8th International Drag King Extravaganza - Austin, TX

The International Drag KingCommunity Extravaganza (IDKE) is a four-day conference that brings together an international collection of individuals interested in exploring gender critically and artistically through performance and art. IDKE includes an academic conference with workshops, panels, presentations, how-to demonstrations, and open discussions. An art show and film festival run concurrently with the conference. In addition, IDKE highlights performance, with an open mic drag night, a cabaret-style brunch, and an international showcase that has drawn more than 1,000 people in past years.

IDKE 8 will be held in Austin, Texas, from October 19 -- 22, 2006. This year, Leslie Feinberg, notable activist and author of Stone Butch Blues, will keynote the conference, and IDKE 8 will feature a Gender Playground for the 12-and-under set, a race caucus, and youth-specific workshops.

For more information about IDKE in general, please visit www.idkeaustin.com.

Registration for IDKE 8 will open in May, but we are currently accepting submissions for the academic conference, the cabaret brunch, the art show, and the film festival. YOU can be a part of this celebration of king culture by submitting your films, artwork, and conference proposals for possible inclusion!

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2006

.Film - We are looking for features, shorts, documentaries, or narratives pertaining to the subject of gender identity, performance and transformation. Email [email protected] for more information.

.Art - Artwork can be in any medium (sculpture, photography, sound, video, installation, painting, etc.). Work should pertain to the theme of "Casting Off" (See our website for a thorough description or email [email protected]).

.Conference and Presentations - We are looking for proposals for workshops, presentations, or panel discussions that address a range of issues which affect the drag community. Specific attention will be paid to those proposals that address the intersections of race, class, and gender dynamics. Email [email protected] for more information.

.Performers - We are currently looking for live performers for our family-friendly cabaret brunch. From live music to drag performance to bellydancing to puppet shows - anything goes! Email [email protected] for more information.

Please visit www.idkeaustin.com for detailed submission guidelines and submission forms.

Thank you, and I hope to see you all in Austin in October!

Allison Stelly
[email protected]