In this serious yet playful workshop, we explore alternative forms of resistance, activist tactics, and choreographies of disobedience inspired by theories of nonviolent direct action and interspecies intimacy. We begin by sharing experiences of violence, exclusion, and moments of dehumanization that we may have encountered through activism. Queer, environmental, and anti-colonial activism are often spaces where people encounter forms of segregation, marginalization, and direct bodily violence.

From there, we turn to unusual yet inspiring examples of queer, bipoc, environmental performance practices that challenge what we call societal dressage—the socially imposed choreography and behavior that shape how individuals are expected to act in everyday life. By reflecting on our own experiences, exchanging insights, and learning from historical examples, we will collectively imagine speculative forms of counter-activism: sabotage, drag, care, pretending, and other practices that may seem humorous or subtle at first glance, yet hold the potential to gently and powerfully disrupt normative structures. The goal of this workshop is to broaden our understanding of the many ways activism may flourish, to nurture hope, and to create a counter-public community where vulnerability, hesitation, and small voices are welcomed as meaningful forms of political presence.

Maya Erin Masuda (she/ her)  is an artist, activist and a researcher who’s been exploring queer ecology as both movement and artistic approach. Looking forward to meeting you there :) Please bring your own favorite example of micro-activism to share.