Queer And Trans Caucus Meeting Minutes - October 9, 2011

Meeting 3 notes, from 10/9/11

Hey again folks!

we met again yesterday and then spoke during the GA. we got started at 6pm when we wanted to start at 5:30pm; please try to come on time;) we didnt make thru the parts of the agenda that arent bold: tabled!

next, 4th, queer & trans caucus meeting is tuesday 10/11 @ 5:30pm (we didn't censens on this, this is my guess from conversations, sry!)

proposed agenda:


 * ground rules
 * recap
 * talk about how the tent can be more visibly the queer and trans caucus
 * trans workshop? free school?
 * consent
 * residual issue of misgendering at the Thursday GA
 * sexism (and anti-sexism caucus)
 * analysis of lgbtq issues/ economic justice/ intersection with other forms of oppression
 * statement about being allies with other caucuses
 * revising internal solidarity statement

ground rules
 * I statements (instead of speaking for "we" or everyone)
 * step up/ step back (speak more or less depending upon your tendency)
 * lax on procedure (don't get strict about hand signal precision)

minutes
 * emailed out, read through quickly, accepted

trans workshop
 * maybe have a trans 101 and a trans 201
 * because different folks have different experiences, try to FTM, MTF and non-binary folks represented
 * TASK: adrienne talk to Winter about trainer connection; Reed contact Gunner; Reed plan to do one!
 * bring economic (in)justice into training too

analysis of lgbtq issues/ economic justice/ intersection with other forms of oppression ''Unfortunately we've heard of several events at camp that were really not-okay - men intimating women, making unwanted sexual advances at various genders, white folks intimidating black folks, and we don't think that's okay [applause]  We'd like to start a pledge to not commit, condone, or remain silent when witnessing threatening or oppressive language or when there is any sort of act of aggression. (Adrienne) We're also looking to recruit more allies - it's hard to fight back when you're being marginalized, and sometimes it's nice to have some people with privilege to help.''
 * yes, we're all part of the 99%, but difference in privileged/oppression experiences
 * maybe make a statement about it? (Adrienne did on stage)
 * Here's our transcribed statement at the GA from the notes:
 * Queer/Trans Caucus (Reed): ''Good morning everyone! We had our third meeting tonight.

''There's a lot of oppression and we don't all feel totally safe here and we'd like to change that. The more of us that are here and represented the more we're like the 99%. [applause] Check out our ''tent at K11. We have stickers and reading material.''

unconsenual acts at occupy boston
 * two folks talked about some bullshit they experienced.
 * white cismen in a few instances was being threatened to physically smaller non white cis-men. two other men were sitting but not intervening. some guy made threatening remarks in a tent to a black man. deicded to leave (if he hadnt, the volunteer was going to leave, fuck that! we need you!)
 * In another instance, a ~70 yr old man talking to a 17 yr old persisted to hit on the younger person despite no interest.
 * brought up when brendan stomped the vietnam vet's flag in the mud, called a cock-sucking faggot /death threat... not sure how it was resolved


 * ideas:
 * make a statement to put on the side of the tent, have it be a pledge that people can sign onto. DRAFT STATEMENT:


 * I pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about:
 * unwanted sexual advances ("Yes means Yes"; always ask for consent!)
 * Threatening and/or oppressive (racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic)
 * Dismissal of other people's experience of oppression (eg. by making light of rape jokes)
 * Speak UP! Speak LOUDLY! We're taking steps towards creating the world we want to be in.
 * No space for people behaving this way. We won't stand for it, and you can't afford to lose us.

'''*have a two-part anti-oppression training series where people can get trained, then wear a pink armband or something. have "antti-oppression" training to be a status symbol'''