The Queer Commons Community Workgroups foster thoughtful reflection and community-building around queer issues through peer-led discussions that are both academic and personal. The Community Workgroups occur bi-monthly and are a place for people who are interested in exploring queer theory and the range of experiences queer people–particularly people of color, trans and gender nonconforming folks, noncitizens, and all those who exist outside of the gay mainstream–encounter in their everyday lives.
Though there are many places in New York for queers to get together to dance or have a drink, the Community Workgroups are among the few spaces committed to creating a supportive, peer-led community space for intellectual and personal reflection. Each session’s readings serve as a common text and a gateway to honest, challenging and surprising conversations. Within the broad rubric of queer studies — which for us encompasses academic texts, psychological studies, cultural critique, and more — topics will include the commodification of queerness, gender and the DSM, and consent. We think of the Community Workgroups as a place where we can speak honestly, challenge and support each other in sharing stories that, in other spaces, are too little heard.
The Community Workgroups are open to all and new participants are welcome at any time. No sign-up required; just show up, and tell your friends! Welcome to the Commons.
Want to Lead a Session? We think that everyone has something to learn, and something to teach. Members are invited and encouraged to make suggestions for future readings and topics, which the Queer Commons Steering Committee meets periodically to discuss and approve. (Have an idea for a great session? Please let us know!)
Get access to the readings and stay up to date on upcoming sessions and events by joining the Queer Commons Google Group listserv and the QC Facebook page.
