This coming Sunday, April 29th, at 4pm we'll have our 2nd
genderqueer circle! It'll be hosted by Lou in Andersonville; email gendqueerchicago@gmail.com
for address and directions. Circles are best when smaller, so we'll cap
it after the first 7 people respond. And please be on time, as we can't
start until everyone arrives.
Here's a little more info on our facilitator and circles:
Lou was trained as a circle keeper by Community Justice for Youth Institute (
www.cjyi.org) and has been doing
circles for about 4 years. Circles can be used for restorative justice,
conflict resolution, healing, celebration, and just about anything that brings
people together in an honest and meaningful way. The emphasis for these genderqueer
circles will be on personal healing and meaningful sharing.
The main difference between a common conversation and a circle is that circles
have a bit more structure. There's a talking piece that signifies whoever
has it can talk or be silent or pass, and that when you don't have it you can
listen. It allows for deeper communication because you can listen without
worrying about what you'll say next and speak without worrying if someone will
interrupt you. There's an opening and closing round to establish confidentiality
and the circle decides when it's done, though they generally last about 3
hours. There is no therapist or outside person present, and these
genderqueer circles will only be open to folks through Genderqueer
Chicago. Please come and enjoy!