Poly Pride Weekend: Picnic + Rally October 4, 2008

This is the main event, and the one that started Poly Pride Day! Gather for a pot luck at noon, or bring your own picnic lunches and blankets throughout the day. Catch up on the latest humor, research, law, press, literature and music relevant to the growing polyamorous movement - in New York City, and around the nation. Friends, family, poly-curious, and poly-friendly are all welcome at this truly special, unique event.

Mistress of Ceremonies: Hedda Lettuce - We are thrilled to have the amazing Hedda Lettuce as MC this year. Described by The Advocate as "the Best and Brightest" and "the best drag queen I have ever seen" by Ross Bleckner, she is a six-time HX drag queen of the year award winner. With her amazing ability to liven up every room she enters, she is sure to make the entire day unforgettable.

Keynote speaker: Tristan Taormino - Tristan's long resume includes her syndicated column, "Pucker Up" for the Village Voice, numerous books including The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women and Best Lesbian Erotica, and her own film production company Smart Ass Productions. Her most recent book, Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships helps readers to understand many of the relationship possibilities beyond monogamy. The book dispels some of the myths about open relationships and outlines several different styles of open relationships.

Featured performer: Houston Bernard - Houston Bernard is unique in the nightlife scene. His videos have been featured on Logo and his albums have won critical acclaim, but he's also a human rights activist touring the world promoting free speech. Houston's career has a wide range of music styles from outrageously lewd to soulful and heartfelt. His most recent incarnation is more inspirational than sexual, but he's always sexy and always a superstar. His headliner performance at the rally this year will be a perfect addition to the uplifting feeling of the day.

Additional Performers

SPEAKERS:
Diana Adams, Poly lawyer, and Vice President of PolyamorousNYC
Marcia Baczynski, co-founder of Cuddle Party
Julio Cortes
Cunning Minx of Poly Weekly podcast
Anton Diaz, Sexy Spirits
Chuy Garcia, of Loving More Magazine
Jaime Grant, Director of the Policy Institute at the Task Force, the country's premier LGBT think tank
Ken Haslam, Kinsey Institute
Carol Morotti-Meeker, The Institute for 21st Century Relationships
Reid Mihalko, co-founder of Cuddle Party
Morpheus
LiYanna Silver, relationship coach
Robyn Trask, of Loving More Magazine
Anita Wagner
Nan Wise, relationship advisor

AUTHORS:
Serena Anderlini, Eros: A Journey of Multiple Loves
Peter Benson, The Polyamory Handbook
Jenny Block, Open: Love, Sex and Life in an Open Marriage
Leanna Wolfe, professor of Anthropology and Sexology

ENTERTAINERS:
Demi Davis, pop/rock singer
Kelli Dunham, comedianne
Josh Filipowski, comedian
Sarah Freeman of the Gyronauts, hula dance
The Glamazons, singing group
Zack Hagan + 1050, live electronica
Naked Highway, pop band
Selena Mars, pop singer
Ryan Mintz, folk
Pixie Harlots, cross-dressing dance troupe
Raven Schecter Trio
Robine Renee
Sean, Neo-soul / Glam / Visual

Directions and what to bring:

How to get there:

Great Hill, Central Park, New York City
Enter from Central Park West at 106th Street

Take the B or C subway line to the 103rd street stop and walk up 3 blocks to 'Strangers Gate'. Once there, walk up the stone steps. At the top, you will come to a clearing. The stage will be at the far side of the field.

If you are coming from outside the city, we recommend driving to a subway or train station away from the site instead of driving directly to the site. Parking is standard city parking.

What to bring: A blanket, a picnic basket full of food and drink (non-alcoholic), friends, family, poly poetry, a positive attitude and a desire to have a good time.

Official Website: http://www.poly-nyc.com/priderally08/index.html