Art by Maria Asselin-Roy will be on display during the daytime event.
By Kendall Yan
Intersect is a dance party, an art show, and an afternoon of panel discussions that is queer women of colour/ femme-led. The event aims to raise awareness and create action that dismantles structures that lead to violence against women. By creating an arts-forward, inclusive and informative event in a social environment that puts the safety of all their attendees first, Intersect advocates reclaiming the music and arts scene in Vancouver with community empowerment through education and entertainment.
In the recent weeks many women have come forward with stories of sexual abuse within the nightlife scene and the #metoo campaign has shed on institutionalized violence against women. With Intersect and other events, queer femme organizers in the city are rallying to create social change by creating spaces that challenge patriarchal structures.
The night is presented by Good Night Out Vancouver (GNO), an international initiative dedicated to eradicating harassment in nightlife economies and Vancouver Art and Leisure (VAL), an artist-run nightlife collective devoted to programming the arts in unconventional spaces.
Xtine will be DJing at the main event | Image via Facebook
The all-day event begins with an afternoon symposium from 3pm-7pm, which is for all ages, all genders, and all gender expressions. Entrance is by donation with proceeds going to Women Against Violence Against Women, and GNO Vancouver. Programming will feature spoken word, singer songwriters Urisdae and Giorgi Protchard, a consent workshop presented by GNO, and a panel discussion on the reclamation of spaces from systemic patriarchal violence moderated by Chico Mendez of Dope Haus; Brit Bachmann, editor-in-chief of Discorder Magazine; Stacey Forrester of GNO Vancouver; Dorothy Joyce and Travis Clifford of VAL.
The daytime event will also feature a photo exhibition by Maria Asselin-Roy, puppy therapy provided by PADS, and a projection entitled, “Dear Survivor”.
The main event at the Villa runs from 11pm-4am, 19+ for all genders and gender expressions who want to rave and heal in a safe night life space. Advance tickets are $15, and $20 at the door with reserved tickets for those with financial barriers (contact VAL for access and arrangement). Art installations will be projected throughout the venue. Dance performances and entertainment presented by VAL curator Mama Bruha and friends, with DJs Xtine, Innezz, Handsome Tiger, and Sinerise. In addition, a healing ceremony will be held dedicated to the healing of all women affected by violence.
What: Good Night Out Vancouver and Vancouver Art and Leisure present Intersect at the Villa
When: 25th November, 2017 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). Daytime symposium: 3pm-7pm. Dance party: 11pm-4am
Where: VAL at the Villa, 494 Railway
Why: To raise awareness and to create action that dismantles violence against women by honouring safe spaces and the fight for equality. Features an all ages consent workshops, a panel discussion, and arts during the day, and installations, dance and DJ performances, and a healing ceremony at night.
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