Session 5(October 2013)

This summary encapsulates the essence of the recording titled "Session 5- Beyond conference," which took place at Wellington High School on October 12, 2013. The audio details an event focused on the theme "Invisible sexualities within queer communities," primarily unfolding during the 2010s. The session featured two speakers, Chris Coles and Sandra Dickson, who discussed the complexities of asexuality and bisexuality, respectively, within the queer community.

The session commenced with an introduction to the speakers and their backgrounds. One speaker was engaged in a polyamorous relationship, which led to highlighting legal and social invisibility issues faced by individuals in non-traditional relationships, such as complications with next-of-kin arrangements and public acknowledgement. The emotional challenges and societal acceptance were also mentioned.

The discussion then shifted to an exploration of asexuality by founder member of Asexuality Aotearoa New Zealand, which was established to bring visibility and understanding of asexuality to the forefront. There was a critical look at how asexuality is often dismissed or misunderstood as a myriad of other issues, and the collective struggle for recognition within the larger LGBT community.

Sandra Dickson, another speaker at the event, concentrated on biphobia and bi invisibility, its impact on individuals, and the stereotypes that persist around bisexuality. Dickson addressed the importance of recognizing and discussing biphobia alongside other forms of queer oppression such as homophobia and transphobia. The talk also delved into the various definitions of bisexuality and the significance of acknowledging the fluidity of sexual attraction over time.

Dickson noted several research findings indicating that bisexual individuals face a higher likelihood of health issues, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence compared to their heterosexual and homosexual counterparts. The speaker emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces and respectful dialogues around bisexuality within queer spaces.

Chris Coles, meanwhile, spoke from an asexual perspective, explaining asexuality as a lack of sexual attraction and noting the existence of romantic orientations within the asexual community. Coles shared personal experiences regarding the frequent disbelief and misunderstandings encountered when discussing asexuality. Coles also highlighted difficulties in finding acceptance within the queer community, as asexuality was sometimes seen as a threat or a means of masking other issues.

In the question-and-answer session that followed, attendees raised concerns about their own experiences with visibility and acceptance of diverse sexual identities. They touched upon the challenges of navigating relationships when partners have different perspectives on issues like bisexuality, romantic relationships, and sexual expression.

The recording ends with an open floor for questions where individuals expressed difficulties and sought advice on how to navigate and communicate their identities safely amidst various levels of acceptance and understanding within and outside the queer community.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Chris Coles Sandra Dickson

2010s, aotearoa new zealand, asexual, asexuality aotearoa new zealand, beyond conference (2013), biphobia, bisexual, chris coles, coming out, fluidity, google.com, guardian of the dead (2010), health, hiv / aids, identity, internet, invisibility, june jordan, labels, media, next-of-kin, oppression, out in the square (wellington), polyamory, relationships, research, robyn ochs, sandra dickson, stereotypes, the queer avengers (wellington), validation, vikram seth, wellington, wellington high school

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