BEFORE YOU GO… from August 23rd to September 7th look for the Flags in Nixon + Wadsworth Taco Stands.

As you drive through the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, Look for Comfort & Joy’s bright Day-Glo flags decorating Taco Stands in Nixon & Wadsworth to easily find drop-off points for Food Donations… and amazing fresh Tacos.

On your way home from the Burn, Donate your leftover non-perishable camp food to local Paiute tribal charities helping foster children & victims of domestic violence.

You thought you were going to eat it on the playa – so why bring it home, when it could make a real difference to the Native Americans living on the Reservation. Donate your non-perishables instead!

FLAG/FOOD DRIVE DROPOFF LOCATIONS: Find the Flags!

(1) Nixon: Bunny’s Tacos
Serving Frybread / Veggie Tacos
Downtown Nixon – Approx 60 miles south of Gerlach
(Also be sure to visit the Tribal Mueseum in Nixon)

(2) Wadsworth: Elaine’s Stop
Serving Indian Tacos / Frybread / Taco Salad
1 Mile North of I-80, Exit 447

Be sure to support the tribe by buying gas & stopping for a Taco – they’re delicious!

You can also donate unwanted Bikes to the tribe at these licensed food vendors. All food + bike donations are collected directly by tribal members & benefit local people in need.

Prepare for The Playa

Are you prepared or even know where to start being prepared? Well, I am sure each region is offering something. When I was in Vegas we hosted Spaghetti Dinners and showed videos of years gone by. There are a couple of events in San Francisco coming up hosted by a couple of local groups. But where else can you find what’s-what?

• Gay Burners Events Page (All verified members can post)
• Burning Man [dot] Com First Timer’s
• Jack Rabbit Speaks News Letter
• Prepare for the Playa
• Burncast.Tv

Fund Raising Urgencies!

There are several projects, not the least of which including the Temple of Transition, feeling the crush of time and resources. Although not all projects are directly out of the Gay Burners community, they are none the less important.

Burning Man [dot] Com has made an effort to create a central source for people to see the projects.

• Temple of Transition Temple Kickstarter
• Bubbles and Bass: NY Based Sound Camp: IndieGoGo campaign
• Honey Sound System: SFO Based Sound w/ C&J: Kickstarter
• Final Passage art project: IndieGoGo campaign
• Comfort & Joy: Direct Fund Raising through events on Facebook
• Camp Stella: Direct Fund Raising: Raffle (2 bikes)
• Dr. Carl’s Department of Collections: Kickstarter

Sold OUT???? Fur-reels???? [ more ] You heard it here… fifth or sixth! It’s all over the web this morning. Read a little more about it in the attached article.

(July 18, 2011) Yesterday here in San Francisco, the home of the Burner Mother Ship, Prepare for the Playa held a swap meet of sorts for those people seeking some flashy burner gear to impress at “Rites of Passage” or for whatever occasion. This not not advertising, by the way, just a note about something discovered on my trek through the city.

Now, for those of you not up to sewing your own wonderful creations, this is a great place to fill your sewing gap. How ‘official’ this event was is not clear, but I saw a lot of people from BMHQ roaming around with big smiles and going through the stuff like crazy.

If you ARE a crafty sort and want to check out what our own Phoenix does twice a month this summer with his Meetup for Burner costume making and good times co check it out! Time is ticking people!

22 Queer/Queer Friendly Camps listed on the “Queer Camps” page; 4 added this year. More added as they go! So, if you are still searching for a place to plant yourself this year check these options out and read about “Camping at Burning Man“!

Camping at Burning Man

I am not the authority on camping at Burning Man. There is a whole survival guide available for the ‘how to’ and ‘how not’. This week I was talking to some people about their camping choices and it got me thinking about if any of our members were asking themselves the same questions. [read more] I also added a question: What advice would you give????

Too Cool 4 Skool!

Our friends at Camp Stella are having this great fundraiser/contest that I found out through the Down Low Club’s mailing list off Yahoo. I think it is essential I help spread the information and share share share… becuse the prizes are fe-nom-mo-naaaallllll (phenomenal in code).

Check out this link to win one of two bikes from Camp Stella and be the envy of ALL. Wait til you see my bike I just bought… oi vay. These are beautiful and can be seen on this link back to Camp Stella.

Stella has something important to offer burners on playa and that is a safe and sober location for burners who are looking for that kind of support.

What is your Pre-Burn?

As we get closer to the big week, communities around the country are gearing up for Burning Man with some called a pre-compression; or something like it. This is a mini Burning Man, each evolved into their own flavor, which is a great launching platform for newbies who want to get a taste of the experience itself.

A pre-compression is an officially recognized event that has to meet a lot of criteria to use the actual word “pre-compression” and be recognized by BMHQ. There are a lot of unofficial events in the various regions, too. Or those that just do their own thing. The only way to find out what those are is by contacting your local regional. Here is a list on the Burning Man web site.

One of the larger and well known Pre-Compressions is Flipside in Austin, Texas. It sells out so fast it’s breathtaking. The event is self is Breathtaking. Here are some pictures on Facebook or go to their home page.

Burners 1st Year

(May 18, 2011) If this is your first year or you are teetering on the idea of going to Burning Man for the first time there is a lot of preparation and knowledge you need to leave with. Burning Man provides a lot of that, but here is some more information you need to consider. I have provided a few thoughts on Queer Burners in the community and certainly offer feedback in the comments section on the page.

Burner Principles

(May 9, 2011) I have been struggling to come up with a new subject on the site. Relationship on the Playa seem to be a large topic out there right now and I think I tapped into that once upon a time. There is a lot more info out there including survival tips. Did you know that Poly Paradise has a whole class on that?

Well, the subject of the 10 principles came in regards to logos and the site generating money. Bottom line – no this site is not commercial. I offer an open door to MEMBERS who want to share resources and promote within the community. Certainly not a corporate entity. See more on that discussion.

Queer Rangers

(April 26, 2011) Added resources targeting Queer Rangers and am still working on a system for a Classifieds section on the site. Also, open call for a producer who can help with the management of the site and it’s growth. You need to be a WordPress Guru.

Queer Burners in the JRS

(April 20, 2011) Gay Burners mention in the JRS (Jack Rabbit Speaks) Newsletter; yes the ultimate news letter from BMHQ. Thank you Andie Grace (aka ActionGrl) and the JRS team for the shout out. It is a great honor!!!!

Are Gay Burners just a bunch of Queers?

(April 19, 2011) Who the hell are you people??? Well, when you see the title “Gay Burners” some people are reacting to the words themselves either positive or negative because to some this is a label that is uncomfortable. What stereotype are we messing with here?

The answer is NONE. Maybe QueerBurners? Queer is not anything but something that differentiates from the “norm“. Well, then again that is almost any Burner we know. So, I posted a little something something I thought I would share and love to see you add to. Check it out… [click]

2011 Leadership Summit /  Regional Conference

Next week on April 1st the 2011 Leadership Summit will kick off in San Francisco and your Toaster will be there like the eager beaver that he is. There was a survey about the community that my Region (Southern Nevada) received as a prelude to the current search for new Regional Contact here asking about the condition and health perception of the community and its leaders. The reason I mention this is because there was no survey for the LGBT’s or other kinds of “Regions”; By setting up a site like this we might have begun a framework for our own representation when it comes to Burning Man. I certainly do not forget this was not the first voice. Tribe.Com’s Queer Burner Tribe linked in the side column. Or by the achievements of Burners from “Comfort & Joy” as well as the “Down Low Club” and many others. Please feel free to join the discussion on the Leadership Summit here by submitting your comments.

Gayborhood /  Gay Ghetto

When I think of Burning Man I do not think of it as a “gay event”. In fact, since being a part of the Burner culture I can say a majority of the people I have come to know have been generally straight – white – and somewhat affluent. “Affluent” being very relative, but making the journey to Burning Man is not small investment. However, I discovered at some point in conversation that there was some mystery to the Gay congregations of the Gayborhood or the Gay Ghetto at Burning Man that eluded some. Not looking to subdue yourself in the safe proxy world of the Gay areas of Burning Man? It’s your Burn, man, you do it the way you do it best. Read more...

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Some general images off the web from 2010 that looked like fun.

Burnal Equinox!

It’s Saturday night and there are so many things going on, starting tonight!  Be sure and check the events page and the Facebook page to get clicked in to all the things happening. OR!!! Check your regional links on BurningMan.Com!

Queer Camp Web Sites and U

I check through the analytics on this web site periodically (the visitor stats) and am always really happy with the things I see. There are a lot of people visiting this site looking for – US!

There is a pretty detailed list of the Queer(friendly) camps in the Queer Camp page which will be updated as soon as the new list is published in April(?). People are starting to look for their arrangements and are plotting where there home will be in 2011.

Anyone new to this scene has to ask themselves if they are aligning themselves with the right kind of people. Is the temperament of this crew down with me and visa versa? [more]

Theme Camps Apps and More…

Today the mothership has opened the gates for our eager beavers to put in their applications/proposals for Theme Camps, Art Projects and Art Car registration. They have the process down to an exact science here.

What is your master plan? What does it matter to your experience anyway? Whether you choose to celebrate this event with friends or by going solo as long as you go with no expectations and an open heart an mind you will find success. Suspend your plan to hit orgy after orgy and maybe just wander across the playa aimlessly with no specific mission.

Camping with your mates/crew/homies? Promise yourself to make this a drama-free zone and it will make a huge difference. Again, this is a place where expectations can be the coffin nail. Committed to a camp party or event? Then make sure you are clean and present.

When you pass through Gerlach and you see that sign that says “Burning Man 9 miles” leave the outside world there.

How fast the year passes….

It’s time to start ramping up for “Rites of Passage” and the slowly increasing activity on the social networks is proof of it. Whether you are active on GayBurners, Facebook, MySpace, Tribe or even ePlaya? All of them are good sources. But GB is the best, homie! (said with a bit of prejudice).

Less than a month to the Burnal Equinox sewing machines are being dusted off,theme camp team meetings are rallying, and plans for playa laden art projects are in the mill. Now it’s time for you to share your story. Verified members: Click here to share your story for 2011! Just sign in with your GB login and password.

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There are a lot more Polls of past & present here.

WOW!!! What a day!!!

Last year when Tier 1 and 2 tickets were blown out it was obvious that the 25th anniversary event for Burning Man called Metropolis was going to be a well attended event – and it was. It was sold out with an official count of 53,000 people at it’s peak point on Friday.

This year, many of you already know that Tiers 1, 2, and 3 tickets blew out! In spite of troubling issues with the vendor’s selling process, the sale appears to have been a much needed injection for Burning Man not only financially, but optimistically given the theme this year “Rites of Passage”.

On twitter (@gayburners) it has been noted a lot of people dream of going to Burning Man; even adding it to their Bucket List. Maybe it is this theme that is igniting the desire in these people to finally jump the broom and experience this new level of participation in life.

Do we dare ask? Is it time to make the city bigger? Do we add 20,000 more tickets and keep the same principles that guide the community and have them respected? I am sure just a few years ago the very same question was on the table. BUT!!! More people means more BLM and more L.E.. Just something to keep in mind.

Movies

I was looking around for subjects and updates for the site, when I came across this video listed on a few sites. It was made by the man who wrote the film “Milk”. “On The Bus” was an experience by Dustin Lance Black and from what I read it seems much like my own adventures at Burning Man on my first year. I cannot seem to find a trailer anywhere, perhaps because Dustin has so many mainstream projects and is being recognized for those accomplishments that this is on the D.L. now. Be sure to check them out on IMDB.com.

Dustin Lance Black was recognized with an Oscar for his work on “Milk”, but soon after his reputation fell victim to scandal when sexual pictures were posted online. Hot Mess Parez Hilton was apparently responsible for breaking the story, but frankly I can’t imagine Dustin could be bothered. In 2010, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Trevor Project, a national crisis and suicide prevention organization helping Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning young people who are facing familial rejection or considering suicide.

On The Bus’ original intention was to be a fun-loving, rambunctious, half-hour Internet program about a group of young, gay men on a bus trip from Los Angeles to Burning Man, a festival of radical self expression in the Nevada desert. [more]

Update 1/11: I cannot find this anywhere. It exists on amazon.com for 60$ in VHS. Netflix lists it, but not available for viewing. (sad face now) … I want to see this.

Burner Relationships

In previous visits to the playa many of my lucky fellow burners have had the pleasure of playa-romances. Some are famous and some are discreet, but for the lucky ones who have romance that extend beyond the Black Rock it’s a magic unlike any other.

Other people I know, myself included, have become so smitten with the idea of a burner-lover/best-friend/etceteras have found networks to extend the search into the Mundane World. Sites like Burning-Singles.Com as well as various networks on Tribe.Net wantonly draw in people seeking other burners to partner with. [more]

What the F*ck???????

Did that get your attention? I am all about the community as a whole and how we can all play together. I think I have made that abundantly clear on previous posts. I want to feature stuff for the boys, girls and all the lines in between. I’d like everyone to feel like they are a part of this.

Having said that, I am having the hardest time finding pictures, video and other items to feature on the other side of the LGBT troops! There is a ton of video, pics and stories about the guys, but I want more resources on girls… please hit me up with your suggestions scott@art23design.com.

Do you remember when…?

Awesome video above with at least a couple members including our own Juju, The Fishmonkey… he he he! The music is awesome and the scenes are really cool.

Well, Decompressions are starting really soon and it will give us all that chance to shake the last bit of dust out of our ears where playa demons are still making us loopy and disconnected. Who wants to be anchored in the real world anyway. There is not official list of Decoms, unlike Precom’s, so I will make an effort to list them in the Events Page this week.

Share your story!

I have added two pages asking the community for feedback… basically adding your story to the topic. Remember “Coffee Talk with Linda Richman“? Well Imagine Linda just told you a story about her kenectakazoink and needs a moment.

• Queer Tails of the Playa
• Recovery? How’s it going?

United: WE …are a community. We …are a culture. WE …subscribe to some great principles. WE …are stronger when we stand together holding hands and looking forward.

“RITES OF PASSAGE”

Burning Man officially announces new theme for 2011: RITES OF PASSAGE. What does this translate to you?

Metropolis is Burned

So much effort, love, commitment and passion goes into something so short. On Sunday, with a heavy heart, we began breaking down my theme camp and for 6 hours (off and on) I could not stop sobbing. I was so mad at myself for letting my feelings become so out of control. So, I went to be alone sitting in the shadow of my art project. The wind was howling and white conditions came and went, but I finally reconciled where I was.

Many of us alternative LGBT/+ burners came together and it was amazing. I sincerely look forward to members sharing their adventures and pictures on the site as soon as possible. Next year’s theme has the possibility to offer us a remarkable expression of art.

It will burn as gloriously as the Temple of Flux or reign with the majesty of Bliss Dance.

Please continue to come to GayBurners.Com and share it once in a while with a friend as we continue to grow through the year.