Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Eker.
Madison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I identify as a queer woman. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community for the past 15 years, I have sadly discovered that the LGBTQ+ community has the highest rates of depression, addiction, mental health issues, and suicide. I have made it my mission to make a revolutionary change in my community towards wellness and authenticity so that these terrible statistics alter. For the last year and a half, I have been creating the very first wellness festival for women, trans, and non-binary folx. My goal is to create this much-needed space where we can focus on mental health, self-discovery, and connection. The vehicle for this, Sum of Us Festival, is entirely grassroots. Beyond impacting the folx that attend, Sum of Us gives back to an LGBTQ+ non-profit youth charity called Way Out.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say that it has been very challenging. It has taken a year and a half of programming, marketing, and preparation to put on our inaugural festival in May 2020. Obstacles have been county permits, local law enforcement, finances and all of the logistics that need to go into something as large and purpose-driven as this. Although there have been times where it’s been so difficult that I’ve cried in public, this movement is bigger than me, and a gathering like this NEEDS to happen. I have a positive attitude and a solid support system. One of my favorite quotes is, “Pessimists are usually right and optimists are usually wrong, but only great changes have been accomplished by optimists,” by Thomas Friedman. My support system and the mission itself keeps me going, and I will not stop.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sum of Us Festival – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sum of Us is the FIRST wellness festival for womxn, trans, and non-binary folx. As someone who identifies as queer, trans, or non-binary, it can be very hard to gain acceptance from society and even more heartbreaking than that, our blood relatives. Sometimes our ‘chosen family’ feels more familiar than the families that we were born into. If someone is struggling in that way, we want them to know that we are there to be their ‘chosen family’. Sum of Us Festival gives people the opportunity to meet like-minded folx and build community. You can RV or Camp by a beautiful Reservoir where you can kayak, swim, paddleboard, or float. We have beach parties, a celebration swim for trans bodies, a silent disco, a body-positive catwalk, amazing performers, and wellness workshops taught by unreal facilitators to help you become the best version of yourself. Examples of some classes are realistic aging, yoga for self-love, trans discussion panel, draw yourself like a superhero, dance therapy, healing generational trauma, cooking class for all types of diets, everyday detoxing, trusting your intuition, types of relationships, etc. At Sum of Us Festival, you will find healers, massage therapists, organic, vegan, and a variety of food options, artists, creatives, wellness merchants and vendors.
Finally, We are founded on 10 principles:
Open Hearts, Open Minds
Every(Body) is Beautiful
Learn from Everyone, Follow No One
Leave No Trace
Creative Self Expression
Intersectional Feminism
Community Collaboration
Zero Judgement
Consent Culture
Choose Your Own Medicine
The intention and purpose behind Sum of Us Festival sets us apart. The community who it is catered for is unlike any other wellness festival that has ever been created.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
There are quite a few women’s events out there nowadays. When I state that this festival is not just for women, but for trans and non-binary identifying people, I have found some companies unwilling to work with us, which is sad. That has been a barrier. As a queer/lesbian identifying entrepreneur and working in leadership, I do face judgment and negative commentary at times, yet I understand my privilege to be cis-gendered. It’s really the trans and non-binary folx that I am trying to make feel wanted, included, and break more barriers for.
Finding a mentor and networking/what has worked well for me?
The network of healers, teachers, artists, performers, and leaders in the womxns, trans, and non-binary community is truly outstanding. Once I put Sum of Us Festival out there, it seemed to attract special people who share the same ethos. I get messages every day of people wanting to be a part of this revolution. My daily mentors are my family, my partner, and my team.
Pricing:
- $239 General Admission (includes weekend wristband, access to GA Camping, all workshops, all special events, silent disco, night performances).
- $125/Person Premium Group Camping ($999 includes 8 weekend wristbands, access to Premium Camping with electricity, water front view, fire pit, drinking water fountain, picnic table etc, all workshops, all special events, silent disco, night performances).
- $100/Accessibility Premium Group Camping ($799 includes 8 weekend wristbands, access to Premium ADA Camping with electricity, water front view, fire pit, drinking water fountain, picnic table etc, all workshops, all special events, silent disco, night performances). For more Accessibility options please email [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Address: Venue Address:
Modesto Reservoir Campground
18143 Reservoir Rd.
Waterford, California
95386 - Website: www.SumOfUsFest.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumofusfest/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sumofusfest/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sumofusfest
Image Credit:
(photo with trans flag) Thank U Marsha with producer Niko Storment
Photos 2-6 taken by photographer: Julia Macerola
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
