Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents is pleased to be a supporter of the upcoming Numinous Magic Market & Healing Workshops. We learned about the market through Joy KMT and she graciously agreed to answer a few questions.

What is the common thread of the workshops and market? 

The common thread woven through these workshops is the ability for People of Color to create healing spaces for themselves. It is the idea that those that are experiencing marginalization not only know and understand the healing that needs to take place but are also using ancestral healing strategies, dynamically creating healing strategies in response to the conditions that we face now, and sharing those strategies with other people in a way that creates a possibility for liberation. As Audre Lorde said, the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. This is a space for us to develop our own tools to dismantle the house of oppression in which we find our bodies, spirits and minds.

12:30-1:30- Natural Hair Care-Heather Manning
1:35-2:35- Survivor Yoga- Roopa Singh
2:40-3:40- Tears as Transformation- Danielle Stevens
3:45-4:45- Her Blues Ain’t Like Mine- Erin Perry
4:50-5:50- Intentional Cooking- Tamisha Evonne
5:55-6:55-Gemstone Wire Wrapping- Lakeisha Wolf
7:00-8:30- Healing Drum Circle Led by Kelly E. Parker

What vendors will be there? 

There will be herbal medicines, card readings, reiki and rose essence healing, massage and waxing, herbal teas and healing foods prepared intentionally, gemstone jewelry, handmade jewelry,  handcrafted items and handmade art, body butters, natural cleaning products, Caribbean food and more. All of the vendors are people of color.

How does centralizing the spiritual, creative and healing genius of people of color create magic? Why is it important to talk about magic? 

Magic is the revelation of possibilities and truths that were previously unseen. Any shift or transformation in the status quo is magic, and magic is what we need in order to make this world one in which all people can thrive.

Why is this space important for Pittsburgh? 

This space is important for Pittsburgh because while Pittsburgh has garnered attention for being America’s most livable city, the conditions of people of color, particularly black people are far from the most livable. This city continually turns a blind eye to the needs and desires of people of color, destroying communities through gentrification and ignoring the institutional racism that is a barrier to thriving communities of color. Numinous Market is an intentionally created space that centers the experience and healing needs of people of color.

I’m particularly drawn to the concept of survivor yoga, both as a tool of healing and from the perspective of yoga being culturally appropriated. Is it fair to approach this workshop as an opportunity to practice yoga in a more culturally respectful manner? Is there something divine in the act of pushing back against cultural appropriation?  

There is something divine, in pushing back against cultural appropriation. By divine, I mean more fully human. Some people take divinity to be this exceptional thing. Really, we are all manifestations of divine intent. Oppression, white supremacy, misogyny, patriarchy, rob people of their ability to be fully human. Cultural appropriation erodes our ability to connect with other humans by treating other people’s lives and realities like costumes. Connection is essential to the revelation of divinity and humanity. I don’t believe that when you divorce yoga from its roots that you are actually practicing yoga at all. So I don’t think that this is a chance to practice yoga in a more culturally respectful manner, I think this is a chance to practice yoga. Roopa Singh is the founder of SAAPYA and offers a more in-depth perspective. You can find her at http://saapya.com/

How are queer people of color represented in your planning and invited to participate?

Well, I am the founder of the Tabernacle of Immaculate Perception, which is the overarching organization that hosts Numinous Market. I am also the founder of Numinous Market, and I’m queer. If I had to estimate, about 80-90% of the people involved in vending or facilitating workshops are also queer people of color. Numinous isn’t only for queer people, but I definitely centralize queer people of color, especially queer black women in my organizing and outreach efforts.

How can allies to women of color support this event and the artists participating? And going forward?

People can come out to the event and bring a friend this Sunday, October 5th from 12-8:30 P.M. at 5430 Penn Ave at the old Quiet Storm. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, and donations at the door are appreciated. Also, most of the workshops are free or by donation, so please feel free to support the facilitators that are so generously giving of their time and expertise. The vendors will have amazing product and service offerings, so come prepared to indulge in nourishing your body mind and spirit. If you are unable to make it, and you would like to support the continuous efforts of the Tabernacle of Immaculate Perception and events like the Numinous Market, you can donate at http://www.patreon.com/ Tabernacle

Thank you, Joy.

Find out more about Numinous Market via Facebook, including lots of photos of the makers and artists behind the workshops and vendors.