Participation Guide
As an online community, getting GayFOLs members together and doing public outreach can be a challenge, but it's more important than ever that GayFOLs make the effort, and you can help us! There are many ways, from small to large, that you can do to help GayFOLs be present and out there for both your fellow AFOLs and the public.
Tent Cards
GayFOLs tent cards are the simplest and easiest way to show your support for our community and to let members of the public know we're present at the event. We have two versions of these cards available: "Ask me about" and "Proud member of" that members can display with their builds.
We can send you printed cards, or you can download a PDF and print them yourself. If tent cards are used/displayed, please take a pictures of the cards with builds and send them to us. This helps us show LEGO we're present at shows.
Convention Check: Some conventions have very strict rules about the display of QR codes with MOCs, so be sure to check first if there are concerns. We can supply a custom version of the card without the QR code if needed.
Appreciation Tokens
Many conventions and AFOLs have a tradition of giving out tokens to other builders as a sign of appreciation for their builds. Pictured here is a sample token that you can use on behalf of GayFOLs.
You can give these to builders who have displayed GayFOLs tent cards, or have pride or diversity themed MOCs displayed.
- • 1x1 White Tile (1)
- • 1x1 Dark Pink Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Light Blue Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Red Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Orange Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Yellow Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Bright Green Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Blue Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Purple Plate (1)
- • 1x1 Brown Plate (1)
- • 2x2 Black Jumper Base (1)
Event Reporting Form
No matter what GayFOLs activities, big or small, you host at an event, we would like to know about it! We have a Google Form you can use to tell us all about the event itself and what activities you engaged in.
This information helps us with activity reporting to LEGO, as well as planning for future events.
Hosting a gathering or meeting is a great way for other LGBTQIA+ builders to meet up and connect with old friends and make new friends. Gatherings also help GayFOLs get the word out about who we are, our mission, and what we do. While there are no strict rules for gatherings, here are some recommendations:
- Work with the event organizers to get the gathering on the event schedule. Please title the gathering "LGBTQIA+ Builders Gathering" instead of "GayFOLs Gathering". This lets builders and AFOLs know that all are welcome at the gathering.
- Schedule the gathering outside of the public hours. The day before the show opens is a good choice. Around a meal time is also good, as you can gather up people to go out to lunch or dinner.
- The recommended length is 30-to-60 minutes. A lot depends on how many people you anticipate at the gathering and what activities you have planned. For large shows like Brickworld Chicago, we request a 60-minute time slot. For smaller shows like BrickFair Fredericksburg, we request 30-minute time slot.
- Try to have the gathering in a space or meeting room that has some sort of privacy.
- Go-around introductions are easy, but with large groups they can take up a lot of time. Also some people don't like speaking in front of groups.
- Icebreakers can be fun and a nice alternative to go-around introductions.
At the "top tier" of activities is hosting a table(s) for GayFOLs members to display pride and diversity-themed MOCs.
The procedures for requesting table space differ for every event, so it's best to get in touch with the event organizers as soon as possible to find out what their requirements and procedures are and if there is any cost. Once you've got your table(s) reserved, the next step is to publicize to other GayFOLs members that a table is available, and for members to (hopefully) let you know what they'll be bringing to display. Anticipate that you'll have a fair number of people bring builds at the last minute! You may also need to work out a staffing schedule for the table. While having someone at the table at all times isn't required, it is definitely helpful to have someone there to talk up GayFOLs to the public. GayFOLs can supply you with a table runner and signage for the table.
If you're hosting a gathering - or even if you aren't - take a group photo. Like the tent cards, pictures help us demonstrate to LEGO that GayFOLs members and fellow LGBTQIA+ builders are present at conventions and fulfilling our mission.
Inclusivity & Outing Policy: Before you take any pictures, please let people know that photos may be submitted to LEGO and/or posted to our social media, so if people aren't comfortable being in a picture, they should feel free to opt out (they can be the picture-taker!). We have GayFOLs banners available that you can use for pictures, or graphics you can download and print. However, neither is required for group photos.
GayFOLs has a variety of bling available to give out to members and event attendees, including buttons, tiles, bricks, stickers, lanyards and more. If you would like to request GayFOLs bling for an event, please email both Skip Concilla (skipc@pobox.com) and Heather Cullen (heather@brixalotl.com).
If you're distributing bling at a gathering or meeting, please let everyone know that most of the bling is free, but we do take donations (tax deductible!) to help offset the cost and to be able supply bling for future events. Donations can be accepted via cash, Venmo, or Paypal.
We're Here to Help and Support!
Are you ready to help us? Do you have more questions or need more information? Do you need help or support from the GayFOLs board? We're here for you! We know that it takes a village, and the GayFOLs board and support staff are here to help you plan and coordinate GayFOLs' presence at events.
To guarantee organizational protection and coordinate space safety guidelines across live spaces, remember that any interactive platform participation follows all standards outlined inside our foundational CODE OF CONDUCT.docx profile.