I am mentally and emotionally exhausted from todays WDOTD discussion. Oy! So. Im coming over to this site, and say: 1. This gender/role freedom to choose issue is not about gay rights, but lets take a cue from gay rights movement -- that is the more visible gays are as ordinary (or sometimes extraordinary) folks, the more gays become a non-issue. (part of the so called gay agenda). To that end, let us continue to dance our non-traditional roles more and more, wherever and whenever. Some friends told me that they went to Cancun Cantina near Baltimore -- its a very hetero country bar. My male friends danced (same-gender, bravely) and got really good reactions from other patrons (because they *are* really good dancers!) -- I have been dancing as a follower for several years now, and have increasingly done so whenever I go to conventions (in workshops, in social dances, and in comps when allowed). I know many of us already do that, but I think theres more and more reasond to do so. 2. Action to-do: (To add to Wens question of what next, from the other day). Could someone obtain records from Liberty Swing (if it hasnt already been done) to get the stats on overall participation at JJs? Has Liberty Swing always been degendered? This is to provide evidence against the argument that degendering events will lead to mass exodus of straight folks... if it is really the case (the records will tell). Liberty and others who allow it that have highly successful track records, are our greatest resource for statistics for non-trad dancing in wcs competition. Lets use it. (Forgive me if this is already in the works. Im just not privy to, or I havent read all of the docs and discussions on here). 3. Guide for talking points: I am of similar opinion that our petition for change is just that: a petition, a request. Can we emphatically reflect that in our conversations with others. And to move away from talk of FORCING the issue, which is quite distasteful to hear and certainly not what most of us wish. Unfortunately, this is how they (those opposed) see it, or would aim to couch the conversation in those terms. --- I do realize that even if were on the same side, we may not always be in agreement with the approach to things. And sorry, I may not be as eloquent in my expression as you...
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 22:02:46 +0000