A workshop to discuss amending LSM’s gender policy bylaws. Participate & have a say in LSM’s future.
Lesbian Sex Mafia Members-Only Gender Policy Workshop
Where: In-person at the LGBT Center at 208 W 13th St.
When: Sunday, October 27; doors open at 1:30, workshop begins at 2
This workshop is for full LSM members in good standing. In order to be a member in good standing you must have paid member dues for 2024 and attended an LSM membership orientation at some point in the past. Reach out to [email protected] if you need to confirm your membership.
The LSM board has been researching and fielding facilitator proposals over the past year, and we’re excited to invite our members to participate in a Gender Policy Workshop. The workshop is a structured, interactive session hosted by an experienced facilitator designed to actively engage the community in exploring, discussing, and understanding the current gender policy as well as potential updates. It emphasizes group discussions, collaborative activities, and problem-solving exercises.
This workshop is not intended to create or vote on a new gender policy. Instead, it will serve as a space for exploration and discussion, allowing members to reflect on and consider what gender policy would best serve the collective LSM community. No decisions will be made during the session, ensuring the focus remains on open dialogue and shared understanding.
All full LSM members are invited to attend. If you can’t make it in person, you have the option to submit your thoughts in writing to be posted and available for viewing during the workshop. Further instructions on doing so will be included in an email to the membership.
After the in-person workshop, we will invite members to put forward their proposals for what the new LSM gender policy should be. Then, we’ll have an online vote on choosing and adopting one of those member proposals as an amendment to our bylaws.
We look forward to your participation and input in shaping the future of our community.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend so you can receive email updates and we can accurately plan (and cater!) for our headcount.
COVID-19 Test Requirement:
We are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Because of this, we are asking that all attendees for this workshop either take a COVID test within the 12 hours before door entry (at-home/rapid tests are fine) and show us photographic proof of a negative test result, OR wear a mask. We will have masks on hand if you do not have your own. Please stay home if you test positive or feel unwell!
We strongly encourage you to take a COVID test. There will be food, and if you didn’t take a test we will have to ask that you go outside during a break in the workshop to eat.
Accessibility notes:
FAQ
Why is LSM holding this workshop?
LSM’s gender policy was last amended in 2003. Since then, the language and broader conversation around gender identity have evolved significantly, and we’ve received consistent feedback from our membership that we should change our gender policy. This workshop is a chance for our members to come together and discuss the changes they want to see.
Will the membership be voting on a new gender policy during this workshop?
No, voting on a new policy will NOT take place during this workshop. This workshop is for the membership to meet, share their thoughts on the gender policy, and discuss possible changes. Voting will occur online after the workshop.
What if I’m a member who can’t be there in person?
This workshop is in-person only. However, you will have the option to submit your thoughts in writing to be posted and available for viewing during the workshop. Also, you will still be able to submit a proposal for the new gender policy language and cast a vote to select the new gender policy, regardless of if you attend the workshop.
What will the gender policy amendment process look like?
This workshop is the first of 3 steps the board and membership are taking to amend the gender policy. Those steps are:
1) Gender policy workshop. Create an in-person space where the membership can come together to discuss the gender policy.
2) Call for proposals. After the workshop, collect proposals from the membership for what the new gender policy language should be.
3) Official vote. Once proposals have been collected, hold an anonymized, ranked-choice, members-only online vote to select one of the proposals and officially adopt it as our new gender policy.
What if I have more questions?
You can always reach out to us at [email protected].