Registration has officially opened for UTOPIA Washington's QTPI Camp, a free event for all Queer and Transgender Pacific Islanders that will run from July 31 to August 3 – and spots are filling up fast. This year marks UTOPIA's fourth year of hosting the camp, which aims to act as a safe and empowering space for people to come together.
"This camp is a cultural and community-led experience for Queer and Transgender Pacific Islanders and BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to participate and get rerooted in Pacific Islander protocols, practices, and cultural activities," Brandon Fuamatu, UTOPIA's development director, told the SGN.
The event is open to all ages, although youth under 18 years must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. Fuamatu said many families attend QTPI Camp, including parents and their LGBTQIA+ or questioning children, chosen families, and mixed families.
"This is a joyful and safe space for us to be in community with one another, build on established and new relationships across the vastness of our community, and be unapologetically ourselves," Fuamatu said.
Attendees can expect a variety of games, cultural workshops, bonfire and movie nights, a talent show, and a QTPI Mix Pageant that's open to any person who wants to compete. Fuamatu said UTOPIA hopes those who join these celebrations and activities leave with more friends and family than they came with.
"A few of our hopes [are] that QTPI Camp participants walk away knowing they have a chosen family and foundation of support within UTOPIA Washington, but also within the community that comes to the camp," Fuamatu said. "This is an opportunity to connect with new folxs, make lasting connections, and have new experiences. We want our attendees ... to walk away empowered, emboldened, and inspired to root themselves in their Indigenous Queer identities, and our communal connections and family."
The event will take place at the Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center, located at 28511 Vernon Avenue, Ocean Park,WA; transportation (to and from Kent or Tacoma), food, and accommodations will be provided free of charge. QTPI Camp is funded by sponsorships, grants, and donations from funders, partners, and UTOPIA supporters. The organization asks that attendees bring hygiene materials, personal belongings, and bedding.
While the campgrounds can host up to 200 guests, UTOPIA usually caps QTPI Camp attendance at 150–175 people, depending on the capacity for the year. Fuamatu said 50 people have already registered, and UTOPIA will be reaching out to them in early to mid-July for reconfirmation.
"Many of our attendees come in from out of state and out of county, some joining in from our island homes in the Pacific. This is a truly beautiful and unique experience for all who attend, and we hope to bring in more of our QTPI/2SLGBTQIA+ family and friends to participate this year," Fuamatu added.
Click here to
register.
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