Philip Patson Gay disabled performer Philip Patston has been accepted to be part of a global conference on social change in New York. The comedian and social entrepreneur will run a session and perform at Performing the World 2010: Can Performance Change the World? The conference will be held in New York City from 30 September to 3 October 3. Patston's presentation will be a talk and workshop, followed by a performance. He says it's aimed at ‘demonstrating a more dynamic and constructive social paradigm' and recognising diversity as more than characteristics like gender, race, disability and sexuality. “Participants will leave with a new understanding of our natural synergy of similarity and difference, uniqueness and commonality that exists in all people, in all places, at all times,” he says. In a one and a half our session he will introduce his work, run a practical session, and perform poetry, with Tony Lewis on harmonica. “I'm pretty stoked and proud to have the opportunity to represent New Zealand, disabled people, queer people and social entrepreneurs at this prestigious event," Patston says. The acceptance has led to Patston launching a fundraising drive, as he needs about $12,000 to cover trip expenses for himself and Lewis. He is appealing for donations, as well as anyone who wants to organise a fundraising gig or offer a free venue for a gig. Click here to contact Philip Patston
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 6th June 2010 - 1:40pm