but I also realize that a philosophical mindset itself doesn’t change things. People who find ways to engage in action can change things. Queer anarchists may believe that by bashing back they will change things. I don’t know. Time will tell. I’m personally more comfortable with working to build bridges, call out inequity, and work in non-violent ways, like MLK Jr.
As we move into Labor Day, time to think about ways the Labor movement set the stage for what a modern LGBT movement is fighting for.
QUILTBAG turns all of that on its head, and sets forth an acronym where all letters share an equal weigt and play an equal role in producing a pronouncable descriptor. And similar to the reasons why “L” was added before the “G,” by starting with “Q” we are reminded to look at this and the issues from a new perspective, different than we have been up to now.
If there is a difference between the gay community and the queer community from your perspective, which community do you think I self-identify with? Which community do you identify me as a part of?
If you haven’t seen it, I wanted to point you towards the CityPaper article about the rally and and following event with the police.Of all the papers, I think they captured a great perspective on the story. http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A99773
I saw Lauren Jurysta last evening and she told me that the hearings for those arrested is today at 12:30 pm. I have a very full day at work but will try and get away to go if I can swing it. I know nothing about 3 of the people arrested nor do I know the facts surrounding Japenga’s arrest. The 5th person who was arrested, in my opinion didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m[Read More…]
Tonight was the meeting organized by Rayden Sorock with the goal to develop a 5 year plan for the LGBTQ community which is probably better referred to as QUILTBAG. Lots to write about, and it will have to be enough for now to just say that the group assembled was fantastic. This was the most diverse group in every way I think I have ever seen gathered together. Differing ages, races, orientations, gender identities, probably[Read More…]
The issue is critically important. Everyone deserves to give voice to their opinions and we can all speak out publicly, but what are the rules and the limits? Better to know before you go off protesting, and if it is too late for that, be prepared for the next time. The link below is to a PDF of a brochure/ instruction sheet that the ACLU has to pass out.
This is a good read, although fairly esoteric and theoretical. Rather, it is the qualitative position of opposition to presentations of stability—an identity that problematizes the manageable limits of identity. Queer is a territory of tension, defined against the dominant narrative of white-hetero-monogamous-patriarchy, but also by an affinity with all who are marginalized, otherized, and oppressed. I especially like the closing comment: Queer is a total rejection of the regime of the Normal. I don’t[Read More…]
My middle name doesn’t have to be Equality for me to be contantly working for Equality. In fact, by taking it out of my name, I force myself to make sure I am talking about Equality even more than before so that this word is heard over and over, and considered as an important goal by more and more people.