Talk and discussion by Maja of Queers to the front Booking + Live Music by Beth Munroe Music

"TRANS* PEOPLE IN SOCIETY – BETWEEN THE RISE OF THE ALT-RIGHT, WIDESPREAD ANTI-FEMINISM AND TOXIC MASCULINITY - THE SPACE GROWS SMALL FOR GENDER-NONCONFORMING INDIVIDUALS.

Hostility against trans* people, especially trans* people of colour, is on the rise with increasing numbers in hate crimes whilst ideas like the European Union and international cooperation have come under serious threat.

Again, the gender binary seems to be an untouchable construct even though trans* and queer perspectives and ideas questioning the heteronormative cisgender nuclear family gain more and more mainstream media spotlight in recent years – prompting both very dangerous and very positive outcomes. So, how can the gender binary be challenged? What can we learn from the anti-feminist backlash against the #MeToo-campaign and the overarching negative response by mostly men to the recent Gillette ads challenging toxic masculinity and r*p* culture?

As a trans*woman that spent a good part of her life identifying as a cis-man, engaging in both men’s soccer teams and all-male punk rock bands before finally coming out at age 20 and eventually getting into queerfeminist activism I was able to really gain very broad insight on privilege and gender norm expectations in the most different of surroundings.

Speaking about my experiences to different audiences in different venues each night, I try to create a safer space that is primarily for marginalized people such as queer people, women*, people of colour, (dis)abled or neurodiverse people. Together with you, I’d like to open a space that we can discuss, empower, critizise and grow in together, both sharing experiences and learning about privileges.

Throughout my talk we’ll walk through my personal evolution and find out about my steps to coming out finally and eventually growing into the trans* woman that I am today. Sharing experiences of surroundings such as the punk rock scene, the BDSM and fetish scene, feminist activist groups but also men’s sports teams, I’d like to explore different facets of gender identity and gender expression but also the hurdles in navigating society as a transgender woman together with you.

From the limitation in access to transgender health care and estrogenes to sexuality, relationships, gender dysphoria, self-hate, the longing for femininity and the vital importance of sisterhood and solidarity – there’s much to discuss and see.

*All are welcome!* However this event strives to encourage the empowerment of marginalised communities - particularly within music - by fostering an environment in which people passionate about these issues, whether existing friends or meeting for the first time, can come together.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN. Suggested donation is £5. No-one turned away for lack of funds, but all donations will go to venue and speaker/artist!!

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Maja operates an international tour booking agency called “Queers to the front Booking”, engages in different queerfeminist activist groups and puts on DIY punk shows in Germany. She identifies as a trans* woman and uses the pronouns “she” and “her”.
https://www.facebook.com/queerstothefrontbooking"

Beth Munroe is a DIY london-based Indietronica artist, guitarist, vocalist, synth player, loop artist and producer. Using soulful vocals and thoughtful lyrics alongside guitar, synth, samples and loops to create an ambient wall of sound. Recently featured on BBC Introducing, as well as being honoured as one of the headliners of the BBC Music Day Festival in London, Beth has been critically acclaimed by industry and fans alike as one to watch.

In 2018 she saw the release of her debut EP as well as an extensive UK & Ireland tour. She has now just released her 2nd EP 'i amok', followed by a UK Tour in April and May, and an EU Tour in June.

For fans of Florence and the Machine, CHVRCHES, Sia...
https://www.facebook.com/BethMunroeMusic/
https://soundcloud.com/bethmunroemusic