Life & Work with Dee Seymore of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Seymore.

Hi Dee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Masc-OFF with a simple desire to create something that I didn’t feel I had access to growing up and to debunk the notion that it’s challenging to develop connections among other masc presenting women. I was quite young when I discovered my sexual orientation, this period was difficult for me because I didn’t have anyone to turn to for guidance or questions. It was at times scary and felt isolating so I wanted to create something that would prevent another young person having to encounter that same experience. Additionally, as I have crossed paths with other masc of center women, they’d express concerns with developing genuine, open connections that didn’t involve jealousy, tension or things of that nature. So essentially, the goal of Masc-OFF is to create a space to bring masc of center women together of all ages in a relaxing, fun, social setting.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While I’m passionate about the mission, it is not always been a smooth road. Wanting to provide something such as this and currently being a “one-man” show can be challenging from a time commitment standpoint and sometimes cost. I’ve personally committed to a goal of hosting something atleast once a month and sometimes I have brought in experts to present on topics such as the use of AI to advance career or sexual health and wellness…these events are associated with a cost factor at times. However I want to be equitable and remove barriers when I can so I have covered these out of my pocket. Another challenge has been is that some events I would want to host for the group, require reservations in advance but logistically this has pitfalls if people don’t show up or if I need personal information but don’t have good contact information to receive it in advance. Also as a new organizer, I am still working on expanding my reach and on average most events may have about 8-10 registered attendees but of course life happens so as the time gets closer, everyone who initially registers can’t attend and I may find myself driving across town for 3-4 person event. Which I don’t mind because I see the value in the commitment and perhaps that is what the universe wanted for that particular event so I never cancel, I pride myself on staying committed to the call but would like to be able to expand this space with more people. .

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Public Health professional with a focus on health equity and currently pursuing my doctorate degree. I goal is to be intentional about centering this in my work with the community as well.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would advise people to stay committed to the calling. Even when it’s challenging, don’t forget the reason you started out in the first place. Don’t be afraid to go in new spaces, try new things and meet new people, you never know what doors that could lead to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MOCWOMEN_MEETUP