SEX WORKERS
So I wanted to make a quick recap of some pretty dope queer and sex work related things that are going on in the world since Pride is so close and it is the month of the Gay. This week I am celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the READJUST ECONOMIES OF D€SIRE! art collaboration and performance intervention Sadie Lune and I did in Berlin during June 2010. By celebrating, I mean archiving it since my hosting plan is about to expire and I am trying to save some cash. It includes random writings and videos by and for sex workers as well as some personal posts for my own art adventures last year. In light of the closing of this project, I would like to direct your attention to Furry Girl’s new site SWAAY, an excellent resource for sex workers and the people who love them:
the web site advocating for understanding, respect, and change by connecting the public with the people and facts behind sex work. Our three-layered approach is reflected in the web site’s structure, meant to draw in people who are new to sex workers’ rights issues and help you understand what sex workers do and who we are, give you information about how to be respectful allies and ethical customers, and motivate you to support sex workers in changing the bad laws and social stigmas that affect our lives.
TOKYO QUEERS
Shortly after my trip to Berlin, I headed to Tokyo and spent a go 3 months there. It was nothing short of amazing and I also got to participate in some art happenings. I did not 1 but 2 performances, one of which was for the first Genderqueer/FTM party Boyish Friend in Tokyo’s notorious Gay District, Ni-chome. The master mind behind Boyish Friend has been throwing lesbian parties for 20 years! The scene in Tokyo is vibrant, fashionable and slightly veiled which adds to it’s complex beauty. Curious? Well you should be and if you want to get a little inside glimpse, The Tokyo BOIS! book is an absolute MUST OWN for anyone interested in international, Asian Pacific, queer culture. Plus there are some really cute pictures of my girlfriend and I (she also happens to be the editor of Tokyo BOIS!). Also check out her web-zine, Tokyo Wrestling, which is in English, Japanese and French. Here’s a bit about it: Tokyo Wrestling, Japan’s first international lesbian & queer webzine, focuses on tough, creative women. We aim to bring visibility to the art, culture, and lifestyles of cutting edge lesbians all over the world so as to reflect the contemporary lesbian/dyke/boi whatever queer identity.
PRIDE & ART
Lastly but not least, if you are in the Bay Area this Pride, get your tickets now to the Ms. Tang Tang Show. It features some of my favorite queer AAPI artists.
The Ms. TangTang Show, is about Queer Asian American artistic innovation, dialogue and perseverance. We want to see smart work that is at once unique and cutting-edge, yet still relevant to our community’s deeply woven histories. We are interested in talking with those artists who break down the boxes and bridge various genres, generations and practices. Queer Asian American artists have always been strong thinkers, crafters, practitioners and leaders. The Ms. TangTang Show, is an engaging and intelligent spotlight that promotes that creativity in the most fun and entertaining way.
It is definitely going to sell out so do it fast, like a bunny. I had the tremendous honor of doing a promotional interview with Ms. Tang Tang herself on KPFA for the APEX Express…
Every week, producers of Apex Express bring you an array of news, cultural events and issues by and about the Asian and Pacific Islander communities locally and abroad.
That’s all for now. Have a great Pride.
xo
Syd
