Hayward Gallery exhibition, Gendered Intelligence teacher training event about it

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Just reading about this now on Transgender Trend. Attendant wrote account immediately after attending last night. This is absolutely grim and links up a lot of stuff that's been covered here and on GC Twitter in the last week or two. Queer theory, porn, BDSM all linked into gender identity and the proponents think this is all suitable to discuss with children.

It's quite a graphic account, be warned.

www.transgendertrend.com/gendered-intelligence-training-teachers-kiss-my-genders/

again, link breaks and emphasis mine

TBA Retreat – Bi/Gay/Queer Men – November 2013

"TransBareAll is pleased to announce that the date is now set for our next Retreat. We will be returning to Hathersage in the middle of the beautiful Peak District for a new residential weekend retreat. After the success of our first mixed men’s retreat last year TBA is delighted to be hosting our second retreat for trans and cis men (a term used for those who are not trans), who are queer/gay/bi (QGBI) identified. In recent years we’ve been approached by QGBI trans men who want to meet cisgendered guys but who worry about how to approach the cisgendered scenes, or who are nervous about how they will be received as trans men. Likewise, many cisgendered QGBI men want to know more about transmen but are worried that they will say something ‘wrong’ or not be welcome in trans* inclusive spaces. So, we’re hosting this retreat again to enable these groups of men to come together and learn more about each other – our bodies, our identities, and our cultures."

"RETREAT AIMS

The retreat aims to enable trans and cis men to gain greater insight into each other’s lives and communities, to improve confidence and self-esteem in relation to forming friendships and relationships, and to explore sex and intimacy in between trans and cis men.*

WORKSHOPS

Over the course of the weekend we will be running a series of workshops. Sex 101 – What gets us off? What gets us hot? What are our limits? And what would I do if only I knew more about it? This interactive workshop will explore our likes and dislikes, our soft and hard limits, our fears and hopes – and the opportunity to explore the answers to all those questions we have never asked before!

Negotiation – How do we get the sex we want? How do we begin to negotiate sex with someone who doesn’t know if we are trans or cis? And how do we kick-start those conversations about the sex we want – and the sex we don’t want? This interactive workshop will help to explore these questions, building on experiences of participants, through small groups discussions and (non-compulsory!) role-play.*

Best Sex, Least Harm – Making it Count, England’s collaborative planning framework to minimize HIV during sex between men is based on the principle of having the best sex with the least harm. This workshop will explore how we might do this: are there risks we are prepared to take to get the best sex we want? What are the risks of sex practices we might enjoy? And how do we go about negotiating and getting the best sex with the least harm?

WHAT YOU NEED

All participants are asked to come with an open mind and a desire to understand. You are asked to approach the weekend with an expectation of and a delight in being challenged in many ways.

An important part of the TBA Retreat is the opportunity for peopleto be partially or fully naked in some of the spaces if they want to, with no pressure, depending on what they feel comfortable with. We’ve found it to be really empowering, giving a unique opportunity to see other bodies in a safe and supportive environment. People get to see various body types and can talk to each other about their experiences.

Please make sure that you read through the Code of Conduct for this retreat before booking on. This can be found on our website at www.transbareall(dot)co.uk/code-of-care-and-conduct/

Cache of (now removed) Code of Conduct for retreat participants here

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130720101402/transbareall.co.uk/code-of-care-and-conduct/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20130720101402/transbareall.co.uk/code-of-care-and-conduct/

text as follows, emphasis mine ....

TBA Code of Care and Conduct

At TBA we want to ensure that our events and our workshops are a safe and welcoming space for participants and facilitators. Before reserving a place on one of our events, please read our Code of Care and Conduct and, if you attend an event, agree to abide by it.

At the start of each event or retreat, participants are asked to establish and agree to ground rules drawn up by the group. These ground rules help to set-up a safe space for participants and facilitators.

At each event there are at least two facilitators present and quiet space is provided if individuals wish to ‘opt-out’ of any part of the retreat.

We understand that our workshops can trigger a range of emotional or psychological responses in different individuals. We do our best to provide a supportive environment, however specialist support is not available onsite.

For this reason we ask people to consider carefully their own emotional support needs before attending. If you are currently seeking support from a therapist or mental health practitioner you may want to discuss your attendance with them before registering. You can also discuss any specific needs in advance, in confidence, with one of the facilitators.

We ask that participants are not in possession of illegal drugs at the retreat or on event premises. Alcohol is permitted but please remember that you may be around people who do not drink alcohol for a number of reasons. To get the most out of the workshops we would advise you not to drink during the day.

During retreats, accommodation is usually in shared dormitories. When space is available, we try to offer one ‘quiet’ room for people who prefer to sleep earlier. We ask participants to be aware of and to respect space, privacy and noise levels in shared sleeping spaces.

TBA retreats and workshops have developed a reputation for being spaces where trans men can feel safe exploring body differences. This includes space for full or semi-nudity and is entirely optional. This is a key issue we always address at the start of the retreat, enabling the group to establish and agree 'Naked Etiquette'.

TBA is a sex-positive organisation. Whilst we cannot police – and nor would we want to – sexual activity between participants, we do ask participants to be mindful and respectful of space, privacy and well-being of other participants."

One aspect of the above that I find extremely concerning is this

"We understand that our workshops can trigger a range of emotional or psychological responses in different individuals. We do our best to provide a supportive environment, however specialist support is not available onsite.

For this reason we ask people to consider carefully their own emotional support needs before attending. "

I have seen variations on this kind of statement for a variety of new age sex cult recruitment events, typically involving "exploration of consent / boundaries", "optional nudity" etc.

I believe that it is extremely unsafe to hold retreats involving nudity and sexual contact where people are likely to be extremely vulnerable.

Even workshops lasting a couple of hours can be risky for people who are vulnerable, but retreats in a remote rural area with no mental health support at all? This has red flags all over it.

Mentally healthy, well-boundaried people can get into sexual situations that they are uncomfortable with at such events, I know people that this has happened to.

"For this reason we ask people to consider carefully their own emotional support needs before attending."

IME this is a variation on "take responsibility for your own personal growth" which very often means "don't complain if you get in over your head re sexual activities".

I have seen similar statements on other websites linked to retreats and residentials involving nudity, grooming and sexual contact.

Truly alarming

further information about the event and the facilitators is on the main "retreats" page (scroll down)

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190616071609/transbareall.wordpress.com/category/retreats/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20190616071609/transbareall.wordpress.com/category/retreats/

The cost for the weekend is £65 – low wage, £85 – standard wage or £100 – high wage and includes dorm style accommodation and food. We also offer the choice to donate or sponsor another place. All the money we get in from this will go towards subsiding places for people who might struggle to pay the fee. We ask for a £20 deposit to secure your place. Please note that we can arrange payment plans for those who wish to split payment into more affordable chunks. Please contact us if you want to discuss payment arrangements. The accommodation comprises of dorms and small bunk beds. You can pay by cheque or bank transfer. Please contact us for bank details if you wish to pay that way.

Travel – we recommend that you book travel in advance to get as cheap a deal as possible. If travelling by public transport, there is a train service running to Hathersage from Sheffield and Manchester. Check out Megabus for cheap train and coach tickets. If you’re driving

to the retreat, parking is available, so please book a parking space with us. If you’re able to offer lifts for others, please let us know so that we’re able to put people in touch with each other.

There are only 22 places available, so please make sure you book early to avoid disappointment and confirm with us that you have a place before you send your deposit. The retreats are very popular and usually get booked up very quickly! If you have any questions or wish to discuss anything regarding the retreat, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please pass this on through your networks.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Lee, Jay and Will.

Summary

Date: 22nd – 24th November 2013

Time: Arrive Friday 3.30pm – 7pm, Depart Sunday 1pm – 3.30pm

Location: Hathersage, Derbyshire

Price: £65, £85 or £100

Accommodation: Dorms and bunk beds

Facilitators

Jay

Jay co-created TransBareAll in 2008, along with Lee. The organisation aims to support trans people’s health and wellbeing, for example by supporting them to explore their identities and achieve greater comfort with their bodies. Jay has spoken at conferences in the UK and in other countries, and facilitated training and workshops for a diverse range of audiences. His background is in Health Psychology (MSc) and in research and he co-leads a research organisation: Traverse Research. He was recently contracted to the Scottish Transgender Alliance to lead the first UK Trans Mental Health Survey.

Lee

Lee has been working with the trans community for over 11 years, on a local and national level. Since being involved in the Transtastic Men Calendar in 2008, (where TBA came from), he has found a passion for working with trans people exploring issues such as identities, confidence, sexual diversity and bodies. He loves seeing the amazing impact that the work he’s involved in with TBA has on individuals. He also works self employed as a trans awareness trainer and enjoys watching people learn and discover.

Will

Will has worked and volunteered in community health and environmental activism for over two decades. He is a co-founder of the UK’s LGBT Health summit; was Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust; and is now studying for a doctorate in public health. Will has facilitated a wide range of sexual health workshops, training and events, and lectures in sexual health, and health promotion in London. As well as an interest in HIV prevention and sexual health, Will has become an ally for trans* men’s health since first collaborating with Jay and Lee in 2008.

of relevant tangential interest re Jay McNeil of TransBareAll

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011852/www.scottishtrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/trans_mh_study.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20131203011852/www.scottishtrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/trans_mh_study.pdf

Please pay attention to the link in the above cached PDF document to Sheffield Hallam University - definitely an organisation of interest as I have mentioned here before

MrsJay
Kink shaming is a clever little turn of phrase. Next time a fetishist makes you a non-consensual voyeur to their Kink, and you object, you’ll be scolded for kink ‘shaming’ them.

Ah so it is ok for people to flounce about in rubber gear and I have not to be surprised or offended

Next time a fetishist makes you a non-consensual voyeur to their Kink, and you object, you’ll be scolded for kink ‘shaming’ them.

I thought that the discomfort shown by other people was part of the thrill for some fetishists. So does this mean that 'kink shaming' is actually what they're looking for, and they enjoy it?

TBA After Dark – Saturday 2nd February
03
Thursday
Jan 2013
Posted by rsgale in Events, Retreats ≈ Leave a comment
Happy New Year! To celebrate we’re letting you know about our plans for the next 12 months. Our first event will be on Saturday 2nd of February – TBA After Dark. Over the years we’ve often been asked questions about BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism and masochism) and many people attending our events have been keen to learn in a safe and secure way. In response to requests, we are hosting this event, with expert guest facilitators who have considerable experience of demonstrating and teaching different techniques in BDSM. Further details are available from the event page.

In addition to After Dark we also have the following retreats planned for 2013:
1-3rd March: Mixed TBA retreat for trans men and partners
19-21st July: TBA retreat for trans men
22-24th November: Mixed TBA retreat for all gay/bi/queer men

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190616090642/transbareall.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/tba-after-dark-saturday-2nd-february/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20190616090642/transbareall.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/tba-after-dark-saturday-2nd-february/

As I have said here before, I believe that what consenting adults do in private is nobody else's business however I do have serious concerns about the potential for abuse of vulnerable adults at these retreats.

One of the concerns I have about BDSM is that, like massage, eye-gazing and other activities that cross usual boundaries of body / self BDSM can create powerful feelings of love and intimacy between people who do not know each other very well.

In a recent BDSM thread people involved in BDSM explained that they thought it was irresponsible for people who did not know one another very well to get into BDSM relationships together.

I am really grateful for the thoughtful and considered input of those people, especially given that others gave them a very hard time and there was what is called on MN a bit of a "pile on".

These TransBareAll retreats appear to be extremely unsafe for the participants on a number of levels.

I believe that, in addition to placing vulnerable adults at risk of grooming and exploitation, such events and the current scandal at the NSPCC are harmful to gay communities, BDSM communities and trans communities.

The alt-right and far-right movements are the only communities to benefit from these horrible and shocking recent disclosures.

I have not had time to read the relevant document but am sharing in case others are interested in the links between TransBareAll, Scottish Gender Alliance, Sheffield Hallam University, Traverse, TREC and West Yorks Trans Equality Project

In 2013 TransBareAll were commissioned by the West Yorks Trans Equality Project to produce the Tops Tips for working with trans people guide. It was part of a larger project in West Yorkshire exploring trans equality and delivering training across the public sector.The guide has been beautifully designed by Caroline Duffy, includes easy to read tips on how to be supportive to trans people, real case studies and powerful photographs. Copies are available to buy or you can download the PDF free of charge here.

1-4 = £1 each, plus £1.50 P&P
5-14 = 75p each, plus £2.00 P&P
15-24 = 75p each, plus £4 P&P
25+ = 50p each, plus P&P to be discussed depending on quantities
To make an order or enquiry email [email protected]

source:
<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160317012358/transbareall.co.uk/2015/07/30/top-tips-guide-buy-yours-now/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20160317012358/transbareall.co.uk/2015/07/30/top-tips-guide-buy-yours-now/

cached PDF link to document below

Trans Mental Health and Wellbeing Study 2012

authors

Jay McNeil, Louis Bailey, Sonja Ellis, James Morton and Maeve Regan

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703011506/gires.org.uk/assets/medpro-assets/trans_mh_study.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20150703011506/gires.org.uk/assets/medpro-assets/trans_mh_study.pdf

JFC hooda.

The dukes barn... that's too close for comfort.

From one of the workshops: Negotiation – How do we get the sex we want? How do we begin to negotiate sex with someone who doesn’t know if we are trans or cis?* is this how to twist consent?

(And Hathersage?! League of gentlemen filmed not far from there btw...)

This is frank / Caroline Duffy.

web.archive.org/web/20160311141837/www.frankduffy.co.uk/i-was-expecting-caroline/

I actually love the majority of the work; definitely going through a big thing here mind you.

I wonder why all things art + queer + gender fluid have to be so dark?

Much tamer than the Hayward thankfully.

www.frankduffy.co.uk/what-in-all-heck-are-you-doing-frank/

JFC hooda.

JFC?

The dukes barn... that's too close for comfort.

I do find it extremely concerning, although to be fair sometimes legitimate non-abusive groups hire the same venues as abusive groups and cults so we have to be cautious about dot-joining.

I would very strongly recommend, to those researching networks, to always check out venues and other groups using venues as it can lead to all kinds of important rabbit holes.

For example, Unstone Grange is a fascinating venue that has held many events run by extremely dangerous and abusive sex cults and yet was also booked at least 3 times by the NSPCC, one example being in the below link

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20040411022516/unstonegrange.co.uk/events.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20040411022516/unstonegrange.co.uk/events.htm

also, the about us page includes the following text (emphasis mine)

WHAT WE STAND FOR
The guiding principal of the Unstone Grange Trust is Unity in Diversity. We believe that interconnectedness, built on the firm foundation of mutual respect for each other and our differing choices of life paths is the key to the future. We recognise that our diversity is our strength. We affirm the importance of learning to respect and cherish our differences, and from them build bridges of love, tolerance and understanding. We recognise that our chance to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem will be greatly improved by each one of us consciously Taking Responsibility for our own personal, spiritual and creative development and learning.

WHAT WE DO
As our contribution to the collective we are committed to sustaining and managing Unstone Grange as a beautiful place where people can come together to explore and grow in their understanding of life, themselves and others. We make no judgements about what people do here, other that asking that our guiding principals of Unity in Diversity and Taking Responsibility are respected, and that Unstone Grange is left in at least as beautiful a condition as they found it.

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20040411020306/unstonegrange.co.uk/aboutus.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20040411020306/unstonegrange.co.uk/aboutus.htm

The "Taking Responsibility" aspect is of concern to me. It is a frequent feature of sex cults and I think is used to deflect accusations of abuse when vulnerable people get involved in sexual activities they later regret, which can very easily happen on touchy feely / naturist retreats.

The Unstone Grange links pages are important as they demonstrate a longtime association between various green / environmentalist groups and this venue that may provide insights into how the green / environmentalist movements became networked / contaminated with sex cults.

e.g.
<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20040411031429/unstonegrange.co.uk/links.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20040411031429/unstonegrange.co.uk/links.htm

(Jfc - me swearing, really shouldn't!)

Gendered Intelligence
mobile.twitter.com/Genderintell

Doing a lot with children at the moment

-fundraising to take UK trans kids to Brighton Pride
-running an under 12s’ trans and non binary social group for kids

I've come across dodgy retreats / culty stuff twice in my life. Both picked on the most vulnerable.

That's a very cheap retreat isn't it?

Reminds me of North Fox Island in Michigan: a private island owned by a multimillionaire who offered it as an outward bound-type retreat for underprivileged/wayward boys.

All very laudable... except it wasn't. Best paedophile holiday... ever.

The comments from the young children on that Twitter thread.....quotes from an 8 year old (?!) trans kid ..Jesus.

I got this reply from the SouthBank Centre today;

Thank you for your email and your concern regarding the Kiss My Genders exhibition in the Hayward Gallery.

At Southbank Centre we take the issue of safeguarding very seriously and have clear internal procedures in place to ensure that visitors to our site are protected whilst they are here.

Before the exhibition opened, our safeguarding committee reviewed the exhibition content. As a result, we put in place specific measures to ensure that visitors were aware that parts of the exhibition contained images of an explicit nature which were unsuitable for younger visitors, and that a minimum age of 18 was recommended for some.

A statement about this content was placed on our website, clear, written, notices were placed inside the exhibition and our ticketing and visitor experience hosts were also trained to make all visitors aware of this guidance as they entered the relevant galleries.We have also consulted Lambeth Council about these procedures.

Since the exhibition opened we have made more clear the Hayward Gallery policy that under 13s should be accompanied by an adult.

We have no primary school events or other schools programme planned for this exhibition.

Thank you again for your email.

With all best wishes,

Anna-Lena Fuller
Customer Relations
T +44 (0)20 7960 4250

E [email protected]

Translated as “so long as they are accompanied by an inappropriate adults we are happy to let 5 year old children be exposed to sexually explicit material and 13 year olds can do so without any adults with them. The children’s events associated with this exhibition are not part of a school event or programme. Hopefully this lets us off the hook from accusations of child abuse.”

Bit late to this thread but my background is Fine Art.

Immediately put me in mind of this 12 year old news story - Northern UK gallery reported an American artist’s photograph as potentially being an image of child abuse.

It turned out that it’s private owner was Elton John:

www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/elton-john-confirms-ownership-of-nan-goldin-photo-seized-by-police-from-british-gallery/

I am in an email dialogue with the gallery and it’s basically shrugging it’s massive woke shoulders about it all. So gutting.

There seems to be a few things on for kids this Pride month:

National Gallery:
(all ages)
’Meet Aida H Dee, the hyperactive drag queen, and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of us all. Sing, dance and take part in an afternoon filled with laughter, games, and stories. With special guest Olly Pike of Pop‘n’Olly. Drag Queen Story Time captures the imagination, fun and gender fluidity of childhood, while giving children glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer role models. DQST brings the array of talent that exists within the LGBTQI+ community and introduces “difference” in a positive way.‘
www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/drag-queen-story-time-30-06-2019

(Long term FWR posters may recall Pop and Olly’s videos for kids on gender identity.. including this one where Olly asked the kids to ‘be a hero’ by responding to the GRA reform consultation, asking ‘a teacher or an adult’ to help them )

Also older kids-13-17 can make art at the south bank centre based on the Kiss my Genders exhibition (free and with free food provided):

Are you aged 13 – 17 and interested in making art for the public?

Come to our drop-in session to help create an alternative guide to the exhibition in the form of a manifesto, which will be available to the public at Hayward Gallery throughout the Kiss My Genders exhibition.

Work closely with artist Jacob V Joyce to write the youth manifesto, discussing what being an artist means now and what manifestos for the future could look like.

The manifesto is created by drawing on the themes of Kiss My Genders, including self-expression, identity and gender representation.

Kiss My Genders brings together over 100 artworks by artists from around the world who employ a wide range of approaches to articulate and engage with gender fluidity, as well as with non-binary, trans and intersex identities.

The artworks often move beyond a conventional understanding of the body, and in doing so open up new possibilities for gender, beauty and representations of the human form.

‘Content warning:
This exhibition includes nudity and some sexual content as well as strobe lighting effects. One room contains latex.’

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/138048-manifesto-making-workshop-2019

Didnt spot any notes about your 13 year old needing to be accompanied by an adult around the nudity or sexual content in the exhibition that is inspiring their own artwork..?

It’s possible the stuff for mature audiences is in enclosed areas with a gallery attendant at the entrance - I have seen that in other exhibitions.

If that was the case here though, I would expect the gallery to be unequivocally saying so in the emails to Atalune