I asked my friends where to go and what to do on my upcoming vacation to NOLA, and several people mentioned Plan B, a community bike shop.  On Fridays, from 5-8pm "ladies, trans, sissies" meet for an open shop.  Check out their web page for LTS night.  (I love the "Sorry dude," at the top of the page!)

I think their definition of LTS is very similar to Grease Rag's definition of WTF, and they seem to have the same "rules" of engagement.   They are much more eloquent than I've managed, so I thought I would share the description of LTS night from their website:

LTS is a night reserved primarily for women and by women held on Fridays from 5pm-8pm.

Because mechanical environments are traditionally male dominated, we provide a weekly night where women and others that don’t fit under the traditional “dude” description can comfortably learn from each other. Ideally, we would love it if our space were always free of this insidiously repressive behavior and that’s a goal we’re constantly striving towards. However, until that day comes, we will provide a time and space where people will be asked to leave if they express this type of behavior. Please keep in mind that this night is reserved for women and transpeople. We’re loosening the terms of this by adding the word “Sissy” because we realize that there are many male-gendered people that also identify as “sissies” within New Orleans culture while not identifying as trans, yet still experience the same oppression in mechanical and educational environments. Please keep in mind that anyone exhibiting domineering or oppressive behavior will be asked to leave, immediately. Also, this is not a license for “dudes” to come in under the guise of queerness.

It’s not a gender we’re battling, it’s a behavior. Furthermore it’s a behavior that seriously impacts people and our culture. Please don’t try to come in or make stupid remarks about “putting on a dress”. Seriously, we’ve heard it all before and these are exactly the kind of attitudes we’re battling by providing this type of night.

Well said.

I suspect Plan B's use of "sissy" serves the same purpose as our use of "femme." We want to loosen the terms of your typical "women and transgender cyclist" event to include people that belong at Grease Rag, even if they do not identify as transgender or female.

We have never had to ask anyone to leave because of oppressive behavior, but facilitators are sensitive to those issues and work hard to create a respectful environment.  If you see something or experience something and you don't feel comfortable saying something, find a facilitator and we will work it out together.

On a personal note, if you know NOLA and have hot tips for places to ride to, lemme know!