Sumter Freitag (they/them)
Workshops
Sumter/April Sumter-Freitag Sumter is an eighth generation Black Canadian with Mi'kmaq, Cherokee and Scottish ancestry living on the unceded Territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. Sumter identifies as queer, nonbinary, polyamorous and brings their unique insight as a filmmaker, writer and performance artist, facilitator and mentor. Sumter’s lived experience informs and inspires their social justice work which centers anti oppressive practice supporting BIPOC, Trans Two Spirit, Gender Non Binary, Disability and Sex Work communities.
Activism For Introverts and Ambiverts
April 14, 2024
Activists for Sexual Liberation come from all walks of life, from all ideologies, and temperaments. For those of us that identify as Introverts and Ambiverts, the cost of the social labor inherent in justice work may make activism inaccessible or unsustainable. This proves especially problematic when tied with other intersections in our worlds. In-group shaming and misunderstanding often keep introverted activists from practicing effective self-care or seeking support in their communities. This workshop aims to acknowledge the meaningful role of Introverts and Ambiverts, encourage their continued presence in activist circles, and grow their ability to nurture themselves so they can sustain their fight for justice. Through interactive discussion, small group exercises, and lecture the workshop will increase the skill sets of Introverts and Ambiverts to improve their ability to continue to show up for others without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Decluttering Joy and Pleasure
April 13, 2024
The colonization of joy instills shame in the way we seek out/acquire/desire/display/avoid our joy, often preventing us from fully enjoying our sex/sexuality/desire/pleasure. We settle for what we’re given or qualify/justify receiving less or existing in a world of approximate joy. As well, we feel shameful for wanting more, inhibiting growth and fulfilment. While this phenomenon exists in all aspects of our lives, it blossoms in the world of desire, especially sexual desire. We accept or we reject pleasure often based on what we’ve been told is “appropriate” or “respectable” for achieving joy. Colonization challenges us to actually seek out what we want, when we want it, with whom we want it, how long we get to experience it and how to move past the rigid rules of how joy manifests in our lives. Via exercises, group discussion and individual work we’ll examine ways to combat the colonization/oppression of the beautiful view of joy and pleasure in our lives, including how the use of an augmented view of compersion, autonomy and creativity assists in overcoming the “rules” to fulfillment.