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 .
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