Re: [ECD] Barn Dance for LGBTI Community

Hi Chris, I would use terms like Larks & Ravens for those on the Left & Right of a couple facing the stage in a Proper formation. But I would also explain that these are historical dances designed for men and women, with the men on the left so that they can draw their sword easily, and apologise that if I say "men" or "women" by accident (since it is engrained in my calling) that I don't mean any disrespect, and that it is only a convenient name for the role, and nothing to do with their plumbing. You could mention that the MWSD LGBT community uses "boy" for the one on the left and "girl" for the one on the right and that everyone accepts it since that is how the moves are called. The idea is to enjoy the dancing, not get hung up on the use of labels to simplify the calling. You can go one step further and not ask people to find partners, just line up in two lines and take hands with the person opposite, starting at the top - that is your partner for this dance. This works even for a circle; you just get them to promenade from the line into a circle.             Happy dancing,                    John John Sweeney, Dancer, England   john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 & 07802 940 574 http://www.modernjive.com for Modern Jive Events & DVDs http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent -----Original Message----- From: ECD <ecd-bounces(a)bacds.org> On Behalf Of Chris J Brady via ECD Sent: 09 August 2018 22:28 To: English Country Dance <ecd(a)bacds.org>rg>; Trad-Dance-Callers <trad-dance-callers(a)yahoogroups.com> Subject: [ECD] Barn Dance for LGBTI Community We have been offered a Barn Dance / ONS gig for a somewhat large LGBTI community in the UK. This will be at a Queer Festival. However we are well aware of the issues of the use or misuse of pronouns especially for those folk undergoing transition. What terminologies do folks here advise? Participants would be non-binary genders. Partners could be the same gender or of a different gender. The concept of 'male' or 'female' would not apply; and certainly not the terms 'men' and 'women.' Thanks - CJB . _______________________________________________ ECD mailing list ECD(a)bacds.org http://www.bacds.org/mailman/listinfo/ecd