queercamp

Bring your own passion. That’s the charge with the upcoming Queercamp— an unconference focused on LGBT issues: health, politics, social issues, the arts, technology, and everything in-between.

The conference is for anyone interested in the queer community. Inspired by BarCamps—the international network of user generated, open, participatory conferences—Queercamp leaves the playful illusions to the technical history of the camps behind. While focusing on the power and passion for user generated conferences that tackle social issues.

The concept was shaped and molded by Tracy Lynn Apps, a web and graphic designer who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; while Twittering (using the social networking/micro-blogging service, Twitter) about queer events and issues. An off the cuff comment about how there should be a BarCamp on lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues eventually grew into this first, and historic Queercamp.

What makes Queercamp remarkable is not that it’s another conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues. Though, admittedly, there could and should be more of those. What’s remarkable about Queercamp is you.

Regardless if your gay or straight, curious or questioning, an activist or educator, Queercamp is your conference. Excited about queer issues? Or perhaps just a casual interest in learning more or doing more? The adhoc, participatory nature allows it to be whatever you need it to be. Looking for a workshop on ‘lesbian health issues’? At Queercamp you can: a) place a request for someone to lead a workshop on ‘lesbian health issues’; or b) inspire yourself to lead a workshop on ‘lesbian health issues.’

The Barcamp style allows for a mixture of prepared workshops with ad-hoc workshops. So if you have your PowerPoint presentation on ‘Queer Education Issues’ or a random idea of using ‘Social Networks to Revolutionize Queer Media’ come share, learn, inspire, do something to make the world a better place.

There’s no need for you to be an expert. Bring your passion. Bring your enthusiasm. Bring your charm. Yeah, you can even bring your own expert with you. The ‘unconference’ approach allows individuals interested in a topic to find others also interested, so you can learn, share, and network with each other.

The hope is that Queercamp will become Queercamp-Milwaukee. Just one of potentially hundreds of Queercamps being held across the world. It’s not unprescedented, BarCamps are now an international phenomena, with events held in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe, and of course North America.

The first Queercamp will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this April 25-26, 2009. The ‘unconference’ will be held at Bucketworks—Milwaukee’s own collaborative work environment that supports business, technology, creativity, and performance give rise to new concepts.

Queercamp
25-26 April 2009

Bucketworks
1340 N 6th St
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Official Queercamp Milwaukee parties:
Kick-off Party, Friday April 24th, 9pm at Art Bar - Riverwest.
Saturday Night Party, Saturday April 25th, 9pm at LaCage Milwaukee.

The event is free and open to the public, though contributions and sponsorship are welcome. The organizers are looking for sponsors to cover food, beverages, t-shirts, and hand-outs. Some roots cannot be left behind, and taking a page from it’s BarCamp history, Queercamp is well wired. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Identi.ca, and Flickr; as well as at the Queercamp blog and Google Group. Just search for ‘Queercamp’.

Additionally, as has been a tradition at most ‘camps’ a photo walk will most likely be arranged. So if you’re a budding queer photographer or just a photo junkie, bring your camera, and a charger.

While workshops and networking sessions can be proposed the day of, if you are interested in presenting on an issue or topic or desire to create a networking opportunity (queers in education, lesbians in the media, etc.) please feel free to contact us at info@queercamp.org