Poly Party Weekend, June 15 - 17!

Off-topic maybe, but it's just three weeks till Polyamory Party Weekend. This is a worldwide, do-it-yourself event swarm created by folks at Modern Poly — to have fun, to "bring together polyamorous people and communities, to celebrate polyamory, and to support the movement for the acceptance of relationship choice."

It is poly-fi triads, kids of four-parent households, primaries and their play partners, the ethically non-monogamous, the incidentally monogamous, the polysaturated, the overly single, the doubly heartbroken, the label-resistant, the too-complex-to-explain, and our wonderful not-wired-that-way supportive allies.

It is barbecues, keggers, potlucks, raves, picnics, blues dances, play parties, tantric retreats, game nights, field days, movement fundraisers, cuddle parties, and fancy dinners.

It is raising awareness about our culture, our relationship preference, and the idea that freedom of relationship choice is important to society at large. It is a community bonding experience, our way — because everyone will do it a little differently.

What sort of a thing might you put on? You can announce a party or event of any description, large or small, and (after moderator's approval) it will be listed for all to see on the website. More events are needed! Of course you'll also need to do your own local inviting/publicity. (Events do not have to be on that weekend if scheduling requires.)

It's suggested that the gatherings be voluntary fundraisers for Loving More and/or the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association and/or Modern Poly, but that's not required.

The idea was born at the Polyamory Leadership Network meeting in Seattle a year and a half ago. In a brainstorm about things we could do, I think it was Mai Li who first yelled out, "House parties!" She's now taking the lead in publicizing this thing. The first Poly Party Weekend was one year ago, with 16 events. Can we beat that this year? (As of 5/26 there are 9....)

Why is Modern Poly doing this?

Aside from any other excuse to throw a party?

STRENGTH IN UNITY. Because the world needs to see the polyamory community come together in celebration — because alone, we are vulnerable, but together, we are strong.

ACCEPTANCE. Because building a strong, proud, happy, & ethical public presence makes it easier for more people to be out comfortably.

IDENTITY. Because showing the world our cultures, our diversity, and what makes us unique, shows them we are real and valuable, and not just a 'phase,' but how we live & love.

SUPPORT. Because we are already fighting for our rights, and that fight is just beginning.

What are the goals?

We want to see people hosting all kinds of events that weekend to celebrate polyamory, across the world!

We want to see polys globally to spend the weekend building and nurturing their communities, and raising awareness about our culture and relationship preference.

We would love to see the largest organizations working for our rights have some of the support they need, in dollars, resources and volunteers.

We hope to see polys across the world more connected to each other and the issues we are facing together in our fight for acceptance.

I'm co-hosting the one in Hollis, New Hampshire. If you'd like to come, please RSVP to the address there (ignore the sleepover part, that's not happening).

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