Proposal for 9ICB

[danaeris]

OK, so we're drafting this. I think the panel descriptions and titles are ok, but input on them is welcome. We're happy with rbowspryte's bio, but again, input welcome. But I'm having a lot of trouble with MY bio, and could REALLY use input on content that should be included, and even wording. Hell, rewrite the whole thing if you don't mind helping me out.

Other people's workshop descriptions:
http://www.9icb.org/workshops.shtml

Other people's bios:
http://www.9icb.org/presenters.shtml

Panel 1:
Gender and Sexuality Science in Society

Science is often regarded with suspicion when it focuses on gender or
sexuality. The reasons for this are varied. This panel will examine the
scientific process, how scientists interact with the media, how the media
functions, and how all this impacts our legal rights and place in society. Particular attention will be given to trans and gender issues such as the acquisition of hormones.
Panelists: Danaeris, Rbowspryte

Panel 2:
Where are we now? A look at the state of gender and sexuality science

We can speculate endlessly about why we are the way we are, but the only
way to know for sure is to go find out. Science is working on these
questions, but we're still far from the answers. This presentation will
take a look at what scientists have learned since the serious scientific
study of gender and sexuality began. Presenters will provide a hand out with links to papers and studies being discussed.
Panelists: Danaeris, Rbowspryte

rbowspryte is an artist and library worker who has been active in the bisexual, polyamorous, trans and pagan communities for over five years. She has been instrumental in recent efforts to foster poly community in the Toronto area, and is an avid supporter of the right to fluid gender. Rbowspryte firmly believes in the importance of science, kittens, and hot wings.

danaeris is a science and technology journalist with a degree in physics from MIT -- which sadly has nothing to do with her panels this weekend. In 2005 she co-founded a weekly polyamory social, and has been deeply involved in the local poly community ever since. She has also been an active part of the bisexual, poly, pagan, kink and geek communities in Boston, San Francisco, and now Toronto.

Comments

[mycrazyhair.livejournal.com]

The way you've phrased your bio, saying you've been involved in the local poly community ever since 2005, sounds a bit odd. You might want to put another date in there, to indicate how long you've been involved in non-local communities, or else rephrase the sentence about founding the local poly social.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the pointer. Apparently, a number of people agree with you. :)

[metalana.livejournal.com]

They're good as is!

But if you want to do any tweaking, you could:
- make the panel descriptions a little more specific (e.g. give an example issue/conclusion in this area of science);
- differentiate the panels more, perhaps by making their titles more specific.

I'm also concerned that "gender and sexuality" is a pretty big topic field. You could make one of the panels (perhaps #2) about a narrower slice of that field.

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, with the abrogated science track we have, we're left with only the remaining option of doing survey panels like this. Ideally, this would have been many panels:
Science and the media in bisexual communities
Science and bisexual rights
Science of gender
Science of orientation
Science of love
Science of sexuality

But, that's not an option. :(

[foms.livejournal.com]

I agree with Mycrazyhair that the ever-since-2005 part feels peculiar. Also, has been and now doesn't go down well.

How about reversing the order ot the sentences and transplanting Toronto?

She has been an active part of the bisexual, poly, pagan, kink and geek communities in Boston and San Francisco. A recent arrival in Toronto, in 2005 she co-founded a weekly polyamory social, and has been deeply involved in the local poly community ever since.
Now, you can add an elapsed time to the first sentence to inform and lend a senseof longevity, leave it as is, or fiddle it another way.

[tocityguy.livejournal.com]

Actually, I like this suggestion. It makes it sound like you're more experienced than the original - all though, logically, they are the same.

(Funny how just changing the order of a sentence can do that sort of thing.)

[danaeris.livejournal.com]

Thanks foms and tocityguy; I think you're both right. Advice duly noted and soon to be applied!

[polywolf.livejournal.com]

On a funny note i could add things to both your bio's but i don't think it would be things that you could put in a published document. hehehehehe

You should draw on opinions/input from people you guys both know who may be interested in helping/giving advice and scientific input.