Mission Statement

Founded on Burning Man culture, the mission of Queerburners is to cultivate inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and allies by fostering community and leadership.

Case Statement

Queerburners originally started in 2008 as a platform to network LGBTQIA+ Burning Man participants by creating an online space for the community. Many camps and smaller groups in regions around the world existed, but no organization that was guided by the 10 Principles which allowed people in these groups to engage and collaborate. Through our website and social media, the group created more interactions and engagement that grew organically over time.

Queerburners has also created and launched events for leadership and community engagement in safe spaces. These spaces are very important to people who are marginalized in the outside world and sometimes in the Burning Man community.

Our events have put LGBTQIA+ artists and performers in the spotlight. We have cultivated and encouraged leadership and mentorship in the community. Looking forward, we will continue to produce events that seek to inspire collaboration.

By assisting artists and performers and working with other 501(c)(3) organizations, Queerburners helps community members succeed in the expression of their art. The organization will support LGBTQIA+ participants who seek funding to bring art projects to Burning Man and other community events and spaces. 

Queerburners centers diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values of our community. Consent culture and safe places are key tenets of Queerburners, particularly for people of color, transgender, and non-binary persons.

Lastly, Queerburners advocates for Queer Spaces in the Burning Man community which includes the Queer neighborhoods at Burning Man.

Vision Statement

We imagine a future where LGBTQIA+ Burners wield the power and resources to thrive in the celebration of a truly inclusive Burner community through arts and performances, and are able to sustainably contribute to the culture of Burning Man and the world.

Queer Burners (dba Queerburners): is a non-profit with the IRS : > click here < to see our filing status

Leadership 2021

The current Board of Queerburners were placed at the formation meeting in January 2021, with the anticipation that there will be adjustments as we move into the year. We are still asking the community for qualified and interested people in a couple roles with the Board, our Officers and in Support roles. These openings are listed below. 

Terms of service vary for 1, 2 and 3 years from September to September annually. How do I become a Board Member, Officer or Support person for Queerburners?

Voting Board Members - 2023

• Chair - Scott / Toaster (founder of Queerburners)
• Co-Chair Matt (Land of Monkey Theme Camp)
• Events Officer - Kurt / Starduster (Comfort & Joy / Black Rock City Rangers)
• Finance & Grants Committee - Sara (Land of Monkey Theme Camp / Accelerant with Celestial Bodies)
• Clerk - Open
• Treasurer - Open

Additional Roles - 2023

• RIDE
• Grant and Asset Manager for Artists - reports to Treasurer (Accepting Applications)
• Art and Performance Manager - report to Events Officer (Accepting Applications)
• Marketing and Public Relations Officer - reports to Communications Officer (Accepting Applications)
• Social Media Manager - reports to Communications Officer (Nexus)

Support and Logistics

• Technology / Website manager - Communications Team - Joel (Future Turtles)

Paid Positions 

• Lawyer (Accepting Applications)

Participate in our Do-acracy:

Success is not achieved by sitting on the sidelines. The foundation has been laid by 10 years of history, but looking ahead we have a chance to shine in new and brighter ways. 

How do you get engaged? The first step is showing up. The Board will be meeting at least once a month and will break out into committees that will curve back to the board through reporting and engagement.

Board Member terms typically start in September and can run for 1, 2 and 3 years and can be renewed by a vote on the Board. As we start anew there might be some initial shifting around as we grow into the year and set the path ahead. 

In the immediate future our sights are set on:

• A committee focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community led by Nexus
• The future of ALL OF US (a regional style event) led by Starduster
• A path to funding local artists and performers - team forming

Leadership in our community starts with pulling on your playa boots and walking the walk. We are the path we forge. Be the change you want to be and do not be surprised that there are others who want to walk that road with you. 

Begin here:  Application for Participation: Board & Officer Roles with Org | Events Participation 

Click here: Meet the Board