Burner Resume: Ester The Mental Molester

Burner Handle: Ester the mental molester, aka ~ymffgm (your mf fairie goddess mother)

Defaultia Region of Origin: Southern Michigan.


Years Burning/home burn: 7years. Lakes of Fire, Paradox, and Mosaic Experiment. Years of being a radicalized dirty hippie over eighteen: 53


NSFW: Pretty much everything about me is nsfw...


Years of Servitude, ahem, volunteering: All of them. I have always volunteered at least 8 hours on site. I started volunteering with LNT at Lakes to get a volunteer ticket the next year. I can't step over moop as a rule anyway. I’ve worked with LNT, TACO, DPW and PROMO. Made great friends and continue to do so.

Lead Role: Mobility lead

Why: experience, enthusiasm and snark.


I helped plan and execute a large flower show event for 10 years, so i understand the underpinnings and love the work..


My areas of expertise are:


I worked for Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and Transportation at University of Michigan for 5 years and trained drivers as well as drove the bus. Add a bunch of life experiences, because I'm old. (And a lot of biker events we don't need to talk about.)


Why does your dept matter?

The Mobility team's mission is to assure everyone can participate regardless of their restrictions. We try to provide equal opportunities to all.

Why does volunteering improve your burn/make you happy/work for you?

It gives me purpose! Oldest girl in a large family, I can't not do it. I'm happy working in community.

Why should someone consider volunteering for you?

The last line in all my job descriptions is "Have a good time." We'll get it done and have a good time doing it!


What's your favorite volunteer story?


I can't tell you that one...


What's your choice nugget of wisdom for a virgin?


Don't get locked into a group where you can't go and do until the last one is ready. Fly solo at least part of the time.

What's your best burner skill?

I paint with words and I have some good tales. Also not catching on fire and listening.


What's your drink of choice?

Manhattan


What keeps you sane in Defaultia?

Who said I was sane? Who said I live in defaultia? My forest is my “hole in the wall” from hoomans.


Why do you love burning?

The application of the concept of consent in a fulsome way, along with the principle of radical self expression provides a maskless mass, willing to be. I feel at home, vibrating with my tribe. Normal just doesn't light my fire like unique does. I have suffered much for being unusual and at burns it's a cause for celebration.


Has burning changed your life? How?


I found my fairies. I found my tribe. I'm a misfit with bells on, sore thumb sticking out, purple, yellow and green, but I do belong somewhere., and it's in the burner community.


What does consent mean to you?


Everything. I insist. Also I have a touch of PTSD and will come unglued if consent is breached by surprise. Always ask, every time. You can get it down to lifting an eyebrow with someone you know, but ask!


Ask. Every. F***ing. Time.


Which principle is primary for you and why?


Radical self expression because I've been told to stifle it all my life and have suffered much for my refusal. I feel like I've alway kept the mask a half inch from my face. I find such joy in watching others peel it off. And they're so much easier to love without it.


What do you want to be when you grow up?

Esterized, thoroughly Esterized.