You Don’t Have To Be Butch To Attend This ‘Dykes With Drills’ Intro To Tools Workshop

Dykes with Drills is a nonprofit that seeks to empower folx through working with their hands.

The construction industry can be really exclusive of women and the LGBTQ+ community. While people of all backgrounds enjoy making things with their hands, it can be an intimidating hobby to pick up when the community behind it has a history of patronising newbies. That’s where Dykes with Drills comes in, a non-profit that’s using power tools to empower people of all genders and sexualities.

Dykes with Drills’ mission is to create equity for women, non-binary, and transgender people in the construction industry. DwD runs a number of adult, community, and youth programming, using power tools not only to build physical things, but also leadership, confidence, and independence. You don’t have to be Butch or identify as a dyke to attend their classes. DwD is a judgement-free learning environment for people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, sexuality, age, or skill level.

One of DwD’s most popular workshops are its Introduction to Tools Workshop, where for $50 students can learn the basics of using a variety of tools from electric saws to drills and more! People of all skill levels are welcome to attend to learn about using tools, empowerment, independence, and leadership skills.

Looking to practice your new skills? Join in for DwD’s Open Shop where you can choose a project to make and instructors will show you how. This workshop allows you to ask questions specific to the project you want to work on and provides supervision so you leave with all your fingers and toes. Arrive 30 minutes early if you need help picking out materials for your project, which you can buy for a 20% discount right at the shop!

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The construction nonprofit also puts together a number of community projects throughout the year. Some of the previous projects include tiny houses, homeless shelters, skate parks, and more! While the nonprofit is based in CA’s Bay Area and only recently expanded to Chicago, DwD has already had a number of successful workshops in Chicago. Check out DwD’s website to learn more!

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to build stuff but were worried you’d be judged for who you are, Dykes with Drills is here to help you learn the ropes of the construction industry and empower you to build.

Feature photo @dykeswithdrills