Day 10: Evaluating Sunday

Evaluation & learn from each other was the topic of this Sunday.

The day started out to be a bit messy. Being late, having several invitations. Edgar & Morten went to the Outgames Brunch with all the officials. After that, we had our evaluation on top of Illum, a luxury department store where the brunch was as well. Because we arrived as they were finishing up, we could get our hand on some drinks (bubbles & coffee).

Morten was kind enough to facilitate our group of travelers. The feedback felt good, it felt open and sincere. The spirit was positive and full of potential, so useful for upcoming events and for HANQ.

Afterwards we went to the next cafe for some internet, and straight on to the Outgames reception.

Free bar at the reception and the Danes couldn’t believe that I wasn’t interested in drinking as much as possible. The drinking culture here is way different then anywhere else in this world. If you can find a reason, you’ll drink. If you can’t find a reason, that is a reason to drink.

Sunday night I was going to biggest lounge festival in Denmark, Stella Polaris, having a drink & bite with Na & friends.

Today I’ve learned a lot about the process and what needs to be done to create HANQ. Besides that I’ve had a good time and relaxed a bit.

Day 9: Gay Parade, HANQ

It was my mission to facilitate the ultimate test for HANQ. Unfortunately I counted a lot on my network without putting effort in community building. Thank god for my strength, adapting to a situation and making it happen. Together with approximately 20 kids, I pulled of a flashmob to show of what HANQ is capable of.

Data:
Saturday 1st of August 2009: Gay Pride Copenhagen as part of the Outgames 2009. Copenhagen World Outgames 2009 is a successful tribute to the global (LGBT) community and a fantastic celebration of diversity and love.

The Outgames seemed to be THE place to test the concept of HANQ, a school of creative entrepreneurship. I wanted to challenge HANQ travelers to shift their boundaries, expending their community and get in touch with sustainability. Unfortunately, Friends & HANQ travelers were a lot more interested in their beer and a good laugh. Luckily, there were a lot of youngsters ready to be challenged in a flash mob. In the spirit of “don’t be blue” they tried (and succeeded) to make the audience laugh. They made a song about gay – bi – straight love, performed it and had a lot of laughs with their face smashing pie.

We have some footage about the experience, but it needs time to edit. In the meanwhile, you might want to check the pictures.

After the flashmob, Edgar, Emma & I went to a coffeebar to upload some pictures on Flickr & send out some tweets, meanwhile, discussing the day and preparing for a night out: Dinner, drinks and a lesbian party at Christiana Havn. The Lesbian party was a lot like my old high school parties: 80′s & 90′s music, only girls on the dance floor, a lot of making out & even more gossip.

Conclusion
The day didn’t turn out the way I planned. I find it difficult to ask for help, with the risk of losing my community. I experience negative feedback from some of the community members as a personal attack. It kind of ruined my night out. It’s a good thing we agreed on an evaluation day tomorrow.

For those who like it: The beautiful song of the OUTGAMES:

FREEDOM TO LOVE

we are, the shiny stars tonight.
we are, the mirror in your eyes.
we are, the voice of hidden songs.
we are,one world,one love,daughters and sons.

love of freedom,
freedom to love
love of freedom,
free….
freedom to love.

manchild, i hold you in my arms.
manchild, miracle of life.
manchild, cried a thousand seas,
for the soul of beauty,
and human right to be.