By Sanjeev Surati. This brief workshop will take place immediately after the therapy session and will show some different meditation and breathing techniques for maintaining focus and calm as follows: Standing Practice/Posing - Tai Chi, Box Breathing - Pranayama, Protection Mudra - Min Zin.

About the instructor: Sanj (he/him) was born in Seattle, WA in 1966 and has been a practicing martial artist since 1985. He holds a 7’th Dan black belt under GM Dennis Nackord (10’th dan, founder Nackord Karate System), a 2’nd Dan black belt under GM Mike Shintaku (9’th Dan, president, World Tang Soo Do Union) and studies Tai Chi under Situ Viola Brumbaugh. He was a competitive martial artist in late 80’s/early 90’s in both fighting and katas and has competed around the US. These days he has become very interested in internal martial arts training and is working on a book on anger & stress management as told from the perspective of a neurodivergent martial artist. He’s also fronted a punk band, been involved in film and theater and is a fabulous cook.

Coffee Readings with Anahit Cass.

Conversation about Anahit's new book on SWANA dreaming with a coffee reading, as the reading is an interactive performance centering futurism and indigenous divination practice.

Samidoun NY/NJ Palestine will give a presentation on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the Palestinian and regional resistance to Zionism, imperialism and reactionary regimes

How to Choose a Therapist: Answering Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

Instructor: Kamyar Jarahzadeh
Workshop length: 15 minutes

Kamyar Jarahzadeh, MSc ASW will be presenting some frequently asked questions (and their answers!) about therapy and mental health. He will be exploring topics relevant to the SWANA community and its intersections, ranging from polyamory to trauma informed therapy. Citing some actual research and guidance on the topics, he will explore questions like: How do I choose a therapist? How much should I like talking to my therapist? How do I find a therapist who affirms my lifestyle? Bring questions to submit to a brief Q&A at the end!

Bootblacking 101 w/ Apollo
Workshop length 1 hour

Bootblacking 101 workshop (age restricted 18+) will be presented by first SWANA bootblack titleholder Apollo (southeast bootblack 2022-2023).

The Leather community and its history is often glossed over, but it has an important place in LGBTQ+ history and culture that could be of value for anyone interested to learn. A ‘Bootblack’ is a niche role within the Leather community dedicated to tending to the leather we wear itself — but it can be so much more than that. This workshop is catered to those who are new, inexperienced and curious but all are welcome.

We’ll go over community history, the art and passion of bootblacking, how to build a starter leather care kit, and a live demo for visual or hands-on learners. We’ll discuss what it means to be a Bootblack, and hopefully have insightful and engaging conversations about the SWANA experience within Leather and kink. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own leathers (if it’s leather, it counts! doesn’t have to be boots) and to bring any and all questions you may have.

Workshop Instructors: Kamelya Omayma Youssef and Levon Kafafian

Workshop length: 1 hour

A generative writing session towards collectively imagined futures framed by the values of community, care, and play; as in, the expansive possibilities of HBBX, let us imagine them together.

A short, informal creative writing session treating handwoven fabrics as portals to other places in space, time and beyond.