley Fluid Events & Announcements: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/fluid

queer.berkeley.edu/fluid

Fluid Online Discussion Group:

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Fluid_Discussions

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF FLUID MTG SUNDAY, FEB 6!!

2005-02-02T18:50:30Z

Hi!

SF Fluid will be meeting the first and second Sunday of the month from 1 - 3 PM at Femina Potens (465 So. Van Ness @16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103). Our first meeting is this Sunday, Feb. 6. Be there or be square or both.

PS Please help spread the word. I will post a more formal announcement this evenning. Thanks!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Help Find Mtg Space for SF Fluid

2005-01-14T04:29:49Z

Hi all,

My number one priority for the SF chapter of Fluid right now is to
find a space in which we can meet regularly. I'm currently looking into MCC Church, 848 Community Space, and Cell Space. If you'd like to help out, you could do some research on public library meeting spaces, the LGBT Center, Femina Potens, and on potential meeting spaces I haven't identified yet. If you don't want to do the research, but you have a few suggestions in mind, let me know because that would be fab as well. Here's my idea of the ideal meeting space:

* We can reserve it Sunday nites, 7-9 PM, from January 23 to
May 22.

* It is a private room within a public building.

* It can accomodate at least 15 people comfortably.

* It is furnished with couches and comfy chairs, and it has a
homey feel to it.

* Rent is free or cheap.

* The public institution that rents the space is progressive.

Please let me know if you can help at all. Your assistance is
greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Heidi : D

PS Has anyone had any direct experience with the LGBT Center? It has a bad reputation among many queer radicals I know, but I've only heard 2nd and 3rd hand stories. I'm wondering if the stories check out because if they don't, the LGBT Center might be a good space for us.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Another Tribe: Fluid Relationships!

2004-11-17T23:59:37Z

Just discovered this awesome tribe, and I thought I would invite all of you to my tribe called "Fluid Relationships". Very much like the idea of this tribe about fluid sexuality, there is this belief that relationships can ebb and flow beautifully, and that the secret to doing it well is simply... practice and a willingness to make it work. Slightly different than Polyamory in that even the boundaries are fluid. See the first topic from my friend Paget and my responses. Here goes:

fluisrelationships.tribe.net

A bientot!

Philippe

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF Fluid Mtg Sun Nov 7

2004-11-01T22:42:09Z

Hi folks, please forward widely!!

NEXT SF FLUID EVENT!

WHAT: SF Fluid Discussion-- "The Fluidity of Race & Ethnicity"

WHEN: Sunday, November 7, 1:00 PM

WHERE: New College of CA's Media Room-- 741 Valencia St

WHO: Folks who don't fit neatly into conventional categories of race & ethnicity and their allies

DIRECTIONS: New College of California's Media Room is located at 741 Valencia St (between 18th and 19th). If traveling via BART: Exit at the 16th St station. Walk South on Mission to 18th St. Take a right on 18th St. Take a left on Valencia.

***TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SF FLUID: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid

***TO GET ON THE SF FLUID EMAIL LIST: Send an email to SFFluid-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

Berkeley Fluid Meetings Tuesdays at 5!

2004-10-31T15:24:34Z

Hey everyone!

Fluid is back this semester. We'll be meeting Tuesdays at 5pm, in 305 Eshleman - the Queer Resource Center at UC Berkeley.

Our first meeting of the semester will be Tuesday, September 21.

For those who don't know, Fluid provides a comfortable, safe space to talk for those who identify as queer, fluid, power queer, bi, gender queer, polyamorous, non-straight but non-lesbian, inter-gender, pansexual, heteroflexible, homoflexible, a-gendered, those who do not identify with any sexuality or gender boxes, and those who are questioning their sexuality or gender.

Fluid is based on the idea that sexuality and gender run along continuums. Many of us are not lesbian, gay, or straight, and many of us do not fit neatly into the gender categories of “woman” and “man."

Fluid also embraces the notion that a person's sexuality and gender can change over time.

People of all races and ethnicities are welcome at Fluid, as are people of all sexes, including male, female, and intersex, people of all manifestations of ability and disability, and people of all ages.

At Fluid meetings, you can get to know people like and unlike yourself, discuss related experiences, and support each other. Come prepared to laugh, learn, meet new folks, and have fun.

E-MAIL TO GET ON THE FLUID E-MAIL LIST: fluid-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

http://queer.berkeley.edu/fluid

posted in ! FLUID ! - 4 replies

SF Fluid Meeting Oct 24

2004-10-19T01:22:35Z

Please forward widely!!

Do others miscategorize you because of the way your body looks?

Do you feel straight-jacketed by main stream categories of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, class, age, ability, etc?

Do you feel isolated, like you just don't fit in?

COME TO FLUID!!!

Fluid will be meeting for a casual lunch on Sunday, October 24, at 1:00 PM. The restaurant is "Cafe 16" (3170 16th St, between Valencia & Guerrero. Take BART to the 16th St station and then walk West on 16th St for a few blocks).

Please join us if you do not fit neatly into categories such as lesbian, gay, straight, woman, man, female, and male; black, African American, hispanic, Latino, Asian, Asian American, Native American, white, and Caucasion; underclass, working class, middle class, upper middle class, and upper class; child, teenager, young adult, adult, middle-aged, and senior citizen; able-bodied and disabled; and any other social categories!

***Learn more about SF Fluid at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid

***Subscribe to the SF Fluid email list by sending an email to SFFluid-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

SF Fluid Meeting

2004-10-19T01:22:11Z

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

2nd SF Fluid Meeting!

2004-10-11T04:09:21Z

Please forward widely!!!

NOT GAY OR STRAIGHT?

NOT A WOMAN OR A MAN?

NOT FEMALE OR MALE?

Come to Fluid!

Fluid will be meeting for a casual lunch on Sunday, October 10, at 1:00 PM. The restaurant is "Cafe 16" (3170 16th St, between Valencia @ Guerrero. Take BART to the 16th St station and then walk West on 16th St for a few blocks). Please join us if you do not fit neatly into the categories of lesbian, gay, straight, woman, man, female, and/or male. Bisexuals, genderqueers, transsexuals, pansexuals, intersex folks, androgynes, fluid folks, and all other people are welcome!

***Learn more about SF Fluid at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SFFluid***

***Subscribe to the SF Fluid email list by sending an email to Subscribe-SFFluid@yahoogroups.com***

posted in ! FLUID ! - 3 replies

PITBuLL!

2004-10-07T10:05:49Z

Greetings!

Just wanted to ask you all what you think of Pitbulls. See: http://www.blackrose.org/~smoorefu/pitbull.html

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Mixed-Race Queers

2004-10-05T20:44:31Z

A note from Lauren:

Calling all mixed-race queers!

Four or five years ago I wrote an essay called
“The Mixed-Race Queer Girl Manifesto ”and I feel
like it ’s time for an update. This time my goal
is to include other people ’s voices and
perspectives on what it ’s like being mixed-race
and queer, and how those two pieces of our
identities overlap and diverge.

So, what I ’m looking for is mixed-race queer folks
who ’d be willing to answer some questions, either
by email, or, if you are in New York City and are
up for it, in person one-on-one or as part of a
roundtable discussion. If you know of other
mixed-race queers who might be willing to talk to
me or to answer some questions, can you please
pass this on to them?

And, if you want to see the old-ass essay (some of
which I feel still applies, some of which doesn't
anymore), check out:
www.theyellowperil.com/manifesto.htm.

The best way to contact me is by email:
laurenjaded@riseup.net. Thanks!

xo lj

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies

fluid-related tribes

2004-09-28T03:39:49Z

hi all,

i'm trying to compile a list of fluid-related tribes. what do y'all know of?

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

FIRST FLUID MEETING IN SF!!!

2004-09-23T05:51:42Z

Please forward widely!!!

NOT GAY OR STRAIGHT?

NOT A WOMAN OR A MAN?

Come to Fluid!

Fluid will be meeting for a casual lunch on Sunday, June 13, at 1:00 PM. The restaurant is "Cafe 16" (3170 16th St, @ Valencia). Please join us if you do not fit neatly into the categories of "lesbian," "gay," "straight," "woman," or "man." Bisexuals, genderqueers, pansexuals, androgynes, fluid folks, and all other people are welcome!

Get on the SF Fluid email list!
***SFFluid-subscribe@yahoogroups.com***

posted in ! FLUID ! - 11 replies

Trans Study

2004-07-31T05:16:36Z

Please forward and distribute widely.
**********************************************************************
Seeking the FTM, Gender Queer, Gender Fuckers, Bois, Gender enders,
Gender Variant Communtiy:
**********************************************************************
Please help T.R.A.N.S. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you identify with anything other than your biological sex given at
birth?

We are conducting a study to assess the needs and behaviors of the
FTM and emerging gender communities.

Please help us by participating and offering you knowledge so that
the Trans Community (whatever that may look like) can have their
needs addressed, their voices heard and BE SEEN as an existing
community!

Please note-there is very little information about the FTM and gender
variant community, we would like to change that and conduct a large
scale study to inform ourselves and the community of our faces and
places, or challenges and victories, etc. EVERY PERSON COUNTS!

*TRANS II is a completely confidential study supported by UCSF,
Health Studies for People of Color & CAPS*

T.R.A.N.S. (Transgender Resources And Neighborhood Space)
1145 Bush Street, 2nd Floor (btwn Hyde & Leavenworth)
SF, CA
Please call: 415.514.0758
email: bwolf@psg.ucsf.edu or dhelton@psg.ucsf.edu

website: http://www.caps.ucsf.edu/TRANS/

posted in ! FLUID ! - 3 replies

PRIDE THIS WEEKEND!!!

2004-06-26T11:36:36Z

what are we doing? anything? any of you going? marching? with any groups we should march with? what's up?

sorry this is so last minute...

posted in ! FLUID ! - 5 replies

pics of sf meeting

2004-06-18T08:32:14Z

uploaded 2, take a look!

oh, and could the great one of the sky and ? be put in so that it shows up as the tribe photo? (i know it was co-opted but don't think that matters, no?!)

best, angel

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Ayn Rand Hated Queers

2004-06-08T23:10:51Z

Ayn Rand, at her Ford Hall appearance in 1971 declared homosexuality to be "immoral and disgusting."

I don't get why anyone likes her. She's an authoritarian capitalist cloaked in libertarian rhetoric. Maybe she's a talented fiction writer, that seems to be all anyone has read who likes her, and I haven't read any of her fiction. I couldn't stomach reading more from her after reading some of her nonfiction political and "philosophical" writings.

Interesting web site: http://www.politicalcompass.org

posted in ! FLUID ! - 6 replies

HomoHomoSapiens

2004-06-04T16:15:15Z

This thought occurred to me last night as I was watching one of the X-men movies. It seemed absurd at first, but the more I think about it...the more I wonder.

Even wonder if maybe gay people (gay, lesbian, bisexuals, etc...) are the next step in human evolution. I mean, if you think about it, men and women had specialized duties and functions but our daily lives aren't about fulfilling basic survival needs and our society isn't exactly all about survival of the fittest anymore. I mean, if an idiot like Bush can get into the Whitehouse...but I digress. What I mean to say is, Men don't HAVE to be big, strong hunters and women don't HAVE to be berry picking babysitters. So maybe the human being is adapting to these differences and is creating a population that is less gender specific...slowly blending us into one? Hmmmm...food for thought. What do you think?

posted in ! FLUID ! - 7 replies

Androgyne vs. Intergender

2004-05-24T00:38:30Z

Wow... this is quite interesting. I definately identify as a man, and although sometimes I have personality traits socially considered female (I love cooking, cleaning, and scented candles but I hate sports), none of these traits, in my mind, lead me to identify as female.

I'm interested in the difference (compare and contrast) between androgynes and intergenders. It would seem that in many ways they are similar:

ANDROGYNE ... have the gender ... of neither a man nor a woman. ... others see their identity as more of a synthesis and consider themselves to be agendered, as in ‘other ’or ‘none of the above. ’

·INTERGENDER ... Some may not see themselves on the gender spectrum at all, describing what amounts to a null gendered state.

It would seem that some androgynes gender identify as neither man nor woman, (none of the above), while intergenders would seem to simply not gender idntify at all.

Is androgyne the presense of a non man or woman identify, while intergender is the absense of gender identity?

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

99% straight man introducing myself

2004-05-20T00:52:39Z

Hey I've been reading the posts... and I'm a newbie. Can someone post a thing explaing the different terms? Powerqueer, etc?

I'm a single straight man who masturbates alot. Haven't had a partner for years. I thought this tribe might be a good place to hang out because I am exploring my own sexuality. I say that I'm 99% straight because I do occasionally get turned on by a video of a man masturbating and cumming.

Anyway I hope y'all like me.

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Tuesday Evening! Voyeurism!

2004-05-04T11:36:25Z

On Tuesday at 6pm we'll be meeting in 305 Eshleman (The Queer Resource Center) on the UC Berkeley campus to discuss voyeurism and exhibitionism!

Come!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 2 replies

Hey All! Remember me???

2004-04-26T18:02:52Z

Sorry I dissapeared in a hole this semester, but I have returned (I think) at least to the world of the living. :)
How has group been going???

posted in ! FLUID ! - 7 replies

Re: bugging me or dead...

2004-04-06T17:22:07Z

so all my other tribes are bugging me or dead right now...somebody talk to me about something interesting! what makes you tick? waht are your pet peeves? tell me anything!

posted in ! FLUID ! - 15 replies

Re: Tuesday, March 30th, 6pm - Interpersonal Power Fluidity Discussion

2004-04-01T02:39:36Z

Fluid has something to make coming back from spring break a little more pleasantly painful.

On Tuesday, March 30, at 6pm we'll be meeting in 305 Eshleman (The Queer Resource Center).

Our topic will be Power Fluidity - the full range of power dynamics in our chosen relationships.

The most basic breakdown of power dynamics is between consent and coercion. Though we acknowledge the prevalence and influence of coercive interactions like rape and assault in our society, the main focus of this discussion will be the range of power fluidity expressed between and among consenting participants.

We'll discuss everything from whose hand is on top when holding hands in public, to how hardcore BDSM with whips and chains is carefully negotiated so that everyone involved gets what they want out of the experience without coercing anyone.

If the shifting power dynamics of interpersonal relationships are of interest to you, please attend.

...what's Fluid?

Fluid is a campus based gender and sexuality group at UC Berkeley.

Fluid provides a comfortable, safe space to talk for those who identify as queer, fluid, power queer, bi, genderqueer, polyamorous, non-straight but non-lesbian, inter-gender, pansexual, heteroflexible, homoflexible, a-gendered, those who do not identify with any sexuality or gender boxes, and those who are questioning their sexuality or gender.

Fluid is based on the idea that sexuality and gender run along continuums. Many of us are not lesbian, gay, or straight, and many of us do not fit neatly into the gender categories of “woman” and “man."

Fluid also embraces the notion that a person's sexuality and gender can change over time. For example, one might be a lesbian for a few years, a heterosexual for a few months, and then a pansexual, just as one might be a woman, an androgyne, a man, and then a GenderQueer.

We hold discussions on topics like labels, passing, visibility, polyamory, and coming out.

In addition to functioning as a discussion and support group, Fluid also aims to build a community for those of us who do not fit neatly into the man/woman or hetero/homo dichotomies. So, we will also be meeting for social activities like watching movies and going out.

People of all races and ethnicities are welcome at Fluid, as are people of all sexes, including male, female, and intersex, and people of all manifestations of ability and disability.

At Fluid meetings, you can get to know people like and unlike yourself, discuss related experiences, and support each other. Come prepared to laugh, learn, meet new folks, and have fun.

E-MAIL TO GET ON THE FLUID E-MAIL LIST: fluid-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

posted in ! FLUID ! - 5 replies

Join New Tribe, comply 404

2004-03-25T06:13:40Z

A tribe for people and robots who want to create a robot for fabulous sexcapades and sexnology. Please join,comply and tell me what your sex robots specs would be, who they would look like and why.
sexdroids.tribe.net

posted in ! FLUID ! - 0 replies