Apathy is not Apolitical

A note to the Burning Man Project Leadership Community

“BMP does not choose political sides, and we have many people from both US parties deep in our organization.” — Marian Goodell, CEO, Burning Man Project

“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” — WhiteHouse.gov

“As a trans person, life was better in the US thirty years ago, when we were unknown and ignored, rather than vilified and outlawed.” — Adriana Roberts, longtime Burning Man community member and founder/publisher of Piss Clear and BRC Weekly

As the United States (and world) reels from the impact of the recent administrative shift, it is time for each of us to find our footing and know what we believe, why we believe it, and find our voice in this new landscape. A landscape, which amplifies cruel levels of otherism across broad swaths of humans and demands fealty to the process.

Violence takes many forms.

We do not physically assault each other when we don’t get our way or disagree.

We close installations which are shown to injure participants and guide in best practices.

We have safety measures in work and society to protect the individual, and for efficiency in production.

None of these actions are seen as political.

Yet when the violence of policy enters the room, there is no organizational response.

In the community, there has been a lot of response. Speaking from my experience only, I have had dozens of people in this community — many within our global leadership community — contact me scared and concerned.

Scared of losing their jobs, staff roles, or Burning Man Project volunteer opportunities by speaking out.

Scared of retribution in the Burning Man Project and Black Rock City workplaces.

Scared of being ostracized by their Burning Man community.

They have invested heavily in this organization and community, and feel they are witnessing their investments — and themselves — become rapidly devalued.

“I feel so stupid.”

“What the fuck have I done for twenty years.”

“I’m so embarrassed.”

“One of the first rules of the Cacophony Society was No Politics, but I am seeing more & more politics infecting Burning Man….There are even areas within BMORG that are advocating & promoting certain woke politics.” — Danger Ranger, Burning Man Founder, Burning Man Project Board Member

Infecting. Let that word sit for a minute.

While I recognize one founder and board member does not represent a global community, we are each responsible for our influence, and certain voices echo much louder than others.

Our trans community, friends, family — EACH OTHER — are being openly attacked and attempting to be erased. Suggesting trans humans are not real is like saying gravity isn’t real or giraffes don’t exist.

Again, one person does not speak for us all…and I can only fathom the amount of resources this willfully ignorant and harmful point of view has already consumed in reaction and despair.

Kindness doesn’t cost a dime, but it does cost the caring investment in the experience of others, not just ourselves. If we have a funding problem, perhaps it’s less about philanthropy and more about trust.

“Empathy is not weak or woke — by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.” — Jane Fonda, SAG Awards Dinner

What can you do? Speak out. Speak up. Ask questions. LEAD.

Your voice is your biggest power and your brain is your strongest muscle. Use both wisely.

Speak to the people to remind them of what matters, and know it’s each other. Speak to the people who need to be reminded of their power, and use your words to elevate them. Speak to the reality of logic and human resource management, and wield it for the best outcomes possible.

Ask questions to learn what people really need…and intentionally listen to the response. Stay curious and realize you hold a singular point of view and experience….out of billions. Find out where you can be of service….which can be as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger.

“To be honest, just knowing you support me, supports me.” Emily, Christ-following friend who dedicated her life to helping others in need and has recently received hideous online attacks for speaking to her heart for the migrant, a subject she knows well after living in Guatemala for over twenty-five years.

Great change brings great opportunity.

Much love, you lot.

Jennie Kay

Burners Without Borders, Advisory Board Member
Burning Man Project, Regional Network Alumni
Burning Man Community Participant since 2002