Sometimes, I am loading my Honda with mics and guitars and the occasional samurai sword and heels, and makeup–and I am just thinking–why on earth do I do this? And more importantly–is there a better way to do this? Not everyone performs or wants to perform. Or write. Or play music. During those days when I am up at 4 am trying to get to the Raleigh airport, I can really understand not wanting the hassle. But I do it because that is what I do. I am a writer, and I want to perform and publish and develop and improve. The HQOM is for everyone who feels this way, who can’t live without a guitar, or a pen, or a stage. If you have ever stayed home to finish your poem or song while your friends went to the movies or to a bar, this is the place for you. Here’s to better, more informed, connected and prepared queer artists! Much love,
Ryka
My students! After only a year, I’m so proud of them! We are now working with LifeWorks Mentoring at the Village at Ed Gould Plaza (the LA Gay Lesbian Center). Supernova Martial Arts (our program), is the only program I know of in the area that focuses on teaching LGBT youth. The staff is entirely volunteer, and LifeWorks provides basic equipment, so the students pay nothing. All we ask is they show up with a commitment to helping themselves and others. Yay!
Loading the Honda…
HQOM Friday, May 27 signup 7pm or thereabouts!
Time Her work is at www.kaybarrett.netGosh, April was fun! It’s good to be back working together. This month, we have a very special guest. The amazing Kay Barrett joins us from the East Coast to work and share with us!
Friday, May 27 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location
Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (BHS)
6838 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
LifeWorks/Triangle Los Angeles! :)
I am now working with LifeWorks and Triangle Martial Arts. Sensei Parnell Marcano and I are holding classes for LifeWorks youth and staff on Fridays and (starting Jan 2011) Saturdays. We are combining judo and tae kwon do (with a little ninjutsu, care of Sensei Jonathan Retamoza-Davila)
As part of this whole process, I finally had my ranking re-evaluated, and have accepted promotion to fifth-degree black belt. I’m officially “Master Ryka Aoki,” and serve as the International Technical Director for Triangle Judo. I am creating a curriculum where out queer youth can learn judo, even if they feel uncomfortable within traditional judo organizations. It’s neat to finally be acknowledged as a master, but it is a profound responsibility. Judo should be for everyone, and that includes LGBTIQQ family.
Wish me luck!
:)
Ryka
WAWA is better than 7-11.
Wawa is better than 7-11. It’s like a cross between a truck stop and a non-Asian Famima. Their mugs are wonderful, too.
Trans-Genre
AJ Bryce in North Carolina! :)
The Nines in Ithaca
The Nines Pizza is my favorite!
Triangle Martial Arts
I am working with Triangle Martial Arts! :) Yay! I am in the middle of starting a Los Angeles branch, so stay tuned for details. I’ll be an instructor, as will my most excellent friend Parnell Damone. I can’t wait to work my black belt again… We will be teaching judo, tae kwon do, and a bunch of practical stuff, too.
PS—I am also working with a very small group of students teaching self defense. Email me if interested, but it is a very small group, with priority given to trans-identified people. ;)
Office Hours: Transgender Educational Support
Office Hours: Transgender Educational Support is a free service offered by trans-identified college and university instructors for trans adults pursuing higher education.
This is the educational project I have been wanting to do for years. Talia Bettcher, Aakash Kishore, Kalil Cohen and I are donating time to help trans-identified college students improve their study skills. This is FREE of charge! :) Yay!!!!!!
Trans/Giving
Although I am not really terribly involved in the day-to-day right now, Trans/Giving is my baby and I am so proud of the work it continues to do! :)
“Trans/Giving is a unique, award-winning series that showcases the immense talent of trans*, genderqueer, and intersex artists from Los Angeles and around the world. Over the past six years, Trans/Giving shows have created a space where people from many different communities and backgrounds connect and share their talents. We host quarterly performance and visual arts shows, as well as an annual film festival. While some of our past artists have addressed gender issues directly, this is by no means a requirement — we are interested in sharing the best work of all members of our communities, whatever the theme. Trans/Giving believes that the strongest statement we can make as artists is simply through our art.”
