April Polyamory in the News A trans poly runs for the UK parliament. “The Truth About Polyamory” in a world-class paper gets it right. Poly-mono crossover values. Polyfolks in Israel. “Welcome to Polydelphia.” And more. One-click roundup:
Tom, Matt and Katherine in TIME magazine! The current Time Magazine (dated August 6th) has a 4-page article on polygamists seeking recognition that also goes out of its way to tell about polyamory. In that regard it highlights (very favorably) Matt, Tom, and Katherine of Poly Boston.
The full article is not online except for paper-issue subscribers, but I've excerpted the poly-relevant parts here:
Newt Gingrich brings a burst of opportunities for people to tell the world about their non-Gingrichy open relationships, the kind built on caring and support all around. Mainstream TV presents several long-term triad families explaining their way of life, plus a fictional one doing the same. Next Gen poly, on and off campus. Dan Savage invites readers to “Meet the Monogamish.”
Canada legalizes most polyamory in a major court case. Dear Abby gives a platform for a renowned poly advice nurse to reach millions. Open marriage redux. Threesomes naturally. An emergent phenomenon at Occupy Wall Street. And, would your polyfamily like to be media stars? If so, learn how to stay in charge.
In Washington, a U.S. Senate committee hears testimony about the polyamory threat to America. “The New Monogamy,” i.e. non-monogamy, takes off in the mainstream media. Polyamorous polygamists file a legal challenge in federal court and could actually win. Triads and quads “redefining love’s boundaries” are featured on TV evening news.
Polyamory booth at Boston Pride Festival, Sat June 11 Hi folks! Once again Poly Boston will be one of several poly groups represented at a table at the Boston Pride Festival, this Saturday June 11th at City Hall Plaza. This is where the Pride Parade ends after starting in the South End and winding through downtown. Music, speeches, 100+ vendors, the works.
The Festival is officially from noon to 6, though I'll be arriving early to set up. Look for our blue "Polyamory!" poster. I plan to be there all day. Come keep me company at the table! We've always had a hugely positive reception.
Discussion group in Framingham, Wednesday, 6/8 I have scheduled a discussion group at my house in Framingham for Wednesday, June 8. We will start gathering at 7:00 pm for social time, discussion to start at 8 pm. I have the following topic on hand, feel free to bring up others, time permitting:
How do you handle long-distance relationships (if you do)? What are the positives and negatives of such relationships?
We'll finish up formal discussion time at 9:30, event to adjourn by 10:30 please.
I will have some beverages on hand and a few light snacks. Feel free to bring drinks or snacks to share.
Please RSVP to me at intriguedat41@yahoo.com by noon of June 1 and I will send you my address and directions. If you would like to attend but have transportation issues, please let me know and I'll try to help you figure it out. Framingham does have a commuter rail station (the Boston-Worcester line) about 3 miles from my house. Unfortunately, it looks as if it is not possible to get a train back after the group finishes up unless you wait until after 11.
We'll have potluck dinner, hot-tubbing, socializing, and a showing of Terisa Greenan's entire poly web-TV dramedy series "Family" on the big screen in the living room. Kids welcome (but must be supervised and kept safely away from the pool, which will not be in use). Read all about it on the event's page: http://www.polyhouseparty.com/party/hollis-new-hampshire-poly-house-party
This is a voluntary fundraiser for Loving More and/or the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association. A hat will be out if you want to drop in a check (no amount too small or too large), but this is not required. Do bring something edible for the potluck table.
If you haven't been to the house before, or have forgotten how to get there, RSVP to me, alan7388@gmail.com, for directions. It's 1 hour from the center of Boston, less from the northern suburbs.
Behind this scheme are folks at Modern Poly and Loving More. They plotted it at the last Polyamory Leadership Network meeting as a way to have fun, to "bring together polyamorous people and communities, to celebrate polyamory, and to support the movement for the acceptance of relationship choice." From the website:
----------------- 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. ------------------
Reminder: Monthly Bertucci’s dinner tomorrow (Monday) night Hi! Just a reminder that the monthly Poly Boston Bertucci’s dinner at Alewife is tomorrow night (probably tonight as you read this) at 7:00pm. If you’d like to join us (and it’s always fun), please RSVP to rsvp@polyboston.org by about 5:30pm, since we need to give the restaurant a headcount. Hope to see folks there!
Tonight's discussion group CANCELLED Tonight’s Poly Boston discussion group in Melrose is cancelled due to a family emergency. (I don’t know more than that; I’m just passing along what was in mail to the mailing list for the benefit of people who might see LJ in time but not email. As far as I know, next month’s is still on.)
If they call it a "meetup," they may have found it by looking up the Meetup.com groups in Somerville. This is a reminder that the Diesel gatherings are listed for the public as official Meetup.com meetups. These are expected to have a host who welcomes newcomers and supposedly runs things. This is what newbies who come to the Diesel from Meetup.com probably expect; after all, they were invited.
So if you notice a stranger who shows up looking like s/he is looking for a group, it really would be nice to say hello and ask if they came for Poly Boston. Either that, or take the listing off Meetup.com.
I am on the board of the Alternatives to Marriage project (http://www.unmarried.org), and we're having a party at my house on April 16th!
April 16th is National Health Care Decisions Day, and given that unmarried partners of all descriptions have ongoing problems with involvement in their partners health decisions, it seemed like a good time, and a good theme, for a party!
Join Americans across the country in making their future healthcare decisions known to family, friends, and healthcare providers. Share your wishes and complete your advance directive, because YOUR DECISIONS MATTER. Learn more about National Healthcare Decisions Day and get free information here
I will definitely have some health care proxy forms, and links to forms, to hand out. In Massachusetts, a health care proxy requires two witnesses who are not named as proxies; lots of potential witnesses will be on hand at the party. Notarization is not required.
In addition, we'll also be doing fundraising for AtMP. We're a tiny organization with a tiny budget and a big mission, and I'd personally appreciate a donation to help support our work on behalf of people in relationships other than marriage. Most people on this list are either in one or more such relationships now, or would like to be; we're doing our best on your behalf, but our best is often limited by our budget. Help us out and see what we can do!
Poly in the recent news A parenting magazine presents polyamory as a logical alternative. TV news goes all awkward covering a Loving More convention. Dan Savage as America’s most important sex ethicist. New poly books. More on campus. And, how to frame the emergence of polyamory as the natural outcome of the last several centuries of human development.
What is the world saying about us? If you haven't kept up with Polyamory in the News in the last three months (or subscribed to it by the LJ friends feed or other feed), here is some of what you missed:
Poly Speed Dating (Apologies to those who are seeing multiple postings about this.)
Poly Speed Dating is coming to Boston! This event originated in San Francisco as a way to make speed dating work for those of us whose identities and lives are a little more complicated than most speed dating events can handle. ;-) Our algorithm allows you to date as an individual or group, and to specify your gender(s) and the gender(s) of the people you're looking to meet.
Our first event will be April 26 at The Friendly Toast in Kendall Square, Cambridge. Registration is $12 in advance, or $15 at the door, and includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (we also have some scholarship spots available, so please contact us if the fee is an issue for you!). To find out more or register, go to http://boston.polyspeeddating.com !
April 16th is National Health Care Decisions Day, and given that unmarried partners of all descriptions have ongoing problems with involvement in their partners health decisions, it seemed like a good time, and a good theme, for a party!
Join Americans across the country in making their future healthcare decisions known to family, friends, and healthcare providers. Share your wishes and complete your advance directive, because YOUR DECISIONS MATTER. Learn more about National Healthcare Decisions Day and get free information here
I will definitely have some health care proxy forms, and links to forms, to hand out. In Massachusetts, a health care proxy requires two witnesses who are not named as proxies; lots of potential witnesses will be on hand at the party. Notarization is not required.
In addition, we'll also be doing fundraising for AtMP. We're a tiny organization with a tiny budget and a big mission, and I'd personally appreciate a donation to help support our work on behalf of people in relationships other than marriage. Most people on this list are either in one or more such relationships now, or would like to be; we're doing our best on your behalf, but our best is often limited by our budget. Help us out and see what we can do!
communal home ownership help? Hi all, I am hoping someone can point me at some resources here. Google hasn't been helpful so far.
Some members of my poly group (me, my SO, our OSOs) are considering moving in together. Ideally, we would like to buy a house together. Has anyone done this in MA? Specifically, where more than two people are on a mortgage? I can't figure out if it's even possible without a lot of specialized legal rigamarole. I'd love to do some research on my own before going to a mortgage broker and trying to make it happen.
Diesel tonight Hello! I'm visiting from the suburbs of ChicagoLand, and was thinking of heading to Diesel tonight.
If you know me and plan to be at Diesel tonight, please give me a shout here or elsewhere. I'm trying to decide if I want to haul ass all the way from Harvard Medical in Brookline to Davis -- especially given that I have work I need to do.
