Queer as Death Cafe @Black Spark

What's a Death Cafe?
This is a group-directed discussion around death and dying, where we can bring our questions and share our experiences. Just so you know, this is not a grief or peer support group and we aren't counsellors.  Our objective is 'to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives'. 

these are always offered:

• On a not-for-profit basis
• In an accessible, respectful and confidential space
• With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action

Queers only?  

Allies are welcome with the understanding we are by and for intersectional communities - LGBTIQA+, First Nations, culturally diverse and those who experience disability.  Through our events, we seek to identify any unmet needs within our community to direct our advocacy and education work. 

How we roll:

• Meet and greet
• 5min Meditation (participation optional)
• Introduction and conversation guides
• Break into smaller groups for yarning circles, starting with a self-introduction about why you're there.
• Half time break
• Return to or swap yarning circles 
• Regroupe, share what you learnt
• Finish 

Is this free?

Yes, This event will be hosted at Black Spark a community-owned and operated space.  Donations are not required but always welcome to ensure the doors can stay open DONATE NOW

Keeping yourself safe 

Our facilitators will introduce themselves at the start of the sharing circle, ie name, pronouns, why they are there and ask you to do the same.  DON'T share anything if it feels uncomfortable for you, such as age, sexuality, job, where you live, spiritual beliefs etc.  

If you need spaces to specifically talk about your mental health, suicidal ideation or self-harm  please see our list of resources

What do we talk about?
Whatever you bring to the group! It's pretty vast here's some things we've spoken about in the past

• Overcoming fears / living in acceptance of our death and the death of others
• Protecting your identity and gender after death.
• Do I really have to write a dam will! or Advanced care directive? Spoiler alert YES
• Cultural differences in death practices and experiences
• Near Death Experiences 
  
• Navigating our grief, queer grief and disenfranchised grief
• Fantasising on the perfect farewell party. 
• General bagging out of the patriarchy and the joy of watching its eventual death.

Diversity and equality in our conversations is key for these discussions. 

Learn more about your hosts here