INSIDE REPORT "Camp Trans"

Report from Camp Trans - Hart, Michigan August 9-11, 2001
by Scott Free
OutVoice
August 20, 2001

Camp Trans is a protest campsight set up right next to the entrance of
the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival in Hart, Michigan. Camp Trans is
protesting MWMF's womyn-born-womyn admission policy. I was invited to
play by the group Trans Action, based in Chicago. Most of the
attendees of Camp Trans were what is affectionately called
Genderqueers - most attending were born female/identify male, and most
were under 21 years old. This, combined with the Lesbian Avengers of
Boston, gave an energy to the campsite that was undeniable. Although
it was my first visit, I deciphered that Camp Trans has evolved
greatly. There were two days of workshops, drag shows, live music and
a candlelight vigil for victims of anti-trans violence.

I have to admit, it was also a thrill for me to see the entrance sign
of the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. This is the longest running,
and most successful, (primarily) queer music event in America. It's an
amazing achievement and I am envious that MWMF has brought so much
music to so many queer folks over the years, even though it is not an
inclusive event.

Although it might not be the intention of its founder, Camp Trans
could very well become an alternative music festival instead of a
protest of MWMF - which is what I would hope to see. There were very
often folks slipping between the two campsites, based on what workshop
or performance was going on. The night I performed was not as well
attended as the previous evening - we were up against Amy Ray &
the Butchies at MWMF - but the performers (myself, Emily White and
Jordon) had a great time, as did the enthusiastic audience.

The future of Camp Trans, may be as an open-space (and less expensive)
musical alternative. This would be a wonderful way to ease tensions,
keep the safe-space coveted by so many of the attendees of MWMF, and
provide a space that is completely inclusive. The future is now.

www.camptrans.com