Politics in Love, Sex & Relationships (PILSAR) – open discussion + organising

This month, we thought we’d repeat the format of an open discussion. This would be a less structured discussion, and we encourage anyone to suggest things you’d like to speak about either before the meeting or on the day. If there are any articles or other resources which you’d like to share for discussion, please feel free!

Whilst the topic of this session is less focused around a particular issue, we’d still like to keep in place the structure of timings which I think worked well last session.

Towards the end of the meeting, we’d also like to have a brief discussion about the organisation of PILSAR – how this might be done moving forward, who might want to be involved etc.

This could be a time to raise any thoughts, issues, suggestions or questions about the way in which PILSAR operates – you could either raise these on the day, post on the event, message me beforehand or send to pilsargroup@gmail.com

In advance of the session, we ask that you familiarise yourself with the PILSAR safer spaces policy, which can be found here:http://ow.ly/VcpE304lSIe (Google Doc). Paper copies will be available in the session, and we’ll talk it through before the meeting.

Accessibility information for Common House may be found here:http://ow.ly/8yXe304lSAp (Facebook note). If you have any questions about access to this session, or any specific requirements, please email pilsargroup@gmail.com.

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