Hi, it’s Kaely (Executive Director), Hayley (Artistic Director), and Steph (Resource Director). We are following up on the statement shared a few months ago that outlined the organization’s commitment to restructuring so that Femme Wave will be better situated to support and foster growth for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and LGBTQ2SIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, 2 Spirit, Intersex and Asexual) leadership within our organization and in the broader arts community. We would like to offer two updates on succession planning and organizational transformation:
1. The three of us will step down from our formal roles in 2021 and we will not retain a paid or formal position with Femme Wave moving forward. Instead, we will serve in volunteer roles to support the organization’s transition for, at most, the next two years, if needed. We acknowledge that lack of awareness of our privilege as leaders prevented us from consistently supporting and welcoming BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ community members and we failed to nurture those relationships fully. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, organizing committee, and external consultants, the three of us will explore the redefinition of leadership within the organization, including supporting new leaders who represent the communities Femme Wave aims to centre. What does this mean exactly? Honestly, we’re not sure and we’re excited to work alongside BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ people to figure it out together. We are not abdicating our responsibility for upholding inequitable systems and causing harm to BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ community members. We are committed to this process and will centre the voices of these communities at every step of the way. The three of us will provide direct support if it’s needed, and, if it’s not, we will step back to hold space and witness. Recruiting will take place when anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices are in place and the organization is better structured for BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ leaders to thrive.
2. We are excited to share that Jordan Baylon and The Colour Factor will be supporting the first step in this process of transformation to radically center LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC community members in every aspect of Femme Wave’s work. Jordan is a Queer, Non-Binary FilipinX artist and community worker born and raised in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). Their work is in direct support of anti-racism and equity, and how we can all share the full benefit of the unique offerings we can make to the community.
The Colour Factor is an organization founded and led by racialized women dedicated to decolonizing health and wellness. Jordan has created a survey to be completed by anyone who sees the value of an artistic and social platform that honours and uplifts the lived experiences of femme and non-binary folks in Mohkinstsis.
Jordan will administer the survey impartially so that everyone, including the current Femme Wave committee and Board members, may share their thoughts in a safe, affirming context and prepare the space for all of us to come together and reimagine the ways Femme Wave can fulfill its mandate to be a truly intersectional feminist organization.
We acknowledge that there might be aspects of this survey that surface powerful feelings or responses.The Colour Factor team are available to offer support and guidance throughout this process, and are sharing tools and approaches for grounding this work in restorative justice and healing.
This season is one of rest and celebration for many. We are also aware that the past year has made significant demands of everyone’s attention, energy, and labour, and this is, perhaps, especially true for Calgary’s queer BIPOC community members more recently. With this timing in mind, we will open the survey now for those who are ready to participate and re-share in January for those who would like more time before responding. The survey will remain open until Fri, Jan 15.
You can learn more and complete the survey here.
We are proud to have founded and grown Femme Wave alongside so many dedicated and inspiring Board and committee members, volunteers, artists, and audience members. We look forward to witnessing the organization grow into it’s next iteration, if the community feels there is a role for Femme Wave to play.
We want to thank the BIPOC and LGBTQ2SIA+ folks who have already put so much time and energy into our community, and into their calls for accountability within it. We are truly very humbled and excited to do this work with you.
Thank you, we love you, more to come.
Hayley, Kaely, and Steph
