Events
Decolonize Gender
Gender Illuminations invites you to join us on September 29th from 7:30 - 9 pm EDT for Decolonize Gender with Mija- an online conversation and art jam where we will share language about colonization, settler colonization, the difference between the two and the impacts it has on our personal expression and ideas about gender. Attendees will gain some art! and a goal(s) for their own personal liberation.
This event is for trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and otherwise non-cisgendered folks (or those that are questioning).
Register today to reserve a spot! This is a virtual free event.
Queer Magic Haven
Date: April 25-29
Location: Panamint Valley, near Death Valley, SE California - Passover in the Desert
Our queer, trans, non-binary, non-conforming, LGBTQIA, fringe beautiful ancestors weaved magic for generations - created powerful well held containers of love and light and gave us the gifts we carry on today and this space is part of that long queerstory. The space will be well decorated, fun to be in, and filled with offerings such as workshops, support groups, theater, poetry, story telling, chill time, get to know each other time, flirt time, connect time, explore our lives in the open time, dig deep into our roots time, some time that is just for those in our queer community and some time where everyone is invited to join us. This is our space to create how we want. This is our space to be seen and safe. This is our space to find each other. To be our FULL queer selves. This space is body positive, trans positive, non-binary positive, sex positive, creative positive, POC positive, family welcoming, queer youth inclusive, queer elder inclusive, medium age inclusive, all inclusive, welcoming of all backgrounds and abilities, anti-oppression, anti-racist, deeply rooted in liberation, and committed to being your home base. Sounds like a lot of things - well... Queer means so many things to so many people and we plan to welcome and celebrate all of it and learn from each other and create family in this wonderful desert together.
Email: ariel@genderillumination.com to attend
SHEFest
SheFest is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and larger San Diego community.
Transcending Steroetypes: What it Means to be Trans in America Today
Join the San Diego Press Club and journalist Thom Senzee for an exciting evening of live discussion with a panel of six dynamic transgender newsmakers.
San Diego Pride Parade
July 16 @ 11am
Location: The parade begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave.
Gender Illumination will be celebrating at San Diego Pride Parade - come join us as we hand out stickers, temporary tattoos, and spread the word about our organization. If you want to be with us at pride email info@genderillumination.com
Gender Transition Ceremonies @ Rainbow Day Camp & Camp Kickin It
June 20 and 27, 2016 @ 3pm-4pm
Location: Rainbow Day Camp and Camp Kickin It
Age Range: Parents
Thinking of creating a special ceremony to mark or celebrate your gender diverse youth or teen’s gender transition or acknowledgement? Come and hear about different rituals and ceremonies and how to create authentic and meaningful space. This workshop will be presented by Ariel Vegosen an ordained Hebrew Priestess. Ariel facilitates ceremonies, rituals, and rites of passage.
Facilitated By: Ariel Vegosen
#GivinItFabulous: A Celebration Of Ourselves @ Camp Kickin It
June 20 and June 27, 2016 @ 1-2pm
Location: Camp Kickin It
Age Range: Teens
Join this interactive, fun, theatrical workshop that gives space to explore the parts of us that are unique, fabulous, and worthy of everyone noticing. This will be a time to showcase and highlight our gifts and talents. It will also be a time to get to know each other and grow as a team. We will use theater, spoken word, and movement to express ourselves. This workshop will be facilitated by Ariel Vegosen who enjoys exploring their gender identity and reveling in the gifts of being gender queer. #SelfiesEncouraged.
Facilitated By: Ariel Vegosen
Super Hero Magic! Making Standing Up for People Fun @ Rainbow Day Camp
Monday June 20 & Monday June 27, 2016 @ 11:45am-12:30pm
Location: Rainbow Day Camp
Age range: 4-12
Join this interactive, exciting, magical, and creative hands on artistic workshop to explore how standing up for people can be fun. In this workshop we will use art and movement to talk about how we can help others, stand up to someone who is being mean, and be every day super heroes. This workshop will be facilitated by super hero Starry Unicorn whose powers include being perceived as many genders at one time, stopping meanness, and spreading love. Starry Unicorn also uses the name Ariel Vegosen when teaching workshops to adults.
Facilitated By: Ariel Vegosen
Oppression and Intimacy: Liberating Ourselves from Patriarchy, Racism, and Heteronormativity in our Relationships
In this time of great mourning around the Orlando shootings please join Gender Illumination as we work through how oppression affects your most intimate and interpersonal dynamics. This will be a safer space to explore how oppression plays out in your relationships and in your own desires. You will gain tips and tools for how to liberate your mind and how to creatively shift cultural narratives that don't serve you. This workshop is for people of all backgrounds and genders. Everyone is welcome.
Location: Jack London Square. Please RSVP to genderillumination@gmail.com for exact address.
Facilitated By: Ariel Vegosen
Gender Fabulous: A Gender Illumination Gathering of the Minds
Do you consider yourself part of Trans, gender queer, gender non-binary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming community? Are you excited to meet with other members of this community and share your needs, wants, desires for what's possible here in the bay and beyond. Are you interested in talking about intersectionality, creating justice, and safer spaces for all marginalized people? Then join Gender Illumination for a meaningful and fun evening gathering where we will swap stories, share ideas, and creatively brainstorm. Please bring a dish or snack to share. This is a free event.
Location: Jack London Square. Please RSVP to genderillumination@gmail.com for exact address.
Hosted and facilitated by: Ariel Vegosen
Embodied Leadership Institute @ Creating Change
January 21, 2016 @ 9am - 6pm, Embodied Leadership Institute
Have you been wondering why the passion for social change plagues you with: exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and chronic decision making that depletes you? Are you curious how you can shift your paradigm of relating to social change to be experienced as: joyful, easeful, dynamic and feeling fully alive? In this Embodied Leadership Institute, you will have a day where you learn how oppression impacts your body, steals your thunder, and discourages you from believing in the power of individual and collective change. Walk away from the Institute with a new paradigm and framework that integrates tools that support you in thriving and building on your strength and resiliency. The day will blow your mind as you understand your own body’s relationship to oppression, and we will engage you in an experience that refreshes and revitalizes your belief that at the heart of social change lives: love, compassion, kindness, spirit and your beauty filled unique and powerful self.