Polyamorous NYC, America’s only organization designed specifically for LGBT people in long-term, romantically-committed, multiple-partner relationships, will hold its tenth annual Poly Pride Weekend in Manhattan from October 8 to 10, 2010. The weekend kicks off with a Super Massive Cuddle Party at the LGBT Community Center on Friday, followed by a Central Park Rally and Infinity Party on Saturday, and a first-time-ever Conference back at the Center on Sunday.
Polyamorous NYC is a diverse group of individuals, couples, and multi-partner-relationshipped people, brought together by their collective interest in committed romantic bonds shared by than two people. Several “poly” groups exist around the country, but Polyamorous NYC is the only one geared toward gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people.
Friday’s Super Massive Cuddle Party gets the 2010 Poly Pride weekend swinging. Held in Room 101 of the LGBT Community Center, it’s the largest cuddle party in the world. For the uninitiated, cuddle parties are playful and fun but structured and safe (and drug- and alcohol-free) workshops exploring boundaries, communication, intimacy and affection. Ultimately, they’re relaxing laboratories where participants can experiment with what makes them feel safe and good. All genders are welcome at the Super Massive Cuddle Party, as are both the polyamorous and their supporters.
Saturday’s Central Park Rally is the event that kicked off the first ever Poly Pride Day a decade ago. Past Poly Pride Rallies MC’s have included NYC drag icons Murray Hill and Hedda Lettuce. This year’s MC is comedian, author, and ex-nun Kelli Dunham, co-founder of Queer Memoir. Jaime Grant, Director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, will make this year’s keynote speech. Other scheduled speakers and performers for 2010 include Ignacio Rivera, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom’s Susan Wright, Sarah Sloane, Charlie Vazquez, Jen Urban & The Box, Athena Reich, JD Leggett and the Boys of BEARlesque, N'Harmonics, Will Stratton, Skeleton Head, and Matthew Longo.
Following the Central Park Rally, Rush nightclub will host the Infinity after party from 9pm to 1am.
For the first time ever, this year’s Poly Pride Weekend will also feature a Sunday Conference on Community Organizing at the LGBT Community Center. Planned sessions include What's In A Name?, Desire Mapping, Queer Sexual Liberation, Polyamorous People of Color, The Basics of Non-Profit Fiscal Management, and Poly Media Training.
All weekend passes: $45
Super Massive Cuddle Party
When: Friday, October 8, 2010, 6:30pm-10pm
Where: LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street, Room 101
Admission (18 and over only): Singles $20 in advance, $30 at the door; couples $37 in advance, $55 at the door; triads $51 in advance, $75 at the door; quads $62 in advance, $90 at the door
Central Park Rally
When: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 12pm-6pm
Where: Great Hill, Central Park (enter from Central Park West at 106th Street)
Admission: Free
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”
Infinity After Party
When: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 9pm-1am
Where: Club Rush, 579 Sixth Avenue
Admission (18 and over only): Singles $15 in advance, $20 at the door; couples $27 in advance, $38 at the door; triads $36 in advance, $54 at the door; quads $40 in advance, $64 at the door
Conference on Community Organizing
When: Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12pm-6pm
Where: LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street
Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door