Politics in Love, Sex & Relationships (PILSAR): Emotional labour

Last session we were discussing emotional labour, mental health, and holding space – and it seems like we still have a lot to talk about.

Here’s the blurb from the previous meeting:

Emotional labour seems to be the thing that everyone talks about right now. Of course, it is relevant that we try to share the burden of doing this labour, and educate ourselves on what it is. But it takes on a more complicated meaning when combined with MH issues, which most people in the queer community suffer from to different extents. In this session, we will try to address all of these issues to see how we can help each other.

Please send any questions, issues or similar that you would like to bring up at the session to pilsargroup@gmail.com or post them in the PILSAR emotional labour metafilter googledoc: /docs.google.com/document/d/1Xe6lLvmaHUqfKIHB4PqBIrmMTsq_dq6vgG8vrzIQ9R4/edit?usp=sharing

Some of the questions we will discuss are:

-What is emotional labour and what are the different variations of it?
-What is “holding space”?
-How do we make sure that the burden is shared somehow equally in our relationships?
-How does this fit in queer and non-monogamous relationships?
-How can we balance emotional labour when one or several people who are involved in any type of constellation have MH issues?
-How do we also balance “holding space” for people and sharing emotional labour somehow equally?

Hope to see you there!
♥ ♥

____________________________________

PILSAR is a monthly discussion, peer support, and solidarity group (usually last Sunday of each month) concentrating on thinking and practicing relationships “differently” (that usually means we talk a lot about relationship anarchy, ethical non-monogamy, relationships that don’t conform to the “relationship escalator” idea or other ideas promoted by the capitalist heteropatriarchy.)

The purpose of the group is to discuss issues and learn from each other on a more general level (sometimes with the help of lighter reading material, such as short articles and blog pieces), and also peer support and solidarity – so not just theoretical abstract discussions! Our feeling was that for a lot of people doing relationships differently can be quite difficult, with little support and guidance in people around you and in the media, and so it would be great if we could provide this for each other. After each meeting, we will aim to also go to the pub together for a chance to get to know each other more.

Everyone is welcome to attend. We strive to make this group a safer space for people who are often excluded and marginalised in public spaces and groups. Please read our Safer Spaces Agreement before attending. Common House is accessible by wheelchair (ground level, no steps inside when using the second entrance – let us know if you need the details!), but unfortunately the toilet is not – bear with us while we try to find an accessible toilet in the nearby area. Do let us know if you have other needs either in advance or on the day and we will try to sort something out!

Do let us know if you want to suggest discussion topics, hold a workshop, do an exercise, do a performance or anything else on the subject of doing relationships “differently”.

The meetings are free, but if attendees and supporters wish to contribute donations they can do so at the meeting or online (if you choose the option “family and friends” no fees apply). All funds will be used towards our Common House rent, thank you!

For more information please join our Facebook group or email us at pilsargroup@gmail.com

Name of contact person:
Marta Owczarek

Contact phone number:
07506585722