THE UBYSSEY r. r. HOMO HOMO SEXUAL SEXUAL r. r. BISEXUAL BISEXUAL CO I-' LESBIAN LESBIAN
!•-• GAY GAY
GAY-FOR-A-DAY KIT.
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. CHOOSE A LABEL. 2. CUT YOUR LABEL OUT CAREFULLY ALONG THE DOTTED LINES. 3. WITH A SAFETY PIN OR TAPE, ATTACH THE LABEL TO YOUR CLOTHING IN A HIGHLY VISIBLE PLACE. 4. WEAR IT THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 5. ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO PARTICIPATE.
SEE PAGE THREE FOR MORE DETAILS. FAGGOT FAGGOT
3 I". DYKE DYKE
I— QUEER QUEER
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Note: "Noon"- 12:30 pm. Monday, February 17th Friday, February 14th Pre-Law Club. Lawyer speaking: Student Counselling & Resources Marris McMillan of Laxton & Co. Ctr. Job Search Strategies, noon- Noon-l:30, Buch B324. 1:20pm, Brock 200, Art Exhibition: AMS Art Collec Youth Challenge Int'l. Info mtg- tion. 9:30-4:30 M-F. Art Gallery- workin Costa Rica 3months. Devel. SUB Concourse. Until Feb. 28. project needs vols. Noon, SUB 212A. Student Counselling & Resources Ctr. Overcoming Perfectionism. Students of Objectivism. Mtg- Noon-1:20pm, Brock 200. friendship, love & sex. Noon, SUB 215. UBC Student Support (USS). The Student Environment Ctr at USS Black History Month Film: Outreach Desk. Noon-1:30, SUB Malcolm X Speaks. GDC, Women's Concourse. Ctr, Anti-Discrimination Cmte. Noon, SUB 24lK(Ubys*ey Office). Hillel/Jewish Students' Assn. Jewish Women's Study Group. UBCStudentSupport(USS). Gays 5pm, AMS Women's Ctr, SUB 130. & Lesbians of UBC at USS Out reach Desk. Noon-l:30, SUB Con Hillel/Jewish Students' Assn. course. Student Board Mtg. Noon, Hillel.
2/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 QUEER ISSUE CMTADIAI Try a day—could you imagine a lifetime? So you think you're pretty progressive, do you? Well, how about this challenge: the cover of this issue has been filled with some ofthe labels which lesbians, gay men and bisexuals walk around with all ofthe time. Are you willing to take those labels on? Are you willing to walk into class or into the library, or to your parents' home for dinner, with "queer" emblazoned on your chest? Is this idea intimidating? What do you think it would feel like? What would other people think of you? Imagine it—you're queer. People make comments behind your back, or even worse, you are with your friends, and one of them tells a homophobic joke. Don't you just feel great? Or maybe it's Christmas time, and you're with your family. You've asked if you can bring your partner, who happens of the same sex. Your parents don't think it's right. It's not proper. They say, "Can't you change?" Are you afraid to walk through the parking lot? Nervous about walking past the Cheeze Factory? Remember the Fag-Bashing Bat? Worried about your grades if you wear that label in front of your prof? What about getting kicked out of your apartment? Losing your job? Can you imagine what it feels like to be invisible? Imagine that you're sitting in lit. class, and the prof is discussing love but only refers to "opposite-sex" relationships. Your textbooks never mention people like you. And what about the people who don't seem to hear you once they find out you're lesbian or gay - ever imagine having To a heterosexual majority: your entire life invalidated? People who won't hear what you have to say about feminism because you're just a man-hating lesbian. People who say I have lived—it seems forever—in a myself for existing. I starve myself, I vomit, "What would you know about bringing up kids? You're just a fag." world of secrets. A throbbing force in the I slash. But I survive. I cry stubborn tears undercurrent that flows beneath the main for a stolen past and an uncertain future. Are you ready for it? Faggot, queer, sissy, dyke, fudge-packer, cunt- stream. When I was young I feigned child And then once more, I fight. I breathe. bumper, pervert, paedophile, cock-sucker, AIDS carrier, lesbo, lezzie, hood for years on end while in the darkness Every breath I take is strong and deep. man-hater, pansy, poofter, sicko, too ugly to get a man, deviant, homo, I became the exploited woman of my older Every breath I take reconfirms my identity, bull-dyke, immoral, fruit, fairy, lunatic, disturbed, loony, bent, fucked-up, brother's fantasies. Forever in secret, I was my reality, my resistance. My breathing is a sex-crazed, promiscuous, cheap, sleazy, diseased, freak, commie, tin- the victim of shame and guilt and silence. radical act in itself. natural, sinful, deserving death, abomination, queen... Can you imagine This shame, this guilt, this silence was not To name myself before you would be an chosen byme.butratherimposedby threats empowering experience. To exist as I am, a day? A week? A year? A lifetime? of violence, rejection, and abandonment. before all of you. But this liberation would Homophobia is an issue that queers have to deal with every minute of Today again I am silenced. Again I fear be but for moments as I see the stones every day. It's reality. If you think that homophobia is something that violence, rejection, and abandonment. This clutched in your hands, awaiting my rebel needs to be changed, or removed from society, you need to ask yourself if time, it is not the screams of a mute child lion. You are a nameless, faceless mob which that resound within my innocent heart, but yearns for my demise. you're willing to take on the burden yourself for a day, to put yourself on rather the silent songs of angels. My joys, But my downfall is yours as well. De the firing line. my hopes, my love, my inspiration for living, nial of my liberation echoes the denial of all If you don't want to wear the label, ask yourself why? Disinterested? all resound in pools of suppression; sup liberation. Liberation from hunger, from Scared? Don't believe lesbians and gays are discriminated against? Well, pression enforced by violence, by rejection, hatred, from torture, from fascism. when's the last time you called someone faggot or lez or said something and by abandonment in all areas oflife, be I am the symbol of your freedom. When it family, social, legal, political. I am bound, so must you be. You do not was "gay" for no reason other than because it's derogatory. These are acts As I once longed to speak from my embrace my existence for fear of violence, of discrimination which exist of a continuum of hatred and fear. Ask agony, my betrayal, I now long to speak rejection, and abandonment. You see, even yourself, and be honest, are you homophobic? from my life force, my love, my identity. Yet the powerful are not free. But I differ from If you answered no, then you are probably deceiving yourself. Our I do not speak of my love for women. I do not you: your embrace is a choice. My existence society teaches us to be homophobic and heterosexist. We learn in love in the open, but in the all too familiar is not. darkness. Today I do not turn my back on you, my elementary school that boys can't be sissies and skip rope and that girls This darkness haunts me from day to faceless mob, but reach to each one of you need to make themselves attractive to boys or be worthless. day as I ponder the world about me. The individually so that you might see my tenta In university our professors makes heterosexist jokes. At home, our world I was born into does not want me to tive dance of emancipation, my slight chal fathers taunt their sons if they do not excel in the masculine proving exist. I cannot be a survivor of child sexual lenge ofthe silence surrounding us all. ground of sport. abuse because it does not happen in Cana I dream not ofthe world before me, but dian homes. I cannot be a bisexual lesbian of a world where we might live together At work you're queer if you don't ogle the opposite sex.. because women do not love each other with without violence, rejection and abandon Hopefully, you are courageous enough wear the "label." But when you unbound passion. ment. I dream of dancing, loving, living, in go home at the end ofthe day and take off the label, try to imagine what And sometimes I agree and punish the light that surrounds us all. it would be like to have to wear that "label" everytime you go out in public—every moment of your waking life. Every lesbian, gay man and bisexual knows what it is like We know, and worse yet, we feel that fear ten—fold because when we go home at night and brush our teeth to go to THEUBYSSEY bed, we know that when we get up in the morning, we will still have that The Ubyssey is published Tuesdays and Fridays by the Alma Mater Society of the University "label" attached to us. of British Columbia. Editorial opinions are those of the staff and not necessarily those ofthe Once you've worn the label, don't go home and pretend that you now university administration, or ofthe sponsor. The editorial office is room 241K ofthe Student Union Building. Editorial Department, phone 822-2301; advertising, 822-3977; FAX 822- know what it is like to be gay or lesbian or bisexual. 9279 You have not experienced what it is like to grow up gay, to risk losing The Ubyssey is a founding member of your family and friends when they find out. Canadian University Press Sharon Lindores is in love. She's so in love she sends a. valentine to herself. Raul Peschiera goes to meet Paula You have not gone through puberty suppressing your natural—yes Wellingsat a disco on Friday night, but Ellen Pond is already dancing the funky-chicken with her. Ted Ing-Young NATURAL—hormonal drives and instincts. You have not experienced gussies up as Carla Maftechuk who boogies as the lights flashed. Paul Dayson dips Matthew Martin who wears ten inch heels and sequinned bell bottoms. "Love is gangrenous," Ela3ine Griffith sighs. Cheryl Niamath i grees the uncertainty and fear of "coming out." and makes do with doilies and cut-out hearts. Steve Chan is walloped by cupid Yukie Kurahashi and Helen While you wear your "label" for the day, think about these issues. Ask Willoughby-Price fancies some wanton soup served with Rod Browne on the side. "Hi babes, I'msoglib I'm a one- person jamboree," Mark Livesay chirps. Nadene Rehnby sweetens her breath with chocolates and smirks at yourself why it is even necessary to give a person a "label." Graham Cameron, who looks like a spurious character from thirtysomething. "Be chaste. Valentine's Day causes Ideally, people's sexual orientation should be no-one's business but one to be impetuous," Dianne Rudolf pontificates. She warns Anthony Berno about a certain kind of love. Carol Philipps is convinced to drink a magic potion concocted by Margaret Knight and almost falls for Martin Chester. their own. If that person happens to be expressing their love for a person Franka Cordua von Specht flies in from Old Crow and sets up a blind date with Helen Fallding. "Pereonally, I in a way that you are not used to, ask yourself if it is really wrong? think you're all in love limbo," said Norman Gludovatz, who puckers up his forehead for some Up. AquaAmazon makes heart-shaped ravioli and Effie Pow takes a shine to her. Editors Gay for a day, queer for a year, lesbian for a lifetime, dyke for a decade, Paul Day-ton • Sharon Undorm • Carla Maftochuk bi for a bicentennial. Raul Poachlora • Em* Pow Try it, there's no life like it. Photo odltor » Paul Gordon
February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/3 c~ QUEER ISSUE The politics of coming out by Rod Browne with yourself, your family, and your closest too easy to ridicule and trivialize abstract friends, but it doesnt stop there. Every day people, and to grow up hatingyourself if you Twenty years ago, The Personal is Political you have to make choices about how open you knowyou're one of those people. In this way, became an important slogan for the feminist are going to be, whether at work, on the our voluntary invisibility contributes to movement. It drew attention to the fact that street, or when meeting new people. Each of homophobia, by reinforcing the belief that patriarchy is maintained and reinforced not these situations involves weighing risks and we either don't exist, or are a highly just by social institutions, but also through benefits, whether consciously or uncon marginalized group completely outside the people's day-to-day lives and relationships. Just sciously. mainstream of society. By remaining invis because something happens behind closed doors, In this sense, there are many degrees of ible, then, we are unwitting accomplices in in our private lives, does not mean that it is any being out. Some people choose to be much our own oppression. less political. Issues which may seem purely more open in public than others; some people The reality is lesbian, gay and bisexual personal play a central role in perpetuating the choose not to reveal their sexual orientation people are represented in every walk oflife, patriarchal system. at their place of work, for instance, for fear of and are anything but a fringe group. The What applies to gender relations is equally possible negative repercussions. Our society figure of ten per cent is often cited as the true for people's sexuality and sexual orienta is still very unsupportive of openly lesbian, percentage of gay and lesbian people in the tion. What at first appears to be a private gay and bisexual people, and we have very population. However, sexual orientation is matter for individuals and their partners does little in the way of legal protection from dis probably more accurately represented as a in fact have profound political implications. crimination. In certain situations, the threat continuum ranging from homosexuality to "Coming out ofthe closet" is both a personal and of gay-bashing and homophobic abuse can heterosexuality, with various shades of bi a political act. make being visible very frightening. sexuality in the middle. A large percentage Simply put, coming out means being open For all these reasons, coming out is a of the population falls somewhere in the andhonest about your sexual orientation. Since difficult and highly personal decision. How grey area between the two extremes. we live in a society which assumes heterosexu ever, it also has a political dimension because Over the past 20 years, the lesbian and ality to be the norm, for lesbians, gay men and of the impact that openly lesbian, gay and gay liberation movement has largely ignored bisexuals, coming out means directly challeng bisexual people have on society, simply as a bisexuality, viewing it as either an inter ing that assumption. It means demonstrating result of theirvisibility. mediate stage of sexual maturity, or an that it is perfectly "normal" for there to be a Patriarchy perpetuates itself through unwillingness to commit. However, bisexual diversity of sexual orientations in society. "engineered consent:" in the process of social people are out there in large numbers, and There are compelling personal reasons why ization, people internalize patriarchal values the potential impact of greater visibility of many people come out. Lying to one's friends about the roles of women and men. The myth this segment ofthe population is huge. All and family, constantly worrying about being ofthe nuclear, heterosexual family as the core the same reasons for coming out, both per discovered, keeping one's emotional life a se institution of society is crucial to this patri sonal and political, apply to bisexual people cret when most other people can be as open as archal value system. We are taught alternate as to lesbians and gay men. they like, all contribute to feelings of self- family structures and sexualities are deviant, The issue is freedom to love who we loathing, paranoia, and stress. Living in the marginal, or even sinful. Homophobia, the want, and people of all sexual orientations closet makes healthy and rewarding relation irrational fear and loathing of homosexuals, need to take ownership of their own sexu ships nearly impossible. is inculcated at an early age. ality, rather than having it dictated to them While coming out may seem to be risky, Unlike many minorities in society, most by others. Whether you feel you are bisexual, given the prevailing attitudes in society, for lesbian, gay and bisexual people are invisible, gay or lesbian, if you find yourself attracted many people the relief and liberation from the without any distinguishing physical traits. to people ofthe same sex, and are not sure burden of secrecy makes it more than worth it. Because of the hostile attitudes around us, about coming out, then take your time, wait Many have willingly risked losing friends and many of us are strongly encouraged to stay until you're ready, but don't wait too long: straining family relationships, in return for the that way, and to outwardly blend in with come out, in order to be who you really are, emotional rewards of being honest with them dominant heterosexual culture. to lend strength to those of us who are selves and the people closest to them. As a result, young lesbian, gay and bi already out, and to make it easier for those Coming out is not an event which takes sexual people lack role models, and young who will follow. place at a certain point in time and then is over people of all sexual orientations seldom meet with. It is an on-going process which is never real, flesh-and-blood people who might finished. At some point, you have to be honest counterract the negative stereotypes. It is all
Merits of outing as a strategy by Troy Deanna admitted to being homosexual, and surprisingly was not asked to resign. Out.ing (ou'ting), v. the practice of publicly This precedent will serve as key evidence in several announcing another person's homosexuality or court cases regarding soldiers who have been dishonourably bisexuality, usually without their prior consent. discharged from the military for their homosexuality. Outpost, a New York City-based queer activist group, Outinghasbeen the most radical tactic that queer groups recently plastered posters throughout Manhattan calling have had available to them in recent years. several celebrities "ABSOLUTELY QUEER," and ACT-UP , Although most organizations disapprove of exposing London postered London billboards with placards announc another's homosexuality or bisexuality without their consent, ing a popular British singer is "Queer as fuck." there are many proponents ofthe tactic. These two campaigns have been part of an international Outings of closeted public figures have become almost movement to bring out prominent celebrities. The idea commonplace events in queer communities. Outweek, a New behind this is that if all closeted lesbians, gays and bisexuals York gay magazine, regularly publishes lists of individuals would be open with their sexuality, society would be forced which it claims are queer, and these lists are occasionally to realize many of its most prominent and respectable reprinted in other queer publications. individuals are queer. Homophobic and heterosexist preju The public media has had a difficult time dealing with dice would evaporate, and young homosexuals and bisexu these issues of outing. Most papers, including The Ubyssey, als would have positive role models. have a policy which opposes outing and stories of outings are What this movement is actually accomplishing is quite rarely covered. the opposite. It is showing that famous queers believe Certain publications, however, thrive on stories of out homosexual and bisexual feelings are so deviant they must ings. Supermarket tabloids such as The Globe and The be hidden from the public at all costs. A person who is National Enquirer regularly publish stories on celebrities ashamed of their sexuality, and who must be dragged who have been outed by militant queers. kicking and screaming from the closet, cannot be considered Outing began to be used as a tactic of certain militant a positive role model. AIDS activists in the mid-'80s. These activists published the At heart is the issue of privacy. Coming out ofthe closet names of US senators who voted against funding for HIV/ is not easy, and it must continue to be an action which the AIDS projects and research, and who were known to be individual willingly decides to undertake. The practise of closeted homosexuals. outing undermines the right of an individual to lead her/his Even then, many AIDS activists were uncomfortable life the way she/he desires. about the outings. Proponents of the technique argued the Outing will continue to be used as a powerful weapon in end justified the means, and the battle against AIDS called the fight to end hatred and violence against the queer for extreme strategies. communities, yet its actual effects should be examined. More recently, outing has been a strategy used in the Queer public figures are now constantly living in fear of fight to force the US government to permit homosexual and being outed, and queer organizations are establishing bisexual soldiers to remain in the US military. themselves as enemies of their own people. In the end, the This past summer, a high-ranking Pentagon official was practise of outing is not a beneficial exercise for the queer outed in this campaign. The general eventually publicly communities.
4/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 QUEER ISSUE **x •discrimination
by Matthew Martin and categories affect us in very the University of British Colum "Canadian law does not permit whole," said Chapman. To be For the last three years intimate and real ways in our lives." bia is also of the opinion that the same sex couples to marry, so we honest, I don't think that the Christine Morrissey has been But Morrisey has decided to Canadian government is are quite prepared to accept some government of Canada has an fighting Canada Immigration. challenge those categories and descriminatory. alternate criteria such as, immi articulated policy on homo She wants to sponsor her life Immigration Canada's policies "You fall in love with some gration status will be deferred two sexuality." time partner of 14 years to be a under the section 15 ofthe Cana one who is not a Canadian and or three years. Something like this An articulated policy on landed immigrant but she dian Charter of Rights—the pro Canada says to you drop your lover would verify the stability of the di scriminatdon against lesbians cannot even apply because her motion of a society in which all or leave the country," he said. relationship." and gays is essential according partner is a woman and the people are recognized at law as "Heterosexual marriage i s treated Discrimination on the basis of to the BC Human Rights Coali Canada Immigraton Act dis equals. as a basic right and gay and lesbi sexual orientation is also depriving tion and in a statement "calls criminates against couples of By pursuing this challenge she ans are not given that right." Canada of educated immigrants. on the federal government to the same sex. hopes to sponsor Coll under the In December the Lesbian and Coll works in the mental health end all practices which dis Morrissey's partner, family class as there is no class for Gay Task Force on Immigration industry where there is a shortage criminate on the basis of sexual Bridget Coll, is a naturalized life companions. (LGTFI) was organized as a lob of workers. Alanna Hendren, her orientation." American citizen and has been "I feel as a Canadian I ought to bying and support group for lesbi - employer feels that she is an ex Mary Brookes of here for the last two and a half have the same rights as any other ans and gay men who have lovers cellent candidate for immigration. Vancouver's Gay and Lesbian years on a work visa which ex Canadian to sponsor the person outside the country—as well as Hendren, in a letter of refer Centre agrees. "It is long past pires on April 21. with whom I have chosen to share those here who would like to ap ence, says, "there is a real need for the time for the federal govern Rather than be separated my life," Morrissey said. "We are ply to be landed in Canada. They people with her educational and ment to act to ensure this form from her partner, Morrissey not claiming any special rights for also seek some status for same experiential background. of discrimination is no longer decided to try and sponsor Coll same sex couples, but asking for sex couples. "If the purpose of our immigra legally tolerated in Canada," as a landed immigrant. the same consideration from the There are a group of us here tion policy in Canada is to enhance she says. "All citizens must be But Laura Chapman, di Immigration Department to be able who are Canadian citizens, who the quality oflife for both Canadi treated as equals under the rector general of Policy and to live in Canada with the life have partners of the same sex, ans and immigrants, then Bridget law." Program Development in Im companion of our choice." and who are not Canadians," said is an ideal candidate for residency These two organizations, migration, said "the [Immigra Hughes said, "The family class Sanders. "It is a group of couples in our country as she has already as well as the United Church of tion] Act specifies heterosexu which includes a number of rela who have immigration problems." demonstrated her willingness and Canada, Parents and Friends als. They can't apply under the tionships. We are not applying "The task force has a very ability to become a contributing, of Lesbians and Gays, act because they are lesbians. under the spouse class but under specific mandate which is to have participating citizen. Vancouver Lesbian Connection In this particular case the act is the entire family class and if nec the Canadian Immigration laws "If our immigration system is and the British Columbia Civil explicit." essary ask them to create a sepa changed to give equality to gays designed to prohibit discrimination Liberties Association, have ex "I cannot understand why rate class for same sex couples." and lesbians," he said. "It is also a along ethnic, religious and cultural pressed their support for Christine is not allowed to Morrissey has mixed feelings support group because their situ boundaries, then it would follow Morrissey's challenge. sponsor Bridget for immigra about the case because discrimi ations can be very stressful." that we should also disallow dis Morrissey and Coll will try tion," said Morrissey's 76-year nation on the basis of sexual ori A similar group was formed, crimination based on sexual orien and apply for a Ministers Per old mother. "I consider Bridget entation is something the courts in Australia in 1984, and suc tation," she said. mit, based on humanitarian to be part of our family." have only just begun to grapple cessfully lobbied for changes to But Immigration Canadais not and compassionate grounds if Morrissey's lawyer, Rob with. Australian law. willing to deal with Coll and their case is not resolved before Hughes, said, "Every hetero "It certainly is causing some "At the moment, a hetero Morrissey's case. Coil's work permit expires. sexual can at least apply to turmoil and anxiety," she said. sexual can sponsor a partner and "The question of what homo "Itis just beginning," states sponsor their partner and there "There is a feeling of helplessness marriage is required and a fi sexuals are entitled to, I dont think Morrissey. "If they [hetero are other criteria to be met of and powerlessness in the sense of nancial guarantee. There is no that that is something that immi sexuals] can immigrate, why course, but if you are gay or not being able to find information." waiting period or time require gration should deal with and I think can't we?" lesbian you dont even have that Morrissey feels she has no ment. We're seeking equality with that that i s something that the gov opportunity to make that ap choice in the matter. "Fm doing that kindofsystem."Sanders said. ernment should deal with as a plication. There is not even a this because I have to. It is not doorway to step through." particularly something that I Immigrant sponsorship is would choose to do. I suppose in \ limited to "sponsorship of a some way we are going to make spouse, (who is a party of the some sort of contribution to a more opposite sex to whom that per equal society." son is joined in marriage), un "If there was a heterosexual married sons or daughters, couple applying, there wouldn't be grandparents 60 years or over any problem," Hughes said. Ifs who cannot be gainfully em not about facts, it's about the law ployed in their own country, and discrimination based on sexual fiances that plan to be married orientation. The policy is from the within 90 days of arrival in minister down. It is systemic dis Canada, and adopted children," crimination. This predicament is according to Al Theissen, re not limited to Christine and gional manager of Inland Op Bridget." erations for the Department of Many other same sex couples Immigration. find themselves in the same situ Morrisey said, "It high ation. Morrisey's case is a test of lights the factthatlesbians and Immigration Canada's policy for SN* gay men are invisible in our them. society. Our society does not »\#*. recognize us and we don't fit m Doug Sanders, co-chair ofthe to into the categories that have Lesbian Gay Task Force on Im been defined. These structures migration and a professor of law at
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February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/5 t* QUEER ISSUE 3 The evolution of the queer fight for acceptance by Brian Young VICTORIA(CUP)—On June 27,1969, one ofthe most significant and unrecognized riots in North American history hit the streets of New York. The Stonewall Riots represented the entry of gay MOM, JMP, 6MAF OUT OF IT? men and lesbians into the civil rights movement, and the beginning of an organized struggle by queer people i • f • ? WE'RE HERE!" to live lives free of harassment and brutality. The Stonewall Inn was an unassuming gay bar in Greenwich Village when the men in blue—sworn to serve and protect—raided it, arresting, roughing up and verbally abusing many ofthe patrons. The events of that night would have passed unno ticed except for one thing: the queers fought back, throwing bottles, yelling and screaming, and fighting hand-to-hand with the police. Gay men had never before gathered together in America to express the anger and bitterness they had all felt individually. People like those at the Stonewall have fought long and hard to change the way the straight population thinks of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Now there is a new militancy, a direct response to the unwilling ness of people in power to listen to the queer voice. "Straightification" ofthe gay image, in the name of some public image and the greater "good" called integration, marginalization of fringe groups is nothing but internalized within the gay community are homophobia. The integration two alarming ways times have philosophy supposes queers changed. But Stonewall contin prove they look "straight" and ues to act as a context for under are "just like" the heterosexual standing these changes. The male establishment. Stonewall patrons were a pretty The gay community is not: it heterogeneous bunch: many or is diverse, and cannot be summed dinary-looking queers, some in up with homogenized icons like business, some in school. But the three-piece suit. When people there were also drag queens, who in the gay community tell drag were then more integrated in gay queens or leather men they have queer person a threat and a per movement. boldSILENCE=DEATH graphic culture than they are now. no place on the queer nation's secuted group. Difference is cen Later, as the AIDS crisis took spawned a new genre of gay male When the raid came, most political agenda, they demon tral to the queer political agenda, hold, leaving gay neighbourhoods costuming with its obligatory Doc establishment queers ran for strate how willing they are to for "acceptance" means gays don't feeling like plague towns, fast Martens, crew-cut hair and cover, afraid of public scrutiny. compromise the principles of that call their male friends Mary or friends began turning their backs bandana. The drag queens got the ball roll agenda for the sake of political discuss things done in bed which on queers—the notable excep But ACT-UP has inspired ing on the front lines, and it is to expediency. are bones of contention with those tion being lesbian women, who more than a look: it has ushered the drag queens that queer people By denying the drag queen who repress homosexuality. Re have done more for gay men in in what The Advocate, America's are indebted for many ofthe free voice, the gay population rejects jecting drag queens or the other the health crisis than the men leading lesbian and gay news doms they now enjoy. diversity and encourages the ho queers exercises the very kind of have for them in their battles. magazine, calls the "third wave" This is abigproblem for many mogeneity out of which hatred bigoted exclusion the gay com Lip service liberation is all the in queer activism—a rejection of gays and lesbians today—espe and prejudice are born. munity is fighting to eradicate. gains of the '60s and '70s the passivity and complacency of cially young ones, for whom the Being gay or lesbian is being In the post-Stonewall '70s, it amounted to. Thousands and the 80s. drag queen is a quaint relic ofthe "queer"—strange—on the fringes was thought the battles against thousands of gay men were dy Eventually an ACT-UP fac disco era. There are factions of the mainstream. These outer homophobia and heterosexism ing, and no one who held the tion recognized they weren't within the gay community who limits afford a vantage point not purse-strings cared. fighting medical bureaucracy so find queens an embarrassment found from within. It took the Reagan-Bush much as encountering a resis when trying to "look good" in a It is difference administration a decade tance based on good ol' fashioned quiet legislative fight for human that makes and a straight, HIV- homophobia. Queer Nation then rights. positive basket emerged from ACT-UP and, like This "sanitation"of the ball media dar its parent group, premised that gay public ling to admit simply being polite, and follow not enough ing the "proper channels" to gain has been done full equality was futile: rights in the fight are not given, they are taken. against Groups like Queer Nation AIDS. In are the Stonewall queens of the two terms in 90s, and gays and lesbians who office criticize their tactics will end up Reagan men their beneficiaries. These groups tioned the "A" have defused the ugly sound of word once, the word "queer" and turned it while a commu back on those who persecute les nity was being gut bians and gays, removing the ted by a preventable power of the names to hurt the epidemic. gay community. The stalling and The experience of scapegoating the AIDS crisis Stonewall has taught queers brought has taught queers that, were makinginroads on that equal rights don't come easy: in the words of president Bush, the mainstream con it takes more than letters to your they must "go the extra mile" to sciousness. The notion MP to initiate change. Sometimes ensure homophobia is eradicated of a "gay identity" took it takes a nastier push—block everywhere, not just the gay hold, typified by life ing traffic, or holding die-ins or ghettos of urban centres. Gay on "the Castro" in San kiss-ins—to bend the ears ofthe men and lesbians must be as out Francisco—Main powerful. with our sexuality as possible to Street, USA of the Direct-action groups like show how large and diverse a new homosexual AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power population exists. An air-condi culture. (ACT-UP) and Queer Nation tioned closet will not do, for the private life of queer people is «Ull The feeling that were born in this spirit. ACT-UP \ttStlI gains had been is a radical offshoot of Gay Men's now public. Someday that won't Hr//// made, that the Health Crisis, the first organized be anyone's business but the '60s had ushered attempt to address the epidemic. individual's. Until then, the per in the Age of GMHC's mandate was to speed ception of gay sexuality excludes Aquarius, were up the drug trial bureaucracy the gay community from the echoed by which prevents people with HTW birthright of equality. Blacks and AIDS from getting drug treat women in the ments that hold some promise. civil rights ACT-UPs political tactics and
6/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 Coming out in the Interior: memories of high school
fry C. Lalonde peers notice and admire me. I could talking about the girls we found smoke more joints, hot-knife more attractive, the ones who might like hen I was sixteen years hash, drink more Lonesome us, and the girls who might be... W old my mother, my Charlie sparkling wine, and still Soon the whole school was brother and I moved to a small drive my mom's standard Honda suspicious of our dyke-like town. You cant find Princeton on a home. For this I was looked upon behaviour. Many times while in a lot of maps, and it's usually heard with awe and envy. washroom stall, I heard my name of in conjunction with the Hope- Only one other person could whispered and the word "lezzie." I Princeton Highway. out do me; her name was Karen found graffiti everywhere, "Chris Princeton boasted one high "Half-pint" McGreggor and I L. is a lez." and "Chris L. loves school of about 400 students, and wanted to be her friend. She was Karen M. True love forever." one main street that was about about five feet tall, 135 pounds, During class change, while three blocks long and aptly called with curly brown hair and blue walking from one end ofthe school Main Street. There was no public eyes. to the other with 400 other stu transit, no malls, no Cineplex We became friends the first dents, unseen hands pushed me theatres and no recognizable fast- time we walked home together. into lockers. I was elbowed in the food joints. The people were sus She invited me over to listen to a kidneys, tripped, punched, and spit picious of newcomers and non Greg Kihn record, but before going at. conformity was a social death into the house we sat at a picnic After school, girls waited to sentence. table in the backyard. "kick the shit out of me." In a typing In my first year at high school "Fm B. lesbian," she said mat- class, some yelled, "What are you I didnt make many friends. I was staring at?" and sent me a note ter-of-factly. Lezzle graffiti and sexuality exposed in a small town *"FFIErow PHOTO painfully shy, unattractive (I I began to sweat. "I think I am that accused me of "undressing" thought), and liked strange music. too." them with my eyes. Butthefollowingyear I discovered "Good," she said. And we got Looking back I can see that all drugs and alcohol (entrance tohig h up and went inside. the harassment prepared me for school social life), and Princeton's After that day the word lesbian what I would later face—hostile, worldfamous bush parties. Finally, was never mentioned again; it malicious, and sometimes violent something that would make my didnt have to be. We spent hours treatment for being a lesbian. Counselling for queer youths Queers in the classroom by Martin Chester "Itislikesomanyotherthings; by Graham Coleman ing, she feels not enough is Because a context of great VANCOUVER(CUP)—Lesbian, gay and bi it should be taught. We don't even Teaching about homo being done. discrimination and sexual teenagers are much more likely to at do a lot of suicide prevention train sexuality has long been a taboo "There is next to no edu prejudice haslong existed tempt suicide than their straight counterparts, ing," she said. "I imagine it would subject in the public schools. cation currently in the in the institutional school yet mainstream counsellors are not capable of be difficult [for students] to get Kids have mocked it as "queer," Vancouver School Board on system, she said, "It's not dealing with the problem. this information. In practice teachers have complained they gay issues. When it comes to like rationality is going According to studies in the United States, courses it probably comes under feel "uncomfortable" talking homosexuality, Vancouvercity to prevail in an open dis homosexual youths are two to three times the umbrella of crisis manage about it, and religious pressure [schools] have only moved to cussion of being queer in more likely to commit suicide than are teenag ment." groups have lobbied against its the level of tolerance, not yet an ordinary classroom." ers in general. A study by San Francisco social Another option for most inclusion because it might to acceptance or a willingness Referring to a series worker Paul Gibson recorded that 30 per cent troubled teenagers is peer coun "convert" young students. to acknowledge it," she said. of homophobic letters of teenagers who attempt suicide are lesbian, selling, but that is not an easy However, under a recent In an effort to assist that recently appeared in gay or bisexual. option for lesbian, gay and bisexual directive from the provincial schools in addressing same- the BC Teachers Federa Another study published in Pediatrics high school students. Ministry of Education, the sex issues in a positive man tion newspaper, Bryson magazine in June of 1991 reported that almost Hall said, "Peer counsellors Vancouver School Board has ner, Knight is currently work said in her opinion most half the gay, lesbian and bisexual teens they are not doing counselling, they are begun to deal with this press ing in conjunction with the teachers simply are not interviewed had attempted suicide more than doing more support work—big ing issue. VSB to produce a lesbian/gay ready to deal with les once. brother, big sister stuff. We dont Francis Kolotyluck, coor resource booklet. It is to be bian and gay issues in a Dawn Knight of the Gay and Lesbian have a lot of time for [training] for dinator of Counselling and placed in schools throughout positive light. Centre (GLC) in Vancouver said lesbian, gay specific problems." Lifeskills for the Vancouver the greater Vancouver region "You have to go 'back and bisexual teens need support that is pres "No one has come tome saying School Board (VSB), said the and hopefully across the prov to teacher education in ently lacking in society. that someone was confused about positive treatment of homo ince, she said. stitutions like [UBC], and "Teenagers are going through chaos as it their sexuality or having trouble sexuality has become an im That way, "when counsel take a look at the is and if they have to deal with being homo dealing with it or whatever," Hall portant element in the city- lors are asked questions by heterosexism, not to sexual as well, it can be tough. There is no said. wide "Learning for Living" students about being gay or mention the sexism, rac visible support." He said gay members on fac -** courses all grade seven to 12 lesbian, they will have some ism, and classism in the GLC offers a youth group for gay youth ulty, even if they are not out, can students must take. thing to direct them towards," curriculum," she said. -•*/ between the ages of 14 and 25 and can refer act as role models for gay youths. "One ofthe first things we Knight said. "Teachers have to be young people to free counselling if necessary. "Kids have a sense of that and gay talk about in workshops is in Yet according to Mary educated about how to "Also we give them a chance to get together and lesbian kids make an effort to clusive language, that we not Bryson, UBC professor of Psy educate themselves. Kids with their peers so they don't feel alone." make contact with that person." make assumptions about a chology and Special Ed. in the who identify as gay or The GLC programme is the only one of its Knight said lack of education, child's sexuality, particularly Faculty of Education, such a lesbian do not need the kind in Vancouver. outdated values and homophobia at the high school level because booklet by itself could actually teachers' help. What they Crisis lines and school counsellors tend to are behind the lack of counselling young people will already begin be detrimental because it need is for the teacher to refer gay, lesbian and bisexual teens to GLC available to homosexual teenagers. to feel different," she said. might suggest to some coun be able to create a more and other gay and lesbian groups. "I think counsellors have to be As an example, Kolotyluck sellors and teachers "that it's democratic [classroom] better educated on gay and lesbian mentioned the case of an el okay to abdicate responsibil environment." Gay members on faculty, even if issuesto better deal with the youths ementary school in Vancouver ity on some components of hu "There are some they are not out, can act as role as needed," Knight said. which is currently doing a unit man rights. ways that would be pos "I would assume the respon to combat homophobiabecause "Everybody'safraidofthis sible," she said, "all the models for gay youths. sibility [for the education] would there are a number of lesbian issue, and they would prob way from explicit inclu John Hall, a counsellor at Burnaby North be to the education system," she and gay families in the ably love to hear that they can sion of work by gay and High School, said there is not a lot high school said. Knight said school boards neighbourhood. just pass it off to somebody lesbian artists and writ counsellors could do for lesbian, gay and bi and the Ministry ofEducation must However, Dawn Knight of else," she said. ers to not permitting put- sexual teenagers. "I know there are a lot of gay be prepared to deal with these is the Vancouver Gays and Les Bryson questioned the downs around sexual and lesbian kids around, but at this age they sues. orientation...the basic bians Centre said that while validity of simply tacking ho are generally keeping it to themselves." Part of Knighf s job atthe GLC she is encouraged by the direc mosexuality onto the already stuff that everyone can do, should do." Hall said the counselling department keeps is to put together three books for tion in which the VSB is mov existing sex education classes. information pamphlets around for students, the education system. One will be most of which is about groups around town. a resource gui de for educators, and Hall said he had no training in helping lesbian, the other two are directed towards gay and bisexual adolescents. junior and senior high school stu "Our role is to explore the issue with the dents. student and move them on to people with According to Knight, govern experience in that area. If the kid was suicidal, ments ignore the issue because it we tend to move them on to people who can involves homosexuals. She said the spend more time with them and do more in situation is similar to the AIDS tensive counselling than we can," he said. crisis. Training in this area is not being pushed "The governments and the for people going into student counselling or medical profession knew about HIV social work. [the virus thought to cause ADDS] Mary Russell, an associate professor in for a number of years, but it was the UBC School of Social Work, said she was with homosexuals. They only re not aware of any specific courses in lesbian, ported it when it hit heterosexual gay and bisexual counselling. people," she said. "It is touched on in a number of courses, The only information avail but it is not something we deal with in specific able on suicide rates ofhomosexual courses," Russell said. teenagers comes from the United Dyke visionaries of the toilet. EFFIE TOW PHOTO Russell's own course on feminist issues States; there are no studies avail does deal with issues concerning lesbians. able in Canada. February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/7 by Alisa Gordaneer people know we're doing it, we're out here," Victoria (CUP) she said. "Some peir-^i
February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/9 QUEER ISSUE by Jeff Harrington Act, people are forced country's dependence on heterosexual fami OTTAWA(CUP)-An to use the courts to lies to have and raise children requires that animated man in a seek redress. same-sex and heterosexual families be white shirt and jeans "There's no easy treated differently. leans over his bacon administrative pro "Because of their contribution, they get and eggs and laughs cess for the average tax benefits and tax exemptions," she says. as he recounts a re person without finan "Homosexuals, because of their very nature, cent chat with his cial means to com of course, cannot make this contribution, so mother. plain as one does if they should not be getting benefits." "Finally, she said, there's (hscrimination Darling, when are you based on colour or re THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY getting married?" he ligious beliefs," says Patterson rejects the idea that lesbians chuckles to the woman Patterson. and gay men can't raise children and says facing him. The government that in recent years people have begun to "I told her When has been promising realize that gay people are an integral part of the laws change, mum, change since March 4, the family structure. "They are mothers, when the laws 1986, when John fathers, grandparents, children and they change." Crosbie, the justice constitute part of the fabric of Canadian A few people cock minister at the time, society," he says. their ears and turn stood up in the House But the real roadblock to equality of sexual their heads briefly, but of Commons and orientation has been opposition from small- most of the denizens promised to take and large-C conservative MPs, who have ofthe 24-hour formica "whatever measures repeatedly resisted attempts at reform. phenomenon known PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGLES are necessary to pro "I believe there are any number of people as Mello's restaurant are more interested in hibit discrimination on the basis of sexual in the Conservative Party and the govern what's on their plates. orientation in relation to all areas of federal ment who wish to do what is morally right," A minute or two of further eavesdropping jurisdiction." But despite continuing efforts says Patterson. "But there is a small cabal of reveals this uncommonly-happy man is rare by NDP MP Svend Robinson—the only openly- right-wing religious fundamentalists who in another respect: he seems perfectly com gay member of the House—and groups like have successfully blocked any progress on fortable publicly discussing the fact he is gay. EGALE, no laws have been changed. amendment," The group of about a dozen To some degree at least, he is "out," and proud In fact, the federal government has con recalcitrant PC MPs includes Don Blenkarn, of it. sistently opposed people claiming discrimi Felix Holtzmann and Stan Darling, who sits Across town, Don Patterson sits behind a nation because they are lesbian or gay, as in on the PC caucus committee on family is desk in his deserted antique store. The unof two important recent cases, the Mossop case sues, as well as Secretary of State Robert de ficial chair of EGALE—Equality for Gays and on the status of same-sex couples and the Cotret and Health and Welfare Minister Lesbians Everywhere—speaks slowly and Haig case challenging the Human Rights Benoit Bouchard. carefully. Act. The more zealous among the group are "I'm sure you're aware that there are very Diane Kilby, president ofthe Association sometimes dubbed "the God Squad." few people in the community who are openly of Lesbians and Gays of Ottawa, notes the In October, resistance from backbenchers gay or lesbian in the totality of their fives," he government has always maintained that in the Conservative caucus scuttled the De says. "It is a measure ofthe kind of discrimi sexual orientation is implied in the Charter fence Department's plan to allow lesbians nation that continues in Canadian society of Rights as a ground of prohibited discrimi and gay men in the armed forces. that there are so few." nation. "Nevertheless, they are appealing According to an internal Canadian Forces For five years, EGALE and similar groups the ruling (in favour of Brian Mossop) any memo, the minister of justice, Kim Campbell, across the country have been lobbying to way," she says. had recently "advised the Minister of Na entrench protection for lesbians and gay men Kilby, Patterson and an estimated 2.5 tional Defence (Marcel Masse) that the policy in the Charter of Rights and the Canadian million other gay Canadians are up against was contrary to the Charter of Rights and Human Rights Act. While it is impossible to what Patterson calls "the forces of evil": fam Freedoms and that it should be revoked. The simply legislate away homophobia, Patterson ily and religious organizations like REAL Chief of the Defence Staff, John de Chastelain, says the lack of legal equality often translates Women, Focus on the Family, the Salvation also recommended that the policy be revoked into matters of dollars and cents. Army, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and the Minister of National Defence has "Getting very pragmatic, my lover has a and the Pentecostal agreed." dental plan that I can't be included in because Assemblies of Canada. The announce I'm not considered a spouse. My lover has a These groups have ment was leaked to the pension. I am not entitled to receive his pen sided with the gov media, provoking the sion," Patterson says. "I pay the same taxes, ernment in the backlash that has left I want the same benefits." Mossop case, due to be gay service personnel heard this year by the in limbo ever since. DAILY DOSES OF HOSTILITY Supreme Court of u3ko s^uc^>u\h^ gay- SK Three weeks ago, Pensions and medical and dental plans Canada. Mossop, a defence minister are only part ofthe discrimination. Lesbians, translator for a fed Marcel Masse told re bisexuals and gay men face barriers when eral government, was olt^hjLYJAV^T" kj^SSLjp.. porters that PC immigrating or adopting children, as well as denied leave to attend backbenchers were harassment when seeking employment and the funeral of his XX still stalling a cabinet housing. They can be considered a security partner's father be J& (_»a mjca^Mx^of4^ decision. Masse said risk if they conceal their sexual orientation cause his partner is a the final decision rests from the RCMP. Since 1986, 58 gay men or man. with Brian Mulroney. lesbians have left or been forced to leave the Gwendolyn The same Tory armed forces because of their homosexuality. Landolt, the national backbenchers oppose And if they are out, a daily dose of hostility is vice president of long-promised not unusual. REAL (Realistic, amendments to the Because sexual orientation isn't mentioned Equal, Active for Life) Human Rights Act. In in either the Charter or the Human Rights Women, says the September 1991, an
10/TUE UBYSSEY February 14,. 1992 QUEER ISSUE Ontario judge ruled Disability Rights the Act is unconstitu Council, the National Recent developments tional because it con Action Council on the related to sexual orientation Status of Women, the travenes the Charter by Jeff Harrington of Rights. The govern Canadian Labour OTTAWAXCUP)—For six years, the Conservative gov ment then launched Congress, the Cana ernment has been promising to amend the Canadian an appeal of the so- dian Federation of Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the &r LLz&Qj^kA/L iditx&r basis of sexual orientation. While a cabal of PC called Haig case, Students, the Public backbenchers block reform, the decision to proceed rests which the Ontario itUivi ^evcjjd -to LbsrVt^L- Service Alliance of with prime minister Brian Mulroney. Court of Appeal heard Canada, the Cana A timeline of recent developments regarding sexual dian Auto Workers orientation: January 29 in October 25,1985—The all-party Parliamentary Com Toronto. The court is and other social jus mittee on Equality Rights recommends: waiting for the result tice organizations. a) the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) be of a related case be On the surface, amended to add sexual orientation as a prohibited there appears to be ground of discrimination... fore the Supreme JW if-t/uy sure &ub> & b) the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP bring Court before making some sort of momen their employment practices into conformity with the its decision. 6-LUL dose d^-Jhcsfa brh) tum. CHRA as amended... The government Max Yalden, the March 4,1986—Justice minister John Crosbie says the government will take "whatever measures are neces appears willing to lose head ofthe Canadian sary to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual in court rather than Human Rights Com orientation in relation to all areas of federal jurisdic make decisions some mission, told the Spe tion." MPs would be uncom cial Joint Committee September 1986—A defence department report in re sponse to the government's intentions concludes "the fortable with—an ex on a Renewed Canada presence of homosexuals in the Canadian Forces would pensive way of keep on December 18 that be detrimental to cohesion and morale, discipline, lead ing its camp happy. Prominent Toronto civil "it is my view past time that sexual orienta ership, recruiting, medical fitness, and the rights to tion be clearly recognized as a proscribed privacy of other members." rights lawyer Clayton Ruby told the Cana November 1989—A review of the DND report by dian Press it is "morally reprehensible" for ground of discrimination" in the Charter of Carleton University psychology professor Connie the government to spend "millions of dollars" Rights and Freedoms. Kristiansen concludes that its theoretical, methodologi on litigation while it preaches belt-tighten The Human Rights Law section of the cal and statistical shortcomings suggest its conclusions have "little, if any, scientific validity." Kristiansen writes ing. justice department is well into its overall the report "appears to be an effort to justify continued review of the Human Rights Act, and Kim discrimination against homosexuals." APPEALING FOR DOLLARS Campbell has indicated she will meet with May 29,1990—Chief of defence staff John de Chastelain says homosexuals will be treated the same as hetero Ruby represents Michelle Douglas, a EGALE late this month or in early March. sexuals until sexual orientation policy is reviewed. former lieutenant forced out of the air force Some funding may also be made available for August 10,1990— In an external review ofthe armed because she is a lesbian. The independent representatives ofthe various equality-seek forces' Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the honourable ing groups to get together to discuss the Act. Rene J. Marin concludes "there is no reason whatsoever Security Intelligence Review Committee ruled to single out homosexuality, or any other form of sexu in August 1990 that the military's policy But any recommendation of the depart ality, as a matter for attention by the SIU," and recom banning lesbians and gay men is unconstitu ment of justice can still be derailed by the mends the unif s mandate be changed to stop the weed tional and of "no force and effect." "highly-vocal Neanderthals" in the PC cau ing out of lesbians and gay men. August 15, 1990—The Security Intelligence Review The Federal Court of Appeal ruled the cus, as Svend Robinson has put it. Committee rules that the military policy against em recommendations were binding. The govern In case the "God Squad" keeps waving its ploying lesbians and gay men violates the equality ment appealed that decision and Douglas's wand of power about, EGALE has a two- guarantees in the Charter of Rights and is "of no force and effect." The committee says former lieutenant $550,000 lawsuit against the policy—which pronged strategy to poke the government Michelle Douglas, who graduated at the top of her basic the justice department has already admitted along. training class, should be reinstated. The Federal Court is unconstitutional—is scheduled to be heard The first is to pressure Kim Campbell of Appeal rules the committee's recommendations are binding on the government. The government appeals— in federal court in June. herself in the run up to the next election. The the case should come before the Supreme Court of Bill Black, a law professor with the Hu gay community in the justice minister's riding Canada in June 1992. man Rights Centre at the University of Ot of Vancouver Centre has a "fairly significiant December 1990—Federal government convenes hu tawa, says the government has stalled long portion ofthe vote," according to Patterson. man rights conference without inviting one lesbian or enough. The second tactic is to put direct pressure gay association. February 1991—Justice minister Kim Campbell says "The government has been promising to on Brian Mulroney through sympathetic shell introduce a package of amendments to the Human change this since 1986. One has to assume cabinet colleagues. The theory goes that in Rights Act in Spring 1991. there is a holdupj^ry! Black. "I think that the context of the Conservatives' deep un September 25,1991—Ontario judge Joseph McDonald the sooner that, popularity and a loomingelection, even those rules the Canadian Human Rights Act is unconstitu tional because it contravenes Section 15 ofthe Charter While wai opposed to homosexuals nught be convinced of Rights, which states "every individual is equal before its word, EG. •j&mething progresavenw: political rea- the law and has the right to the equal protection and seeking eq equal benefit ofthe law without discrimination..." The government appeals the decision. racial an beeninthe October 10,1991—Media announce in advance that disabiliti e name of the Canadian Armed Forces will no longer prevent gees. Th lesbians and gay men from serving in the military. A ut there last-minute rebellion by backbench PC MPs scraps the mon th announcement. hum up with December 18,1991—Max Yalden, chief commissioner orpi ofthe Canadian Human Rights Commission, tells the meno: e wjfWd
* The RCMP now takes the position that "homosexuality by itself is not proof of unreliability or a bar to obtaining a security clearance." RCMP corporal Andre Guertin said sexual orientation is not a barrier to joining the RCMP, but added it is still a security concern if someone conceals their sexual orientation. If it's open, up front, and nobody can use it against you, who cares? It's like preferring pizza to chicken."
* The Human Rights section of the Department of Justice is currently conducting an overall review ofthe Canadian Human Rights Act A department source said justice minister Kim Campbell wants to introduce amendments to the Act this spring, but her press assistant said that "is a little premature," adding that her desire for broad consultation includes discussion with the Tory caucus.
February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/11 HAPPY SIX MONTHS. made me feel so happy and grateful • Dear Green (eggs and ham) Anticipate raspberry baths and a THE TIGER to have someone as special as you. Thank you for trying me, Sam-I-am plethora of rug burns. I love you — not just because of Lets bend, but not break, together. Loving Wayne "Musilusic composition major Robert DEARWUBBY who you are, but for the part of me Be my Valentine? Best: you're a guiding light for MY LIFE NEVER BEGAN UNTIL that you bring out. And I love you Love, - MAV - Backward rabbit prints in the snow all of us here who remember I MET YOU for putting you hand into my and then the sun set you!" - Wendy Feilden, Capilano YOU BROUGHT SO MUCH heaped-up heart and passing over Dearest Sa: Happy 2nd Valentines It tickled, my sides hurt and then I_ College. HAPPINESS the SILLY things that you can't Day. Yobo, tangshinul saranghagi broke your fingers I HAVE NEVER FELT BEFORE help seeing there, and for drawing ttaemunimnida. Luv always. Kat Soft skin and tiny, tiny bite marks ^ MEOW MEOW - DOES BABY YOU OPENED MY EYES TO out all the beautiful belongings Tea, sweet waffles and I love your^jj WANT SAUCE??!? ITS BEEN LOVE that no one else had looked quite Ma Belle P.G. little pig eyes. THE BEST TWO-AND-ALMOST- AND LET ME BE WHO I AM far enough to find. Thanx, for all Je f admire et je t'adore HALF YEARS WITH YOU. I YOU MADE ME HAVE A REA you love Willy. -Gaston WOOFY, HAPPY VALENTINES LOVE YOUR TORPEDO AND SON TO LIVE Happy Valentine's Day. DAY MY LOVE BUMCAKES. LOVE YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE From your SILLY, Linda Dearest Buttercup, Wake me not if this is a dream TRULY. FUTURE My heARt is set on You Here's to hoping that I am wide YOUR ARE MY LIFE, LOVE, AND I love you in the morning are on my Always awake in dreamland - Love Your J A Poem to our Sisters: INSPIRATION. and in the afternoon remain my true love, For MANN yd To all those Naughty Nuns on LOVEMUFFY I love you in the evening you mean the world to me three, And underneath the moon ... Love, your MMan (boy?) in black Doug there is nothing in this world Oh how we love thee. TO MR. WONDERFUL (MY Love Bun P.S. Chicka Chicka I wouldn't do for you because my The second years like Lis and VALENTINE) Chicka Vanessa, the sweetest girl in the love for you extends beyond belief. Suz, IN MY HEART, FOREVER - world. Wouldn't you, couldn't you, You are the most special person in ^ Have already paid their dues. MINE! To CJ (Sweetie) won't you be... My Valentine! All my life and I will love you forever. For the younger crew it would FROM THE GIRL OF THE Kissing U is truly electrifying my love, Pimo Happy Valentine's Day! Kisses, *| only be fair, LIMBERLOST Hugging U is madly exciting Kathy That Jane and Kristine get their Holding your hand warms me deep To my sexy bear, share. FORSTEFANIA down I saw it, I liked it, I took it To Amanda's Mum Janice and the Joker have had a You are the most wonderful, special But just knowing that U luv me I want it, I love it, I kept it. I love you for opening your taste, woman I have ever known. Even Brightens my every day Face it, you're mine... Luv Jode windows Of what we can do without haste. though at times I may complain I From JC and for ice on our first real date. ^, The three at the end Nadia, Rita wouldn't want your love any other Muffin: I love you for reading me letters and Denise, way! Roz Taylor Pack up we're leaving tonight and for Hotel Van 788. « Have all managed to keep the Happy Valentines Day. Je f aime Don't think, just do it! So let's take a bath with GM peace. LOVE REED. You and I, tropical paradise Or find a Greek house with a view Sarah with her jacket fair, To The Ubyssey, George and Harriet too! I want to be with you forever, Wanders the campus without a For My WILDFLOWER (one BAD In spite of all I've said, I actually do forever yours, The Gorilla I hope to marry you! care. girt) like your paper. I love and respect Love Always, Tracy and Allyn you are quite a I was raised in the Badlands you all, and I hope you weren't too Jimbo, Amanda's father _^ pair, Where men are mean hurt by all my antics and jests. Valentine be mine. It's nice to know you're always and the children swore. LOVE AND PEACE Love Patrick Hailey .* there. But they've got nothing Adam"Boom-boom" LaRusic Happy Valentines Day! Hope to To the other pair, yes Trish and on you girl To Mike get together with you soon. the Geer, Yes you're bad, To Hat-head- A year has passed, and our Thinking of you always. From your What can we say?, but, She Stole you're the devil's daughter Dizzy Mushroom plays trumpet friendship continues to grow... We secret admirer. my Beer! You're so bad for you think you're a really beautiful This is just a little poem to the Woman you make a fool outa me person (and a very sexy man) and Dearest DUDE, _, whole crew, You're so bad you're welcome to come over for a People may need air to breathe, To let you know we're sure we Woman you've got control over me massage anytime (rub-a-dub-dub 3 But I need you to live. * love you! Yes you know you do... men in a tub??) Happy Valentine's day, DUDE! as sure as Squirrel and Heather Be BAD to me on Feb (21 - 29) Love and steamy kisses, from W82 With Unreserved Love, can be found, THE SEX MANIAC ALAN Watching their shows in the To "My One and Only" lounge. A DAY IN PARADISE Time has a way of standing still - Patricia "Pinky" Ann, Happy Valentines Day!!!! To be with you as the sun rises, Especially Saturday night when To love and care for you is special ^ Love from the boys on To hold your hand in the morning, you did kneel. but even more special is to be loved Four. To give you a rose in the afternoon, The waves lapped and the "colorful* and cared for by you. * To gaze in your eyes as the night lights glowed With love, Patrick Dennis "Deng". To the Joker time falls, And eventually our walk was Happy Valentines Day to kiss you sweetly at the end ofthe slowed Bullet: With every nick from my See you on the Beach day. Happiness now radiates from me, Schick I know my heart's still a Love & Kisses Happy Valentine's Day, Wubby As by your side, TO always be. pumpin' for ya. - Thrasher ^M\ Ernie This memory will forever me mine - DRAX And Honey - 111 definitely be your You look the MAX Valentine! In your SPANDAX. Love, hugs, and Kisses HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Anthony Charles Nathan: "Snookums" XXOXX George loves U (Me 2!). Wants 2 B CECILIA KWAN: your Valentine (Me 2!). Loves you To my Button, "SORRY, I LOVE YOU", BUT purple silk boxers (Me 2 - Oh Boy) Me and Norman the Cow-Deer "TONITE, WILL YOU COMET Always, Michelle want you to know how much you Edwin Cheung Zoom! To all our lovechickens and are loved! I love you to the sky and our very special beecharmer — we back, and for 210 years, according Winnie, propose a social! Love, Donna & to Houdini the Love Balloon. Ill Just think, only 77 more days until Leanne never forget your mini-skirt or Kaboodle time in Kiwiland. Can't spilling a million drinks together. wait! Happy Valentines Day! TIB the season of freezin Ho! Ho! Ho! my little Santa Claus. Rich Winds breezin, noses sneezin Happy Valentine's, my dearest P.S. I love you. But the reason I'm wheezin love. And, Hey! It seemed like a Is all your squeezin and cheesin! good idea at the time!!! Honey: TO:BB UNKBB UNNYB BASHE R Love ya Cheeshead! Love Forever, Sweetie Pie XOX Frankly, I think our relationship is BBBBB HAPPY BVALEN TINES becoming too sexual even for US. ^ BDAY, I Well, Ivy, it's been 16 months and Ded to my tutch, but not tu my And as soon as I achieve my _ IAN, MISSB YOUBV ERYBM UCH. we're still going strong! I love you, desyre. Jessica, yu hav set my soule personal goal of giving you a double YOU HOT, SEXY BABE! BTHEB CREAM BINBY OURBC pretty girl! Chris. onfyre orgasm within three minutes YOU'RE A REAL "CLASS ACT" OFFEE The Weekend Soldier WITH ME ON TOP, I think we THEY CALL ME LAM. Bunny Wunny Kinsie Winsie, should begin to examine how I LUV U, KEV. HAPPY VALEN From the sparkle in your eye on the Dearest Adelene. preoccupied we've become. TO MY STALLION: TINE. EM. water...Be my Valentine? Love, May our relationship continue to Your Babe. _^ LET US RIDE ON THE WINDS Bunny. grow in the light of God. OF LOVE - YOU ON THE Pat, Love you, miss you, need you. - SWEET WILLIAM, My Snuggle- ., BOTTOM, AND ME ABOVE. The work of poets is not my line Ron, Zhou Bunny, (BUT rM NOT FUSSY) If it were, I soon would resign Since we first met, we've endured Our months together have been a FROM YOUR LOVE- But you've made such an impres fear and suspicion, developed trust I wish to pledge my undieing love perfect ten. Thanks Golden Boy! CABBAGE sion, and understanding, and are finally to an incredebly sexy, handsome, Love, SweetPea To my darling Space Alien Please don't consider it a transgres reaching a point of mutual respect witty, charming person who I am You are my miracle sion and appreciation. Knowing you madly in love with. This special To my favourite EE a poem by and my Heaven If I ask again for you to be mine has helped me to learn so much person is me. I love me. Shahk Maxwell and the best hugger that ever The M Factor about myself—you are a very "All powers of mind, -, was! The Swan's heart: — special person and I am so lucky to Dear Holly, You walk in beauty All force of will I love U to distraction There is no where else I can hide have you as my friend. like the nite of cloudless climes and May lie in dust All my hugs & kisses 4ever, my heart, except in yours! With love, Kev starry skies... Love CM. When we are dead, Your adoring Teddy Bear — The Mute Swan But love is ours, (p.s. Hm-hm-hmmm!) D: "Us 3 years since and I shall Dear Richard, My little D.K. And shall be still Dear April Hairredsoon never forget" the thief calls out, he Happy Valentines Day! Are you When earth and seas are fled" 4 JULES, MISSING YOU LONG Til love you till the end of time even gracefully bows to the guards who surprised? I hope you have an - Fay Lo Gung DISTANCE. PORTUGAL WAS if the scratches on my body never return their stance. The white EEEEIventful year! WONDERFUL. LOVED heal — J. castle walls shadowed by a new Arf! Arf! Arfl Arf! Phantom of the Accord EUROPE. I'LL NEVER FOR light face the ridge upon which the Love Always, Judy "Say you'll share with me GET THE TRAINS, PHONE To Vampyre Babe, ebony sword is lifted high. Black P.S. My mind to your mind. (Ha One love, one lifetime BOOTHS, AND ELEVATORS. You can fly down to my room Knight concedes. — M. Ha) Say the word and I will follow you LOOKING FORWARD TO YOU any full moon — Werewolf Dude Your mind to my mind. Share each day with me AND AUSTRALIA IN JULY. So Sweet P.P.S. Live long and prosper! Each night, each morning." y. LONELY AND YOURS, I LOVE YOU, JEFF!! Tricia Choice so sweet to hear Say you'll be my Valentine LAWRENCE. Here's to celebrating Valentines Angel's voice flows in my ear S. Supercat "Thats all I ask of you" the same way for years to come. Precious eyes I lose my way Be my Valentine AofM T.N. Always, Ninette OXO (P.S. 'SEX* Dreamy sighs I wish you'd stay Come and scratch my tummy. WEASEL, WEASEL, WEASEL! RULES!) Tender smile it melts my heart L.M. Supercat Norman YOU ARE SUCH A WEASEL! So worthwhile I'd never part If I had to do it all over again...I Dearest Willy: Gentle touch you stir my soul To the Wayward French Adven would. Although we have known each Love is such words from a fool turer. Your Valentine other for only 3 months, you have -Justin Otherguy A transatlantic Valentine wish. Alisande * Liebe Boopsie, D & S Forever, ever since speeding Dear Sweety-Face DEAREST ANGIE, Another Jahr gone by! on December 10th 1988, you've had You're the Moetest Bestest SAGAPO Wow! me breathless. Cutest. I love you! TRULY READY FOR THAT THREESOME PuBske DEEPLY YET? To my newly found Clark Kent MADLY DEIN VERRUECKTER I may eat my pizza cold, but I love No more Save-On-Food, AND FOREVER! WHOOPSIE late night aquariums. Dance with Go For African Food, TIGGER me tonight? Love Louis L. Please tell me how to get your ^_ Boil, boil, toil, heart To Meagan, Meet me in a tree fort dirty and Franco, Oh Juung Juung, Happy Valentines Day! Thank you damp Thank you for pesto and pasta Answer me with your soul, for being there for me. You're the best Upside-Down flash light the only Our dancing is not a disaster Feed me with your love! —Shaw friend someone could ask for. I'm lamp Having fun. Happy Valentine's Shaw glad you finally have a honey. Hold me tight pressed against the Day! Sam wall M Gar, Gav & Mel- Black me out, my body, my mind, Even though we're losers, at least Banana-brain friend, .. my all I met you in school, was it chemis we're all fleece-less. Happy V-Day. Thanks for writing back so soon. J.B. try class? Love Ted. Lots of love, Ducky. Our eyes would meet unaware of P.S—know anyone who's tall dark Dear Ray, what the future would bring. and skanky? To Gennie and Nicole Love is something very special Something wonderful has hap Happy Valentine's Day! I hope ifs A smile, a tear, and always pened, comparable to new life in To all my close friends who'll be special for you both. Lots and lots of delightful, spring. spending this evening alone in your love, Sibling/Sibling-in-law " Love is <*are and joy for each other A plethora of qualities attained my rooms bemoaning your lonely state ._. All the moments we share together fascination and sifting your regrets through Beck Love is one word that will always Logicness, generousity, freedom Vodka and Morrissey: remember—I You're beautiful and I love you! be and determination still love you! And ther's a whole Your Secret Admirer In the happiness between you and Life with you is filled with laugh 365 days until next Feb. 14. me. ter, Love Ted Rawly, Sharona, Dayson and Carly, Happy Vanlentine's Day! Love I've never had such a blast. Rice krispie squares to the folks that _^ Honey Lefs have a great time. Lefs go SHINE bring me lots of happy, happy, happy fast! society: should it please to every Monday and Thursday. , J/LL IS GREAT My love for you grows exponen pass & refuse Feeffie Paw JILL'S NOT TALL tially, let Time's winged chariot JILL IS SWEET I am so very happy. trample Sniper. JILL'S A DOLL Fve shared my feelings — it's time though we cannot make our My wings beat on the wind. As But what's really great is that her to close before I become too sappy! sun stand still we hunt together. As always, your burps are louder than a semi-truck WOULD YOU BE MY VALEN let it SHINE, SHINE, SHINE shots are true. in a tunnel. TINE? the music embraces us Falcon. Your numero uno in my heart LOVE, ME! XOXO Franka, „» Love M. L.M.L. Can you hear this? Wondering if Dear Beloved. Once upon a time, you are getting any sun up there, To my main squeeze, Mariko, Fve died for you to Be Mine A couple years ago, so here's some from all of us. LOve. If there la one thing I want to do With deep love for you, Jesus. I met a girl I wanted to get to know. April, May and June forever. over and over again it will be to fall The competition was stiff, in love with you...Thank God I have My Lady Steph; It still is today, I can hardly believe Dear Jeffy ^^_ found you for you are my dream Proverbs 31:30,17,25,29 that you chose my way. Thank-you for existing come true. Remember 364 and (HE says it better than I.) You woke me up, I miss you And stole my heart, ..-, TLF. - your MennoKnight, Brad Much and watch for the It was then I knew, nothing could Light in your window. I love you, Michael. keep us apart To all the women of AIESEC - UBC Love Paula Josefina, Time's gone by, You're the best! We've both had our doubts, Siempre estas en mi corazon. Be our Valentines! Te amo Still, you're the one I can't live with The boys of AIESEC - UBC out. - _ Jorge To my baby, Michelle The days ahead .. , Dahling: Have a fabulous year as LCEC. May not all be fair, live with me forever, luv- You know Fll always be there for But that doesn't matter as long as (111 promise to do dishes some you if you need me. Oh, Congratu you're my Bear. times) pook lations on getting that job. Let's Happy Valentines Day. I love you. celebrate. (You're buying!) By the G.D.R. Brenda Babe, Happy V Day, and way, > I'm looking forward to a long and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! DAVID PATRICK LEFTNOSTRIL adventurous relationship. Love Yes, you. Love, your papa (?), Pierre Y"•*•? ChrisXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Or is it me...? ril cure you yet of your greedy, ac Yooks, Jennifer Howey Thanks for nearly two years of near Please by mine, my Valentine quisitive capitalism (you SCUM). RADICAL VISIONARY IDEALIST bliss. Here's to friendship. Be strong, An offer or invitation to treat? be cool, be groovy. Lots of love. cx My days are spent in a daze Yummy Buns Please be mine, tout de suite. Sylvia-Grace—my photographer Keep up the great darkroom work. To Bee, Martin and Yukie Your FOTO You'll never know how much your HDSEBTYUFBTRAnBSEETNGID support in the last month has meant LLAALNDFE'UEFLMIWYGAFURA Shirli Miami, to me. Thank you. I love you so much. RMVEAODNUTDRHFIIUTSZEO Sam ZUYLLTTO. OVJWEUARSR.TD If ifs from these; or me. To Tigger, Angie, Dianne, Lucho and But if if s yi PFSSAMHYJLNCEE 1 -"ihorning deV Fll be Paul cuckoo and 7/9 Thank you for being there for me If love were like the Rose is, R. A Fish] when I needed you the most. You're And I were like the leaf true friends. I love you. Thank you. Our lives would grow together Aqua-^p You're the best. In sad or singing weather. Still love you despite the asparagus Sam Love Ian and Anne and Sam. and you can wade in my bath tub anytime. Cat Terrain To Yukie, To M & T: Balloons are wonderful Love, love, love. Thou art the room toys Terror twin, mate of my dreams. No, wait, was it To my sweet Thumper, For 2 such adventurous boys, Six years together and we're still the room-mate of my dreams, or was Be my Valentine! But wear them with care alive—and not in jail. That's cause for it something else... I love you snuggle-bunny! Or you won't get anywhere celebration! Beck We're going to make it! If they pop they will make lots of Love, Terror twin too. Luv, Bambi eyeB noise! Welcome back Wanda Starfish! We're P.S. Meet you at 9:05 for our virgin LuvA&S Margaret, looking forward to wrapping our chi-chis! Remember the night we spent to tentacles around you. Roses are Red gether? I love you! Let's run away Your secret admirers Patrick, Roberts is sweet together. Happy Valentine's Day. Here's to many more starry nights But my link is Better love Ziggy Raqjit and Sunday brunches. Happy Especially her feet Thanks for all the good times and we Valentine's. Love J. To Lyanne, hope there are no bad feelings. Love Jim For thee I would be bovine. Love from all the editors and your To the beautiful, bold blonde that Love, Beck. sweet baboo Chix on Six Love Nads. captured my heart.. J wish I could be your Valentine. L. ToB, Shawn To all the staff of the Food and I'll follow you home if you feed me. Love your French accent! Thanks for Beverage Dept. — You are the Karen, only 314 shopping days till (especially if if s ice cream!) the vote. You're a such a great kisser. Greatest! Happy Valentine's Day! Christmas. Have a happy Luv always, H. xoxoxoxo Valentine's day! Your secret collective admirers To the New AMS Prez: SHARON Oh Marty Oh Marty Dear Sue, VALENTINE'S SHM'ALENTINE'S! Lyanne, Of us we won't tell; You're as cute as can be (TO HERSELF.) We wish you lots of cows, (not those Well sit in your lap And I'm happy to see fake ones, but the real McCoys!) And see if you swell That you're mine! love, The Ubyssey (With pride of course) Happy Valentine's Day Love, your secret admirers. Love Ray Gerry O. We love you as much as the highway Dear Wen., Fran., and Chee: Marshmallow is long. Our door is open to you like Roses are red, violets are blue We miss you our hearts. Thanks for all your sup Love the present, which I had sent (Titania & I) port and Valentine cards, U? Happy Valentine's Day the editors Love the Pook3ter Dear A.S.M.A.: Happy Valentines Day Spanky Roses are red, pink, yellow too. Mushroom, oh handsome (and Love, Fred. My wish is to, share them with you. sexy) mushroom, I'm all mushy over you! Love, Hathead ¥ c~ QUEER ISSUE
Wha—• mm mamm t• t• o d• o iHI n ~VancouveA _f MAP COURTESY OF ANULtrs Some queer things to do around town compiled by Yukie Kurahashi don't like crowds. 683-4251 16. Little Sister's: 1221 Hornby, 687-1915 (with thanx and kisses to 2. Chuck's Pub: Heritage Lounge and dance floor. Thurlow, 669-1753 This gay health spa is one of Angles) House Hotel, 455 Abbott, 685- 2. Uncle Charlie's Lounge: 17. Octopus Books: 1146 Com Vancouver's biggest facilities, 7777 Heritage House Hotel, 455 mercial Drive, 253-0013 boasting a large snack bar, two When you go out with your 3. The Denman Station: Abbott, 685-7777 18. R2B2 Books: 2742 W 4th, TV lounges, whirlpool, sauna, lover, do you: 860 Denman, 669-3448 732-5087 and games room. The only community pub in the Community Services 19. Spartacus Books: 311 W 28. Richards Street Service hold hands? west end; game shows, karaoke Hastings, 688-6138 Club: 1169 Richards, 684-6010 slide your arm around her and such. 11. AIDS Vancouver: 1272 20. Women's Book Store: 315 This place has the largest steam sauna in the area. WILD week waist? 2. Lotus Club: Heritage Richards, 687-5220/687-AIDS Cambie, 684-0523 House Hotel, 455 Abbott, 685- (helpline) ends (ya wanna definition for put your arm warmly 7777 An advocacy group for people Restaurants that..?). around his shoulder as you Women only Wednesday and with AIDS, obviously not ex walk? Friday. Cozy dyke bar; fair- clusively queer. Don't hesitate 21. Cafe Luxy: 1235 Davie, Other Stuff cuddle up and wrap your sized dance floor. to call or visit if you've any 681-9976 arms around her neck? 4. MsTs: 339 W Pender, questions about AIDS or about 22. Cucina California: 1319 7. Mack's Leathers: 1020 stroke her hair? 682-8096 how to protect yourself and Robson, 669-1319 Granville, 688-MACK give him a hug? Leather, levi, latex and lace. others from infection. 23. Doll & Penny's Cafe: 1167 Now THIS is a fabulous place. kiss? 5. Numbers: 1042 Davie, 12. Gay and Lesbian Cen Davie, 685-5080 (You may have noticed me and 685-4077 tre: 1170 Bute, 684-6869 10. The Dufferin Cafe: 900 my bondage collar around It's a bar—it's a dance floor— Offers counselling services, a Seymour, 683-4251 campus; it's from Mack's.) In Predominant social val it's a hell of a lot of fun. library, youth group (for people 24. The Elbow Room Cafe: 720 addition to super high-quality ues—the homophobic "moral 6. The Odyssey: 1251 under 25), food bank, and legal Jervis, 685-3628 exotic and erotic leathers, ity" presently in the ascen Howe, 689-5256 clinic. Also houses Angles, die 25. Hamburger Mary's: 1202 Mack's offers body jewellery dant—don't let some of us dem Neato bar, dance floor and pa Vancouver LGB community Davie, 687-1293 and body piercing (ouch). onstrate our affection for each tio patrons tend to be gay men, newspaper (688-0265); Christ Josephine's Cappucino and 8. Metropolitan Home: 353 other in public but everyone's welcome EX Alive Metropolitan Community Wimmin's Crafts: 1716 Charles W Pender, 681-2313 The struggle to end this CEPT on Thursdays, which is Chuch (681-8525); and Safe St, 253-3142 Uh.. .counter-counter-culture oppression isn't going to be Electric Ass Night. What's that, Company, which deals with is 26. La Quena: 1111 Commer furniture. You know, pseudo- pretty. you say? Well... it's... uh... a sues of health and STD's (660- cial, 251-6626 seventies kind of stuff. In the meanwhile, though, men-only night when you're 7949). (not on map) Lickety Split: 1393 5. Return to Sender: 1076 here's a listing of some queer- encouraged to check all your 13. Vancouver Lesbian Marine Dr, W Van, 922-3432 Davie, 683-6363 positive spaces scattered clothes at the door. Connection: 876 Commercial 18. The Second Cup: 1184 Greeting cards, writing paper, throughout Vancouver; revel in 7. The Royal Hotel: 1025 Drive, 254-8458 Denman, 669-2068 books, and t-shirts. Go visit the the expan sive, liberating alter Granville, 685-5335 A drop-in centre offering ser three black-and-white dogs. nate vision(s). 8. Shaggy Horse: 818 vices for/to the lesbian com Saunas and Recreation (not on map) Videomatlca: Richards, 688-2923 munity. 1855 W 4th, 734-0411 Clubs and Pubs Some leather and levi; a mature 4. Club Vancouver: 339 Everyone knows this is the kinda place. Bookstores Pender, 681-5719 place to go for that elusive weird 1. Celebrities: 1022 Davie, 9. Spats: 1222 Hamilton, Afunky.fun, and groovy health flick. Videomatica is 689-3180 684-7321 14. Ariel Books: 1988 W 4th, club for gay men. Open 24 hours Vancouver's specialty video and Hot, steamy, and (in)famous Another one of those dance floor 733-3511 a day, and no membership is laser disc store. It's a cavalcade dance floor. Not for those who places. 15. Book Mantel: 1002 Com required. of comedy (and tragedy, anoy 10. Streets: 900 Seymour, mercial, 253-1099 27. Garden Spa: 1233 horror, and...).
14/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 QUEER ISSUE Gay man's guide to safe reading compiled by Ted Young-lng they grew up in and the ones which Life in a gay Latin American way. An optomistic search for exis There's a lot out there. For the best they choose to live in. ghetto of New York City. Life Drawing, Michael Grumley. tential reality. selection ofbooks, try Little Sister's NYC: Grove Weidenfeld, 1991. Book Emporium (1221 Thurlow Gay Roots: Twenty Years of Gay Trouble the Water, Melville Pixon. An Iowa-bred man moves to The Boys of Life, Paul Russell. St.) Sunshine, an anthology of gay his NYC: Washington Square Press, Mississippi and falls in love with a NYC: Dutton Books, 1991. tory, sex, politics & culture, Ed. by 1989. black man. A book about love, rac A Warholesque troop invades Gay Sex: A Manual For Men Who Winston Leyland. San Fransisco: A thirtysomething, closeted ism, hate, and most importantly, a small town to shoot an odd film, Love Men, Jack Hart with illus Gay Sunshine Press, 1991. black man watches the world hope. and a young boy falls in love with trations by Bradley M. Look. Bos Again, the title is sort of self- crumble around him andmustface the director. You have to love this ton: Alyson Publications, 1990. explanatory. The Sunshine Press the secrets which have been hid Frisk, Dennis Cooper. NYC: Grove book if only for the dedication; it is A "how-to' manual on gay sex. people republish well-known and ing beneath the surface all this Weidenfeld, 1991. dedicated to Karl Keller (a gay Lotsa interesting tips andhints... worthy selections on the history of time. Eloquently and beautifully A strange and disturbing (but poet), Robert Mapplethorpe (a gay lotsa interesting stuff to try. homosexuality and homosexuals written. really wonderful) piece of fic photographer), and Pier Paulo in this exciting encyclopedic work. tion involving photographs of mu Passolini (a gay film director). The Man Who Fell In Love With Indivisible, Ed. by Terry Wolverton tilated bodies, existentialist The Moon, Tom Spandauer. NYC: Fried Green Tomatoes At the and Robert Drake. NYC: Plume searching for identity and Keanu Other must-reads: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1991. Whistle Stop Cafe, Fannie Flag. Books, 1991. Reeves. A must read. The Tales of the City series, by A First Nations fellow finds NYC: McGraw Hill, 1987. An indispensible anthology of Armistead Maupin. himself in an odd western town Recently watered down and new lesbian and gay short fiction Boys Like Us, Peter McGehee. Maurice, and The Life to Come complete with a midget hooker, a censored, then made into a major by some of America's most prom NYC: St. Martin's Press, 1991. and Other Stories by EM Forster. gay brothel, assorted odd charac Hollywood movie. ising writers. Taking place in Toronto, this Not Wanted on the Voyage, The ters and just maybe happiness in book concentrates on the lives of a Wars, The Last ofthe Crazy People, the arms of a new lover. Three Views From a Cliff, Eric Faber Book of Gay Short Fiction, group of gay men in the time of and any work by Timothy Findley. Latzky. NYC: Amethyst I'ress, Ed. by Edmund White. London: AIDS, loneliness, struggle for Fire Next Time, Giovanni's Room, Gay Men Write About Hometowns 1991. Faber & Faber, 1991. identity and of anticipation. No Name In the Streets, and lots of Where They Belong, Ed. by John A great novel, in three parts. Like the title suggests, a book others by the great novelist James Preston.NYC:DuttonBooks, 1991. A Eulogy to lost fHends, lost, rela of gay short fiction. Contributors The Accident, David Plante. NYC: Baldwin. The title kind of says it all. An tives, loet lovers, and lost inno- include EM Forster, William Tickner & Fields, 1991. Runaway Horses, Spring Now, anthology of prominent gay writ Burroughs, Gore Vidal, Tennessee A young man travelling Eu Temple of Pain, Decay ofthe Angel, ers (including Christopher Bram, Williams, Armistead Maupin, rope to eventually attend and particularly the autobio Harlan Greene, Andrew Holleran, Latin M'*>on In America, Jaime David Leavitt, Dennis Cooper, and atheological university, butinstead graphical Confessions of a Mask Michael Nave, etc.) writing about Manrique. NYC: St. Martin's Press, lots more. must deal with his attraction to a by Japanese demigod Yukio their experiences in the towns that 1992. fellow traveler he meets along the Mishima. Noreen Stevens: spokesdyke for a generation
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CORPS Rights Code, non-profit organiza OPEN THE DOOR tions can make an exception if they can prove that it is for the well- O • K 1 TO YOUR FUTURE being ofthe people involved. "Under Article 20 (ofthe Que bec Human Rights Code) we are Works Corps is an international organization dedicated not discriminating,"Peloquin said. wm to providing summer opportunities for all students. But Montreal civil rights law ti 6 share, 4 share, twins & doubles from $13-29/person Whether you are a first year student or one nearing gradua yer Stuart Russell said the prob lem is Article 20 relies on interpre tion. Works Corps can help you to gain the invaluable real ti ensuite bathroom in every room ti private access tation. ti quality low cost ski & bike rentals ti Cable Vision world experience that post graduate employers look for. "There are legitimate uses for ti nightly band entertainment ti pay telephone [Article 20] but all too often right- • Back to school with no money again f~V wing groups have been able to use ti kitchen facilities available ti afforable restaurant • Working part time to make ends meet ' it to hide behind and disguise their ti home of the famous "Boot Publeaturing the best specials prejudices," said Russell. • Tired of earning mediocre wages • ti the Boot Bistro with great food ti free shuttle to and from lifts Russell referred to a case which went before the Quebec Why not get a head start on your career by securing Superior Court when the Catholic yourself employment now? School Commission would not al HOME OF ORIGINAL BANDS AND THE BOOT PUB low a gay rights group to meet in Listen to what other students have to say: one of their schools. The Commis Reservations Recommended (604) 932-3338 sion tried to use Article 20 to defend "My wars at Works Corps played a key role in gaining acceptance to Law their position but lost the case. School. More than the money, I gained confidence, the ability to deal with people Russell said there was no rea LOVE FOR ALL and problems, but most of all I learned how the business world works." sonable explanation for exclusion HATRED FOR NONE Michael Pratt by Big Brothers and Sisters. International Manager of the Year 3£ "The fact they are gay is irrel 1st year. Osgoode Hall Law School evant," Russell said. "It is blatant homophobia based in the fear that "I got more real life business experience from one summer with Works gay men will somehow corrupt and Corps than I learned from my M.B.A." sexually abuse these children." Daryl Leroy "We're making progress in M.BA. some areas but we're still fighting AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN ISLAM Proctor & Gamble the child molester image," Boyd 17069 - 56th, Surrey, RC. V38 4N7 Tel: (604) 574-7875 said. "They seem to equate homo is proud to present a symposium for the benefit of all religions My experience with Works Corps taught me the time management skills and sexuality with child abuse." work ethic necessary to increase my marks and reach my scholastic potential. Studies have shown over 90 RELIGIOUS SOUNDERS' DAY SYMPOSIUM Mandy Barclay per cent of child abuse is perpe 3rd Year International Relations trated by heterosexual men. Boyd Six distinguished speakers from U.B.C. said LGFC will definitely plan ac tion against the policy through • BUDDHISM • HINDUISM • STKHTSM For information call Vancouver 298-7429, letter writing and demonstrations. • JUDAISM • CHRISTIANITY • ISLAM Western Canada 1-800-665-4992 or send resumes to: "I can't believe it hasn't been brought up before." 6478 E. Broadway, Burnaby, B.C. V5B 2Y2 Big Sisters of BC—Lower Mainland does not bar lesbians H$b$@<8g> from participating in its programme. Gay men are, how Come see us Tuesday February 18th Rm 224 SUB between 11:30 and 1:30 ever, barred from Big Brothers of Will speak on: BC. THE CONCEPT OP SALVATION As presented by the founders of their respective faiths GRADUATION On Tuesday, February 18th, 1992 from 6*00 in 9*00 pm In the auditorium REMINDER Institute of Asian Research Asian Centre 1871 West Mall All students who expect to graduate in May or November 1992 are requested to submit University of Rritish Columbia Graduation application cards to the Registrar's Office by February 14, 1992 for Vancouver. RC. graduation in May, and August 14,1992 for graduation in November. FREE ADMISSION Spring graduation ceremonies will be held May 26-29. The fall ceremony is-scheduled forNovember26,1992.FurtherinformationregardingMay 1992 graduation will be sent Light refreshments will be served by late March-early April to applicants.
PLEASENOTE:EVERYSTUDENTWHOEXPECTSTOGRADUATEMUSTMAKE APPUCATION BY THE GIVEN DEADLINES. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT APPLY WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR GRADUATION!
16/THE UBYSSEY February 14,-1992- Upcoming Films:
Friday - Sunday (Feb 14 -16) $3.00 per I didn't vote for you £ 7:00 International Rocketship Show 9:30 Animation Festival by Mark Uvesey preceding social movements—the monalities between an Albertan My wallef s too thin to finance beleaguered Feminist Movement upper middle-class homemaker Wednesday - Thursday (Feb 19 - 20) inferiority through a misguided and the i ncreasingly marginalized whose husband has oil interests 2 50 chauvinism. My experience paying Civil Rights Movement—runs the and a Nova Scotian dirt-poor fisher 7:00 Strangers on a Train l / *** extra for labels has proven that very real risk of ghettoizing itself whose wife turns off the heat in _ __ _ . T. .. Show there is no direct relationship be to the very margins of social en February so her family can eat. 9:30 Raging Bull + $2.00 Membership tween cost and quality when dorsement and expedient politics. The one thing these two might shopping for a product. By embracing the inherently- have in common is an appreciation Next Week: Homocide & The Meaning of Life Buying labels is a costly flawed Rousseauist elements of for Buicks. By setting out political endeavour. In a connected vein, modern social philosophy it is ty agenda according to the interest of don't expect me to join any direct- ing its wagon to a dead horse. white, middle-class males who con *»» All Screenings are in the SUB Theatre action group, picket Joe's Cafe, or The idea that a corrupt soci sider themselves straight-acting, rii>i protest the way gays are portrayed ety enslaves and thereby corrupts we allow these men to do to vast SOCIETY Call 822-3697 for more info in the media. In a competitive the individual who is born both numbers of Canadians who are gay, marketplace one doesn't buy a free and innocent is a romantic what their straight counterparts Buick on the grounds its tailored oversim plification. Also—and im have been doing for ages—silencing in Oakville or agree with The portantly—it denies free-agency and marginalizing those people Alma Mater Society Advocate's condemnation of the to the individual. It encourages who, in their alienation, have the characterization ofhomosexuals in failure and mediocrity through very most to say. My Own Private Idaho because denying praise for an individual's The mainstream always feeds The Grad Class Council they weren't portrayed as the "just accomplishments, thereby mini off subculturesitkeeps suppressed. is now accepting Proposals for the like-heterosexuals-only-better" mizing and negating them. Simi Cultures which cannot do such do gay martyrs the way the larly, it denies blaming an indi not survive. uncontroversial Longtime Com vidual for his or her actions, sac The sterility of white-bread 1992 panion did. rificing both personal successes America is such a cultural vortex Although I resent attributing and faili ngs to the evil altar of an that as a dominant culture it must, GRAD CLASS GIFTS the quickly-hackneyed political- omnipotent society. to survive, suck anything smack correctness as the cause, it seems Ron sseauism's ineffect aality, ing of difference and novelty into this is a black-and-white case. intrinsic paternalism, and outright its orbit. The power in a painting by Proposals must: What started as a joke in closed danger are exemplified in modern Attila Richard Lukacs, a film by 1) Be as specific as possible New England intellectual circles history: notably the horrors ofthe Derek Jarman, or a photo by now seems best to have stayed French Revolution and the deg Mapplethorpe resides in its 2) Include the following information* there where the humour was in radation of Schweitzer's "hu- marginalization, as a cultural en nocuous and appreciated. manitarianism." tity itself and ifs creator's separa • Name of group requesting funds It became an international By silencing its opponents tion from the society viewed. • Number of people working on project self-fulfilling prophecy. Our dour under the aegis of our new socially These artists—no matter how • Name of a contact person (include telephone #) Protestant heritage resurfaced as sacrosanct status, it diverts and much they are claimed by gays— professors sought to neutralize represses anti-gay hostility into were not part ofthe gay mai nstream • Who will benefit from the project their language even in the context more violent forms, such as the which has bought the crass mass • Description of the project in detail of such overtly-misogynist societ chains of record-number fag- cultural superficiality to extents • A summarizing paragraph including the ies as ancient Greece. And gay bashings. It is a thin facade of never imagined outside of the gay most salient points males criticized the few openly gay acceptance that the loud-voiced- ghettos by the pasty-faced hetero directors for portraying their ones have built a silence behind sexual majority. • The amount of money requested characters as white, handsome, which the pressures of hostility It came as no surprise to me • Sources of other funds if applicable well-adjusted, educated, upper- and aggression mount, unable to that Gus Van Sant resisted being income and completely removed be released. labelled as 'gay* as he was being There is a limit of one proposal per particular group from such potential character Using the media to paint ho thrust forward as a representative of graduating students. taints as bath-hose visitation, mosexuals as the innocent scape of our community. It is difficult to substance abuse, leather apparel, goats to such violence risks inur describe the intricacies of the fac There is an upper limit of $3,000 for each proposal. campiness, or cross-dressing. In ing the public to this violence and ings ofthe whitened sepulchre when short, fags that even Jerry Fal well may even teach them to accept it one is snug inside of it. Each group must be prepared to give a short would love. and internalize it, as children, Obviously, Fm well passed my presentation of their idea to the members of Grad By trying to monopolize rep accustomed to vicarious violence 'glad-to-be-ga/ phase. Tm disillu resentation in such a way, our on television condone and even act sioned by the convenient short Class Council at the end of February. uptight new generals of the revo upon thi s violence in the real worl d. sightedness, labellings and smug The deadline for proposals is 4:00 p.m. Friday lution risk blanching these char By arguing over the moot poi nt presuppositions are all too active, acters into icons as colourless as of'word-reclamation—where any even perversely mutated and ex February 14,1992 and is final. No proposal will be the heterosexual plaster saints word attached to "homosexual' treme in the communities which accepted after this date. they are presumably trying to re would fill as fully up with negative should be offeringa new beginning. place. resonance as 'queer'—it risks They should have been left behind Proposal applications are available Of course such representations trivializing itself by becoming as in the mindless conformity of the don't represent the diverse com entangled in semantics. In a suburbs in which we grew up. for pickup and drop off at the munity they purport to depict. startling example of double-think, Congratulations, we've achieved AMS Business Office. Furthermore, the public is not so the majority of young females have what we never should have been stupid or so complacent as not to embraced all the tenets of Femi striving for. I hope all you anemic Please contact Caireen Hanert c/o SUB 246, 822-2361 recognize this demeaning and nism, yet refuse to label them homosexual men are happy in thinly-veiled propaganda and not selves as "Feminists." having achieved this modicum of if you have any questions. become as suspicious and hostile I learned through harsh ex straight acceptance. to it as the end-of-the-reoession perience just because I consider The cost is too high for a revo garbage they choke on their myself'gay* does not mean I must lution that alienates the revolu Shreddies to every morning. share political views, have common tionaries in its ranks and leases the These few gay white males interests, or even appreciate the public's sympathetic ear for self- (GWM) with loud voices, along with same clothes as someone, even indulgent whining bound to termi the rest ofthe America that votes anyone, who would also consider nate the current favourable condi and determines political agendas, themselves 'gay*. tions it enjoys. How dare you claim missed the joke. It's very much like the notion to speak for me, never mind the _> The Gay Movement, like its of Canada—it's hard to find com rest ofthe community.
Stuart as EUzabeth Book a Cruise Today 682-3074
February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/17 3C QUEER ISSUE
gijiflia • COPIES 6*an d up 3707 West Broadway at Alma Tel: 222-4142 (Next to Mac's Convenience Store) Fax: 222 -9855
RESUMES TYPESET $16.00 (up to 2 pages)
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Going Home for Reading Break? Take it easy.. Take the Greyhound! Tips on supporting lesbians by Helen Falldlng I firmly believe that it is only that teach people something. Greyhound offers frequent, convenient schedules to destinations throughout life is more than a little lonely gay people—united—who can end 4. Openly acknowledge the B.C. and Canada. Intercity Express trips between major centres feature for gay activists in the Yukon. our own oppression. But hetero contribution of lesbians to the shorter travel times, extra legroom, on board movies and snacks! For a number of reasons—like sexual friends can significantly feminist movement and to local the threat of losing jobs or custody speed up the process. They can women's organizations. Support Greyhound tickets are sold on campus at of children and fear of violence— afford to take a stand without individual lesbians who are ac TRAVEL CUTS, SUB Lower Level only a handful of Yukon gays and facing the same kinds of personal tively fightingfor gay rights. Make 822-6890 lesbians feel they can afford to be risks that lesbians do. In a place it clear that women's services are "out," let alone openly fight like the Yukon, where there are so there to offer assistance to lesbians ' BONUS: ^ homophobia in our community. few gay activists and there is so as well as heterosexual women. much homophobia, ifs especially A 20% Student Discount is available to Kamloops, Kelowna And of those who are "out" only a Make sure this is true in practice tiny number are activists by incli important that they do so. Here is by including training about and Calgary. Plus Greyhound is offering a special shuttle between nation. It must, of course, be ac alist of what Fd like to see feminist homophobia for staff members. If UBC and the bus depot! (See Travel CUTS for full details) knowledged that some Yukon les activists do to support lesbians and funding bodies balk, fight them— bians have managed to be acti vi sts fight homophobia: don't roll over and play dead. ^TRAVELCUTS from the closet—making signifi 1. Use the word lesbian all the 5. Don't assume that anyone cant progress on gay rights with time. Use it in conversations with is exclusively heterosexual, unless GoingYourWay! Greyhound out declaring their personal in lesbians (it will make them feel you know beyond a shadow of a vestment in the issue. less invisible), use it in front of doubt. Use inclusive language if other progressive people (it will you are asking someone whether teach them to use it) and use it in they have any new romantic in front of people who you imagine terests. If they get offended, help will drop dead when they hear it them to look at why they consider (it's time they got used to the idea). it an insult. If your friend is in fact 2. Work through your own gay or bisexual, your choice of feelings of attraction to other words will be a sign to them that women. Examine how you became you are someone they can talk to. heterosexual—because there is as 6. Don't require your gay and much or as little cause for that as lesbian friends behave like het there i s a cause for another woman erosexuals in order to be accepted beinglesbian. Think aboutmaking in your social circle or organization. "Save over 35% on your love to another woman until the Welcome the flaming queen or the image doesn't freak you out. Much butch lesbian. Flamboyance is a homophobia is rooted in people's part of our culture and a strategy Delly favourites!" inability to deal with their own to affirm our right to be whoever feelings for people ofthe same sex. we are. Get past that and you'll be emo 7.Learn enough about tionally ready to be an ally. heterosexism to make the connec 3. Don't always claim hetero tions between the struggles of all STUDENT UNION BUILDING sexual privilege by making it clear women for independence and you are straight. Try casting doubt choices and the struggles of lesbi SUB LOWER CONCOURSE in people's minds about your sexual ans. Read lesbian fiction and non- orientation every once in a while. fiction and listen to our music to OPEN 7AM - 6PM MON-FRI Make it clear that it would be no learn from the special insights that insult to mistake you for a lesbian. lesbians bring. Use those insights Refer to past relationships with a in your political work. T T woman, if you've had one. Refer to 8. Don't assume your kids will r lesbian friends (using their names grow up to be heterosexual. Try to only if they're comfortable with make sure there are gay people in that). Talk about how any issue their lives and let them know that I under discussion might affect les whomever they choose to love, their bians. If all of this starts people parents will celebrate with them. I asking you point blank if you are a Reprinted from The Optimist, lesbian, think of creative answers March 1990. 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VALID MON., FEB 17 VALID MON., FEB 24 VALID MON., MAR 2 VALID MON., MAR 9 VAUD MON.. MAR 16 TO FRI., APR 3,1992 TO FRI.. APR 3.1992 TO FRI., APR 3,1992 TO FRI., APR 3,1992 TO FRI., APR 3,1992
LIMITED ONE COUPON PER LIMITED ONE COUPON PER LIMITED ONE COUPON PER LIMITED ONE COUPON PER LIMITED ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER VISIT. CUSTOMER PER VISIT. CUSTOMER PER VISIT. CUSTOMER PER VISIT. CUSTOMER PER VISIT. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER NOT VAUD WITH ANY OTHER NOT VALIDWITH ANY OTHER NOT VAU D WITH ANY OTHER NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. OFFER. NO CASH VALUE. EXHKS APRIL 3,1112 EXPWEIAPRILS, 1992 EXPIRES APRIL 3,1992 EXPIRES APRIL 3,1992 EXPIRES APRIL 3,1992
18/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 QUEER ISSUE «»*»< I'm lost within the patterns of the floor covering, all of what I feel at this moment is looking into her eyes After w and what's so wrong about that I ask you naive ones that T thought they knew me outside in but I gave them more credit than was due, and because of her I have being become whole and I would have left it at that but they tortured themselves through their ignorance because it is unchangeable, cannot be corrected or aided into dragged recovery—Do you need help?—and yes life is a phase so why tell me constantly it is me you love but detest what I Sweat It Out stand for, well I have no sympathy, it is not up to me to forgive, or for you, because your reaction is unforgivable so out of let your magination run wild with everything that is disturb In Finland, ing, frightening because it is me, your daughter, but can't you see? NO, because it is me, it is me. What about her you the ask? The one that has stolen my deepest fantasies and Chill Out has let me spread out into her space and has let me lie there undisturbed while her mind races over all the things In Morocco closet... that frighten you—but to me? I don't even see that in your Turn up the heat in our open doors to over 6,000 eyes th s is unacceptable, but again I won't give you this traditional Finnish sauna, hostels around the world much credit for most people in your place (and you always then travel south to cool including castles, chalets, _ find comfort in finding you are like most people) react off in the shade of a and beach houses at prices ^0^^"' Moroccan courtyard. The you can afford. Find out unacceptably in our eyes so just let it be, but don't expect experience of these more by calling our toll me or any part of me to be different because I'm not. refreshingly different free number or writing: What I do, what I feel, how I see her, how I feel her, and environments can be Canadian Hostelling why can only be answered with because. So once again I yours by joining the Assoc, 1600 James Canadian Hostelling Naismith Dr., Suite shall slip into the patterns that cover the floor, cover my Association. A CHA 603, Gloucester, mind, cover my body, and you: don't ever let your membership will HOS'H I.1.1NG 0[,X K1B 5N4 ignorance get in the way of me when I look into her INTKRN VTIONAL eyes. It is our space, so let it be. 1-800-663-5777 Hostels • The Affordable Adventure
Dear Son, I just wanted to drop you a line to say once again how happy I am that you came home to see us and share yourself with us. Few things in life have made me so happy and left me feeling such a deep sense of peace. My mind might be whirring like a buzz saw; this however seems to be its natural state when Copy Right I am trying to learn and understand something very important to me, but the difference is my heart is at peace. I truly feel that your inner contentment ** rubbed off and in some special way transferred itself in part to us. I know I have HOPPER HOTS" HAY told you I love you, Son, but have I also said how proud I am of you? My admira tion, respect, and pride has increased even more so since you stepped "out of the Tuesday February 18 shadows" and allowed not only yourself to know you, as you are, but shared who Any order done on a "Hopper Hots" you are with us. I'm so very proud of you! And so very grateful! I have gone back to reading the book you left here. But as I re-read it Son, colour will be priced at the same there is a part of me that questions the necessity for such an endeavor. Perhaps I can explain what I mean. Your telling me you're gay I do not see as your confid rate as white paper ing you have some illness—some genetic defect such as cerebral palsy, for instance—and as such I must search out information to understand the why's and SUB Lower Level Phone 822-4388 Fax 822-6093 wherefore's of such a "condition." I must admit I do not understand the why's behind many states of "being" in which people find themselves. Like with my Mother, for instance. I know she had a mental illness which was as much a part of her as her inclination towards kindness. I have a certain grasp of what "experts" hr think causes schizophrenia, but despite all their theorizing and scientific data, for WE NEED 600D me, as someone who loved her, the needing to understand intellectually, was transcended by the need to understand how her life was coloured and experi enced by the totality of herself. I'm not using my Mother as an example because PEOPLE LIKE YOU! I think homosexuality is a mental illness, Son, so I hope you don't take it that Do you have (peat organizational skills or creative flair? Do you way. It merely is to share with you that, for me at least, it is more important to have an interest in business or marketing? Would you like to make get past the data and theories, and on to the real "stuff of life. The why's of contacts in the business world? Would you like to learn more about one's sexual orientation pale in comparison to the societal consequences whether marketing and how it applies to YOUR career? Whether it be in one be gay, bi-sexual, or for that matter heterosexual. What I find upsetting is sciences, the arts, education, commerce, medicine, law... how, before your self disclosure, I, like countless numbers never gave deep or serious consideration to the struggle gays face in order to just live everyday, The UBC Marketing Association is looking for its 1992/93 Board of ordinary lives. And now my Son, whom I love dearly, is amongst those numbers Executives. Due to expansion to almost 400 members this year, we who struggle against the prejudice, fear and ignorance of those who would deny need your help in running this corporate-sponsored non-profit student organization. Positions are open to UBC students of ALL you your right to be yourself. What I fear more than anything, Son, is that I lack FACULTIES (e.g., our President is from Arts). We welcome the strength: physical, mental and emotional, to stand beside you in the struggle to everyone!. Volunteer where you'll REALLY be appreciated!!! overcome the obstacles. I hope that over time I will be able to draw from your strength and the strength of your friends and find that within myself there is, as Contact/applications available yet, an undiscovered, untapped well of strength hidden deep within myself. I also at S.U.B. 216B. Please contact UntanltyofBrittahColijitii realize that I must be patient with myself. This is all so new. And like most us by February 15,1992. arketing Association important, meaningful things in life it is not an event; but a process. Thanks! Anyway, Son, I hope you can bear with me and if I'm appearing to ramble, it is only my natural inclination (ha! ha!) and may require some patience on your part, too. X-C-E-L-L So moving on, your sister and I are looking forward to coming down to see d you soon. We would like very much to see your place, meet your friends, if you're comfortable with that, and have you take us to that coffee place. Any THE EATERY how, keep us informed as to your schedule and hopefully we can arrange a good time for our visit. Appetizer size Sushi or I hope all is well with you, Son. So, sweetheart, happy Valentine's Day. Gourmet Burger or Entree
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February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/19 QUEER ISSUE & UBC offers course in lesbian and gay issues and the Canadian legal system by Matthew Martin rights code." go through four different sessions going to build a society thatis truly students," Sanders said. Sanders said developing po of six weeks each and one of these equal and just. What is needed A one-day conference called A For the first time ever, UBC is litical and social issues that con units is on sexual orientation and now is new series of programmes Leap for Rights: Lesbian and Gay offering a course about lesbians, cern lesbians and gays should be the law, and it is taught by an at colleges and universities across Rights on a Queer Day will take gays and the law. part ofthe law school curriculum. openly gay professor, Bruce the province. The next step for place at UBC on February 29, The course deals with lesbians "This should become a regular MacDougall," Sanders said. UBC is to have a lesbian, gay, lOamSpm. Speakers include Doug and gays in the Canadian legal offering in all law schools and Norman Gludovatz, the Young bisexual studies department." Sanders, Gwen Brodsky, barbara system both historically and cur secondly, it's of basic importance New Democrats Lesbian and Gay Currently six students are in findlay, and Svend Robinson. Im rently. Events such as the 1969 on gay and lesbian issues. coordinator said such courses are the seminar of a possible 12 seats. migration policies, spousal benefits, discrimination case brought The course will be taught al positive initiatives. "The present students involve het and lesbian and gay strategies are against The Vancouver Sun by the ternate years and is part of a major "Ifs a good first step. However erosexual-identified, and gay- some ofthe topics to be covered. Gay Alliance—after The Sun re curriculum reform. It is not, how one seminar is not enough if we are identified and lesbian-identified fused to run a classified ad asking ever, the first in Canada. for support and donations—have "At Osgoode Hall at the Uni been discussed by the class. versity of Toronto, there is a course Healers: Lesbians and gays at Professor Doug Sanders said taught by a heterosexual profes religion and the government are sor," Sanders said. "There is also a other areas being studied. course taught by an openly lesbian professor at the University of Ot work in the health industry "In the last two classes we've tawa who taught a seminar on been looking at contemporary is lesbians and gays." In many cultures throughout work for the patient. The reason come from being attacked for no sues such as the fight with the One of the more significant the world, past and present, the that I am addressing this issue is logical reason. Like innocent vic United Church on ordination and additions to UBC's law programme healer's power comes from a sensi that in today's "civilized" society, tims injured or killed through the the pledge by the Conservative is called Perspectives on Law. tivity to both the male and female many health care workers are gay senseless act of a drunk driver. government to change the human "Every first year student will spirits. Healers encompass both or lesbian. As a gay health care These violent acts are the same. In the yin and yang, which provides worker, I am very aware of this this, we feel the pain and help the complete healing powers to phenomenon and have always lessness ofthe victim. wondered why. Do gay and lesbian people feel more compassion for The other reason for the in people in need? Or are we looking creased proportion of gays and les for society's acceptance? bians in the health field may be the need to fit into society, to be needed I feel that both apply. As gays and respected. All we ask is that and lesbians, we know what pain we be accepted for our professional is. Emotional pain comes from the knowledge, not our sexuality. We social stigma attached to people have skills that are required for being gay or lesbian. In society's the sick and dying. As members of eyes, we are outcasts who do not fit the health care team, we are only into the "natural" scheme of things. concerned with the well-being of The physical pain comes from be the patient. There is no greater joy ing physically violated by people than seeing someone leaving the who act on this misguided percep hospital under their own steam tion. Both pains strengthen us. We after a serious illness. This says can relate to society's outcasts: we made a difference in the patients AIDS patients, street people, drug healing process. abusers. In order to be compas sionate, one must have the ability A Caring Health Professional to relate. The pains we experience Are you wearing your blue jeans today?
by Paul Dayson For those who intentionally Blue Jeans Day is back. chose not to wear jeans: Today queers and their friends Why does someone's wish to will don blue jeans to show their be treated equally and justly support for lesbian and gay lib frighten you so much? eration. Others—unsupportive of equality and justice for a disad "First they came for the Jews Attention Do you like to travel? vantaged minority—will walk the and I did not speak out— Our last driver is is Australia! campus in uncomfortable polyester because I was not a Jew. HSrgS pants. This former workshop employee is in !; j* SELF SERVE Cold Sufferers! Hopefully, we can all learn Then they came for the tL! ^* ymLaserPrinting Volunteers wanted Japan! something from this experience. communists Earn big $$ for part time work as a IBM and I did not speak out— Xi^* • COMPATIBLE for Cold Study parts/recycling driver For those wearing blue jeans: because I was not a communist. HU-S • MACINTOSH • must have symptoms within last 48 Phone 822-2386 Ask for Mark or Nick. Having homophobia directed f • WORK AREA at you may be a new experience. hours (runny nose, watery eyes, You must have your own pickup truck. Then they came for the trade • QUALITY COPIES sneezing, stuffy nose, sore eyes) Try to understand what this might unionists and I did not speak Hurry don't miss this opportunity be like on a daily basis. out— • restricted medication in past 24 hours Call now 822-2386 because I was not a trade • 5 day study - 2 extra visits - physical For those not wearing blue unionist. UNIVERSITY VILLAGE jeans- ND exam - blood tests *% 2 FLOOR Ten per cent ofthe population Then they came for me— 2174 WESTERN PARKWAY • $50 compensation for expenses on this campus is lesbian or gay. and there was no one left VANCOUVER, B.C. How much longer are you 224-6225 Aik the nune or doctor for information to speak out for me." willing to let your queer friends FAX 224-4492 - Pastor Niemoller Student Health Service and classmates stand alone against (victim ofthe Nazis) OPEN EVERY DAY M-TH 8-9 the bigotry that is killing them? FRI 8-6 SAT-SUN 11-6 822-7M1
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20/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 QUEER ISSUE
For you... one bisexual life Hey Bi babe semi-dyke licking fingers slick with sweet juice do you know me? I see you with your bicycle helmet, gunning for heaven in a fast-riding meditational roadway trance by Tobias the Strange sliding by on the side, singing sad songs 'cause you feel I've spent the last few days singing Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others by the happy full of love and ripeness and the strength of a woman. Smiths. I guess it's because I'm one of those girls... Or women, I should say. You know who you are. And you don't let them talk you down Who am If shut you up make you silent and take it all away because you I am a bisexual woman who lives a hetero lifestyle, in a non-monogamous don't fit partnership. I have a number of friends, most of whom are vegetarians, straight unite several of whom are either gay or bi, or are soul-searching to discover their or crooked. true sexuality. Even my partner has searched himself, questioning his heterosexuality. And in a rather distraught moment, he admitted to me that he had no sexual feelings for men at alL You just cut the shit bi I was' pleased to see, \ Iam aggressive and assertive, and dynamic. I am creative and again and grin as relationships you slide on through. as I made my\ anxious, and I cook my potatoes in the toaster oven because heating In the context of way through\ the oven up would use too much energy. relationships between bi those annoying\ I am a recycler, and I try to only use 100 per cent post- sexuals, lesbians/gays, and Tobias the Strange stand-still crowds in\ consumer recycled paper no matter how much it costs. I fall a straights, some specific prob lems arise. SUB this week, the\ little above the poverty line in income, and we eat a lot of Gays and Lesbians of\ beans. • Bisexual-lesbian/gay relationships: UBC had set up informa-\ If I have a chocolate craving, I don t stifle it. My partner When a bisexual person becomes in tion booths. Though moat\*nd I have a wonderful sex life, because he loves my body. I volved in a same-sex relationship, the people pretended nothing\ am learning to love my body too. We are trying to become lesbian/gay partner can feel threatened. was there in that island upon\ un-mediated. We know life is not a beer commercial. They may feel the bisexual partner will dingy brown floors, I was glad\ I have never been promiscuous, and have always dump them for a straight relationship when the groups were making them-\practised safe-sex. Latex tastes funny, but Tve found the going gets tough. selves visible. I didn't, however/ that there are ways to mask that taste. • Bisexual-straight relatio nships: When a bisexual person is involved with a person ofthe opposite sex, approach the tables. I glanced at' What does all this mean? the straight partner may feel they will be dumped for pamphlets to see if anything inter It means I am a person. I am a person who 1 a gay partner. The bisexual person will be perceived to ested me, but I walked steadily on. I am he that everyone is alike either. with and feel sexually attracted to those we Ye not\ Fear makes people do flL supposed to. But I didnt feel that I could. \ things without thought, and This apprehension comes from personal experi- \ without any form ofself- \Qj%Vj NNOODLO E HOUSE ences. I have been called a breeder, in decisive, and I have \ awareness. been accused of wanting the best of both worlds. These fe w \ I know who I am. Do examples are in no way indicative ofthe views ofthe gay and \V Vou hnow yourself? lesbian community, but they're enough to intimidate me into 'A So me silence. tips for Kitsilano's ONLY Authentic Being discriminated against everyday of their lives, the the bisexu Chinese Restaurant 2 last thing gays and lesbians should want is someone feeling als: unaccepted because of their sexuality. I need to share my feelings of •Ifyouareina • Friendly Service • Great Prices attraction for both women and men, and to share the difficulties of straight rela • NO MSG < talking freely in the face of homophobia. tionship, make • NO GST It's a hell of a lot easier for me to escape certain prejudice because sure you stay in • 10 % Student Discount with valid AMS card. touch with the gay Tm viewed as straight. And having sexual relationships with other community. Go to the • FREE DELIVERY AFTER 5:00 P.M. women is accepted, at least by straight, men, and in fact seen as a turn bars, see your Mends, 2805 W. Broadway OPEN 12:oo P.M. - 10:00 P.M. on. As long as I still talk about men and go out with men, it's okay, f read the lesbian/gay me- CC ("Hell, Td like to get in on the act!") / dia. If you drop your lesbian/ 737-1278 7 DAYS A WEEK The gay and straight communities assume bisexuals will / gay life for a straight one, you figure it all out and eventually go one way or the other, it's not / may miss your lesbian/gay like that at all. I will never like only men or only women; I will / friends, and resent the relation- always be bisexual. This doesn't mean Tm more unfaithful / shiP M a result, or unfulfilled. I'm comfortable with my sexuality, I will / •Ifyourpartnerisinsecure youmake not squash one side or tendency. / ,a aPe I need to find support from ether bisexuals./ t£%l^Ton™™ *"* * Lesbians can't be my support group because my/ ^TipsforlesMan/gayorstraightpeople experience isnt the same. And straight women/ going out with a bisexual: don't want to hear about it anyway. ("As long as / .If you are worried you may not be able to offer you don't feel that way about me, it's okay.") / your partner what a person of the opposite sex a A bisexual community is needed on / might tie able to, keep in mind that no one person campus and in town. There are lots of you / canoffereveryoneeverything.lesbian.gayorstraight. out there lacking the support you need; / Everyone has their own special quirks and qualities Tve read the bathroom walls. Please, / that thev brin8 to a relationship. Everyone has their fellow bisexuals, let's form our own / faults* networks J nrd . ., / Rememberbiuexualityandmonogamyarediffe*-entthing8. 5 men we strengthen our own / ifthe bisexual partner feels a need to sleep with another person identity, we begin to bring to the I outside the relationship, it is an issue of monogamy/non-mo- world's attention the legitimacy / uogamy, and not of bisexuality. (And it might be the lesbian/gay or and wonderfulness of / straight partner who desires non-monogamy.) bisexuals! / Remember above all, play safe and have fun! Sunday March 15th, 1992 at 9:00 a.m. Forerunners and Asia Pacific Careers... Suacony shoes are proud to present the 6th Annual St Paddy's Day 8k Race and Walk at the UBC Sports / Capilano College's post-graduate Asia Pacific 9 Geller, Management Cooperative Program can give you Centre. Proceeds from the event shall go to the Vancouver Thomas, ed. .•Jr Bisexuality: a that important edge. Eight months of Asia Pacific General Hospital Foundation. ^» reader and and Business Studies on our North Vancouver v sourcebook. Campus are followed by a 12-month work term in , ^- Hadley, MA: Com- Come out and warm up for the Sun Run at this Irish 4? monwealth Printing Asia. Post-degree work experience is an asset. Co., 1990. season-opener! For information on entry forms and Information meetings at Capilano College Hutchins, Loraine and Lani will be held: registration please call 732-4535. Kaahumanu, eds. Bi Any • Wednesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out. Boston: Alyson Publi • Thursday, March 19 at 7 pjn. Forerunners offers 10% off all regular priced merchandise cations, Inc., 1991. • Thursday, April 16 at 7 pjn. to all UBC students, staff and faculty. All meetings will be held in room C148. Bi lovin' is the way to go: love .IX yourself and other bMovin' folks, For details please contact APMCP, 'A 4 ¥ wt&&$ and work to destroy the white Capilano College, (604) 984-4981. supremacist heteropatriarchy. YOUR RUNNING* WALKING-LIFESTYLE STORE -Bi Betty Heterodyke CAPILANO COLLEGE 2055 Purcell Way • North Vancouver, » B.C. 3504 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. 732-4535 February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/21 QUEER ISSUE J * Queer symbols explained symbol seems to be overly romanticized and there is little anthropo- by Margaret Knight I wearapinktrianglealmostallthetime.SometimesIthinknobody logical evidence to support it. Alabrysis a double-bladed axe worn by lesbians to symbolize the notices it, occasionally I get a smile or a comment and once I got "fucking dyke." The triangle is the only identifier I carry as a member of an power of Amazons. Again this is a modern appropriation of a rather invisible minority, it is the only thing that identifies me as a lesbian; suspect ancient symbol. This symbol is also often used by feminists without it I feel I'm hiding something. who are not necessarily lesbians. Labryses and lambdas are more The pink triangle is the most common of the symbols we wear to common as jewelry than as buttons or badges and are subtler ways identify ourselves. Others include black triangles, lambdas, labryses of expressing oneself. and double-linked male and female symbols. Each one has a different The traditional male and female symbols are also double-linked origin, and a slightly different meaning. to indicate homosexuality, and sometimes triple-linked to indicate The pink and black triangles were used by the Nazis to identify bisexuality. These are probably the most blunt and graphic of people who were imprisoned for homosexuality. They are worn as a symbols and tend to be rare. The origin of these symbols is the 1970s reminder of the atrocities inflicted on gays and lesbians by the Nazis, feminist movement, which claimed the woman symbol to represent and as a symbol ofthe continuing struggle against homophobia. Most feminism. In North America, twolinkedmeanslesbianistwohnkedmeanslesbmmsmancm andi tnrethree lesbians wear pink triangles, although we are now starting to recognize means sisterhood. In the UK, two means sisterhood and three means symbol and to reclaim the black one. lesbianism. The lambda (Greek letter 1. was adopted by the Gay Activist The rainbow flag was adopted in the late 1970s as a symbol ofthe iance in 1970 to symbolize the gay movement. It was supposedly worn unity and diversity of the gay community. It is a North American by ancient Greek fighters to indicate they were fighting alongside their symbol and is used more often by organizations than by individuals lovers. It is a uniquely male symbol, and is far more common in tht Canada. The 'FO'J^'BI'iyjyEXLO'l'E by norm and rod your warm breath upon my neck your dpsglide over mine my tongue flickers feverishfy in search of you my hands receive the heat of your skin our torsos touch wiffingfy our legs entwine our passion qroxvs hard and burns (ike two flames rising between us straining to be free 22/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992 On privacy and speaking out What do they want? Most importantly, homosexuality does not come lic eye. It was homophobia, a force that tried its best This is the first question any person might ask about as a matter of choice. Indeed, there have not to deface a community that it did not begin to under when faced with the diverse and often jarring tactics been any conclusive determinations of what causes stand, ultimately transforming homosexuality from ofthe gay liberation movement. On one hand, there homosexuality. Correlations, yes, but theories pur "the Love that Dare Not Speak Its Name" into what exists a plethora of quiet, barely noticeable groups porting a cause for homosexuality inevitably gener its detractors now sardonically call "the Love that attempting to gently persuade the public that "queers" ate more exceptions than supporting evidence. Fur Won't Shut Up." Try to imagine this happening to are in fact perfectly ordinary citizens that enjoy lives thermore, homosexuality, to be even reasonably de you—becoming a pariah, solely for the crime of hav much like anyone else. On the other, there are highly fined, must be considered independent of sexual ac ing sex, or for merely declaring your preference for visible organizations like ACT-UP, playing dead on tivity. To assert that someone is "not homosexual" one person or another. Perhapsyou wouldbe arrested, the stepsof operahouses.holding kiss-ins m shopping because they don't have sex with members of their or beaten up, or have your photograph in the paper malls, and phone-zapping politicians while shouting own gender is absurd; the first step in figuring out accompaniedby a twisted and lying article. I'm willing their sexual orientation from rooftops. These strate what is and is not gay is to ask the people that apply to bet that you'd be pretty pissed off. Now try to gies seem utterly contradictory, and one would be the label to themselves. There are many people not imagine this happening, as it still does, to a gay man hard pressed to believe that the common goal of all sexually active that would not hesitate for a moment or a lesbian. Is it any wonder that people raise a royal these groups could be summed up in one word: in describing themselves as gay. And finally, despite stink when their privacy is so rudely violated? privacy. the words of anti-gay fearmongers, homosexuality Without homophobia, homosexuality would be as does not hurt anyone. Sure, there is AIDS, but anyone What is privacy? Privacy is the right to live one's benign as a taste for chocolate ice cream. Couples with half a brain, heterosexual or homosexual, can life in an ordinary fashion without drawing undue would walk in the street hand in hand, gay and take the simple precautions required to avoid it. attention. Privacy is the right to do everyday things, straight, and nobody would pay any more attention to like carrying on an open, visible relationship, with Another important point is that the gay commu them than they do to connoisseurs of non-vanilla out fear of reprisal. Privacy is to have everyone else nity does not quite exist. True, I have mentioned it flavors. It is homophobia that takes a perfectly ordi mind their own business and keep the hell out of your myself in this very essay. You can visit it, speak with nary, rather private state of affairs and makes a life. Privacy is something that heterosexuals take for its members, and even live in its midst. It has a grand spectacle of it. And a phobia it is; a disorder, no granted; it is expected that tokens of affection, shown culture, it has art, it has distinct values and customs. doubt. If a friend of yours walked up to you and in public, will not generate stares, threats or vio Yet paradoxically, when you try to pin it down for shouted, "Oh my God, do you know what I saw, there lence, and that spouses and partners will be ac analysis, it vaporizes like the Cheshire Cat, leaving was a fellow out there eating CHOCOLATE ICE knowledged without question by others. Consider only a mocking grin to hint at its presence. How can CREAM!", you might think he was a little odd. If this the privacy that you have come to expect in your own this be? As any student of quantum mechanics will same friend made a career out of battling chocolate life, all the things that you don't expect to be scruti appreciate, reality is sometimes a very lovers, you might even think that he was more than nized by others. Particularly with respect to romantic counterintuitive thing. One must sometimes throw just a little odd. Perhaps a bit ill? Or maybe just relationships, there is much more than you might away an entire framework of understanding and terribly frightened by chocolate? Youmightbe inspired suspect. Look at your professor's office—you might replace it with a new one in order to resolve seemingly to call it "chocophobia." Like the eating of chocolate find a picture of a spouse, perhaps of children. Would Impossible paradoxes. Such is the case with the gay ice cream, homosexuality is a very personal thing, you dare to offer judgement on his choice of partner? community. As it currently exists, the gay commu I should hope not. Look at the ring you might be subject to no judgement but one's own, and certainly nity is not a monolithic block of consistent, carefully no more worthy of attention. wearing on your finger, the casual comments you constructed opinion. It is a cacophony of voices, some might make about your boyfriend of girlfriend. None deeply cool and rational, some passionate, some loud, Alas, the world is neither perfect nor fair, and the of these would elicit comment. This is what privacy is some quiet, and some slightly deranged. It is a morass homophobia-monster will not leave of its own accord. all about. of conflicting views, standards of morality, and modes What to do? Certainly I, as an individual, will not sit back and let my taste for chocolate... uh, I mean my In this context, the next question might be obvi of behaviour. Its boundaries are blurred, and no single observation could ever apply to its entirety. In sexual orientation, be a lightning rod for abuse. No, ous: What the hell were Gays and Lesbians of UBC I'm fighting back, and the only way to do so is to bring doing this oast week, with that great big ugly banner short, it is nothing more than a collection of individuals, constructed in the most artificial and contrived man my sexual orientation forward for all to see, to make strung up in the Concourse, and all those tables it as public as possible, and to expose the lies of the getting in everyone's way? Why do they have to have ner possible—by sharing a nonstandard sexual ori minions of homophobia. This is the very essence of their own dances? Why do they need all those people entation. Gay and Lesbian Week. Far from being a mere ice to come and speak? Why a special issue of The Considering again the issue of homosexuality cream stand, Gays and Lesbians of UBC must take an Ubyssey? Where are they coming from? It's a private being a private matter, we are left considerably more active role in dispelling the effluvia tossed at us by matter, isn't it?Indeed, it all seems so absurd. For confused than we were to begin with. First of all, our enemies. Yes, it's degrading, exhausting, and a something so private as one's sexual orientation, homosexuality is not such a clear-cut thing. Perhaps there seems to be an awfully big fuss made over the general pain in the ass. No, I don't like sitting at a there are people who don't fit into the homosexual table, announcing to all the world that my sexual whole thing. Why not just let the issue rest? The mold, for whom sexual orientation is not at all private. tastes are far from the average. But the alternative is answer is apparent; it is not the "militant homosexu And as we now know, the looking-glass world of the to watch the gay community be publicly drawn and als taking to the streets" propagating this need for gay community will not offer universal agreement to quartered—a fate I would not wish on anyone, much public display. Far from it. The culprit is the nasty, my statement ofthe privacy of homosexuality after less myself. scab-picking beast called homophobia. Before fur all. But—using the word "we" in the most intimate ther investigating the habits of this ugly creature fashion—we shall ignore this prob! -"i. Keeping in So long as there are people in the world that insist and its effects on privacy, it is necessary to bring in mind that the ideas presented here do not universally on attacking homosexuals, sexual orientation will some background material. No discussion about gay apply, we can make observations that nonetheless not be granted the privacy it deserves. So long as politics can even begin without talking about who the shed light on the subject at hand. Besides, 90 per cent callous lies concerning lesbian and gay people continue players rre in this rather complicated scene. ofthe audience for this essay is heterosexual, and the to be spread, queers will fight back with truth. So long "First of all, what is homosexuality? A cool, clinical poor things aren't going to understand anything too as persons suffering with AIDS are ignored, there definition will say that "homosexuality is the state complicated to begin with. will be friendly activists playing dead at your feet. where in a person's primary erotic interest is directed And so long as students at UBC are bullied by (For the humour impaired—the preceding sen homophobia, others will bully back on their behalf. towards members of the same sex." Yet this fails to tence was intended to be sarcastic, inspiring readers generate a good understanding ofthe subject among The loss of one's own privacy, through the necessity to reconsider their prejudices against minority groups of activism, is not a small price to pay; unfortunately, heterosexual folk. Indeed, beyond this terse clinician's by being slapped with a stereotype themselves.) there is no alternative. Gay activism will continue sound bite, a good definition is hard to come by. No So here we are. Homosexuality, a private matter, single statement concerning the nature of homosexu until our privacy is regained. This is my last year beingostentatiously paraded about by the same people of involvement with GLUBC, having had a role in ality will satisfy everyone, as there will always be an that want to keep it private. Why has this strange exception, someone that does not fit into the pigeon running it for over two years. Fve put in many hours, situation come into being? Have you, gentle reader, and have furthered the tedious task of airing the hole. The reason for this is that homosexuality is an ever considered just what the state of affairs was collective laundry, both dirty and clean, of the gay intrinsically ill-defined concept. before the gay rights movement swung into full force? community. I guess I'm something of a gay activist, Trying to divide the world into "gay" and "straight" Homosexuality, a most private matter indeed, a place and as such, I might deign to speak not only for invariably leaves a large number of stragglers, rather where a few brave soul s tried to forge a quiet, inoffen myself, but for my comrades. In this context, I shall ^trying to divide all life forms into "plants" and sive life, was regularly pulled forth from the privacy Jn this latter case, taxonomists have had of homes and into the glare ofthe media and the law, answer the question that was posed at the beginning of this essay. Do you know what I want? I want to be to give up am.^reat, e a whole set of new categories, where it was publicly mutilated in the spirit ofthe left alone. still leaving behifiu*. few lonely, undefined beasts most grisly executions. Good men and women lost Anthony Berno that have since been Ignore., d in the massively anal- their careers, their reputations, their freedom, and Engineering Physics 4 retentive drive to applyIsabel .. s to everything. Are we sometimes even their lives in the wake of this tyr «$*/&?' to force the same fate upon- juman beings? I cannot anny. Indeed, homosexuality was hauled into the provide a good definition of 1homosexuality. , but for light by the very same people that are now trying to the purposes of this article, I kshal* l make a few push it back into the shadows—perhaps they got generalizations, knowing that eacIL.onl ^ e will alienate more than they bargained for? No, it was not the gay some fraction ofthe gay readership.' community that dragged homosexuality into the pub February 14,1992 THE UBYSSEY/23 i 1 < with thanks to Matt Goenig, Jeff and Akbar 24/THE UBYSSEY February 14,1992