Join me for a collective reading of Audre Lorde's Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power to celebrate the publishing of this timely piece.About this Event
“We have been raised to fear the yes within ourselves, our deepest cravings. For the demands of our released expectations lead us inevitably into actions which will help bring our lives into accordance with our needs, our knowledge, our desires. And the fear of our deepest cravings keeps them suspect, keeps us docile and loyal and obedient, and leads us to settle for or accept many facets of our oppression as women.” - Audre Lorde
Did someone say ENCORE? This past Friday proved to be another powerful iteration of Expand the Erotic. It almost didn't happen. However, a path was made and it was such a privilege to hold and create such a sacred space yet again. What was shared and the feedback I received went beyond my expectations. So much so, I have to honor what has come up for those who on August 25th and those who could not. I am excited to facilitate an encore tribute of this piece and to be in communion with folks again. This is a special session is special because we will meet in-person for the first time.
Audre Lorde was a feminist, womanist, activist, mother and writer. Her work Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power was published 45 years ago on August 25, 1978. Whether you are an avid fan of hers or new to her prolific writing, there is no denying she's a master at crafting evocative poetry and prose that gets straight to the heart of the matter. In this piece, Audre offers a comprehensive analysis of erotic power of women and why it is so often limited, constrained, labeled, put in a box, left to gather dust.
More than two years since I've read this text for the first time, I find that is continues to do what needs to be done. It is an honor to offer this communal reading for the third year in a row. As a reflect, I notice that I am in a different circumstance each time and I am open to see what get revealed in this time of transition. Our opportunity to shift is still very much present and at our fingertips. I invite you to join me, your agent provocateur for the evening, as we honor and collectively read Audre’s profound piece, share our thoughts around the impact of this literary work, and begin to shift together.
This event is OPEN to ALL with Limited Capacity to create an intimate environment. A copy of the reading will be provided upon registration. The Zoom meeting link will be provided on the date of the event. The event will be recorded. For those who don’t want to be seen, change your profile picture to your favorite image of Audre Lorde. You don't want to hesitate because this event has SOLD OUT before.
Looking forward to Expanding the Erotic with all of you.
Sincerely,
tasha
If you are interested in reading and you are a woman (cis/trans/femme-presenting), send me a note and I will add you to the list.
Testimonials:
"Thank you. I am so full and held. I really needed that. Afterwards, I watched a documentary about Audre Lorde and it was really a very spiritual experience. Thank you so much for making that space and for letting me breathe in it."
"I hope many come to join this conversation because it is beyond necessary. Not in the traditional or stereotypical women's history or sexual history sense, but in the to grow as a well-rounded person sense. Love and understanding for yourself and others on a deeper level."
"Tasha is an amazing facilitator. The words of Audre Lorde and the experiences of the group really made this an exceptional event. This was my first time reading this piece and I’m happy I was able to have a group to dig deeper with. Kudos to everyone who participated and extra kudos to my girl Tasha!"
About me:
Tasha Dougé is a Bronx-based, Haitian-infused artist, artivist and cultural vigilante. Her body of work activates conversations around women empowerment, health advocacy, sexual education/sexuality, societal "norms," identity and Black community pride. Through conceptual art, teaching, and performance, Dougé devotedly strives to empower and to forge broad understanding of the contributions of Black people, declaring that her "voice is the first tool within my art arsenal."
Event Venue
Heyground Harlem by Communitas, 461 West 126th Street, New York, United States
Tickets
USD 20.00