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20 honi 12 Week Nine October 3

God vs. Gays The queer and the faithful

Don’t call me baby: Red light: or any other weird names being gay in China PAGE 6 PAGE 21 Contents This Week Opinion Sports and Health 8 Isabelle Cox tells of her encounters 20 Where are our queer sports stars, with homophobia, and Nick Sunderland asks Thomas Poberezny-Lynch vents against queer identity politics. 21 Being Gay in China 10 Gay Marriage Zhiming Yu tells a sad story. Benjamin Veness and Nathan Li go The Stonewall Report beyond the obvious arguments. 22 God vs. Gays Editor in Chief: Fahad Ali 12 Editors: Jessica Jeffrey, Michael Koziol, Nathan Li, and examine Curtis Dickson Fahad Ali Lane Sainty, Cameron Smith, Josh Sprake, Lucy Watson the predicament of queer religion. Contributors: Rebecca Alchin, Tommy Berne, Steph Clark, Queen Scene Isabelle Cox, Gayda De Mesa, Kade Denton, Curtis Dick- 14 son, Matthew Endacott, John Francis, Annaliese Gale, Jessica Jeffrey wishes blondes could Flora Grant, Robert Grigor, William Harris, Joseph Isti- 21 have more fun at Legally Blonde. phan, Melanie Jayne, Eleonora Kazantzis, Thomas Murphy, Camp-us Thomas Poberezny-Lynch, Bro Reveleigh, Nick Richardson, 3 Profile: Annamarie Jagose Katherine Sherrie, Clare Sullivan, Benjamin Veness, Blythe Lane Sainty reports on the future of 15 Worthy, Annie Wylie, Zhiming Yu the Queerspace, while William Harris The Sydney Uni academic, novellist, and Cover: Cameron Smith head of SLAM spoke to Lane Sainty. calls on the Prime Minister to catch Advertising: Amanda LeMay & Jessica Henderson up with that beacon of progressive [email protected] politics, St Paul’s College. 16 Action Reaction John Francis got frocked up and HONISOIT.COM found thighs he never knew he had. Disclaimer: 5 News Review Honi Soit is published by the Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney, Level 1 The future looks bleak for Sydney’s Wentworth Building, City Road, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006. The SRC’s operation costs, SRC Reports space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney. The editors of Honi Oxford Street, writes Matt Endacott. 17 Soit and the SRC acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Honi Soit is written, printed, and distributed on Aboriginal land. Honi Soit is printed under Back of the Closet Election Results the auspices of the SRC’s directors of student publications: Rafi Alam, Peta Borella, Michael de 6 18 Waal, Eleanor Gordon-Smith, Jeremy Leith, Leo Nelson, Astha Rajvanshi and Max Schintler. All “That’s not my name!” yells an angry Who won? Who lost? Who cares? expressions are published on the basis that they are not to be regarded as the opinions of the Robert Grigor Get your election erection on here. SRC unless specifically stated. The Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions or information contained within this newspaper, nor does it endorse any of the ad- vertisements and insertions. Printed by MPD, Unit E1 46-62 Maddox St. Alexandria NSW 2015. Planner QUEER Honi’s Guide to what’s on

WED THU FRI

A History of Sexual Perversion VERGE: Glitterati freedom2b October Meeting 8pm, The Cellar Theatre, $3 Access / $6 G.A. 7.30pm, Verge Festival Dome, FREE/$5/$10 7pm, ACON Building, 414 Elizabeth St Two happy-go-lucky perverts seek redemption for their deprav- Consider this the love child of John Waters and Beyonce, with Surry Hills, FREE ity, reconciling the questionable choices they made with the many a cheeky splash of Moulin Rogue. The USU - your authorized freedom2b supports LGBTQI people from Christian back- who came before them. But how much of it is really a choice? fun police - encourage you to get as glammed up as possible, grounds on their journey to reconciling their faith, sexuality, and or you’ll be sent to our glitter prison. And that’s an order. gender identity. Birdcage Karaoke at the Imperial Hotel From 6pm, Zanzibar FREE ENTRY Handbag Heaven 8pm, The Imperial Hotel FREE 9pm, Arq, FREE Wednesday has always been a great night for the lady-loving Come on, everyone loves the Imperial. Get there on a With DJs “Luke Leal” and “Tom Kelly”. lladies in Newtown, but got even better this year when Birdcage Thursday night to enjoy some drinks, prizes, giveaways, and of Performances by “Carmen Geddit” with “Ripley” and “Thomas”. began. This weekly night out at Zanzibar boasts awesome beats course, some questionable singing. and the cutest girls in town. If it’s Friday night and you’re poor, it’s Arq.

MON SAT SUN TUES Big Gay Flash Mob Addison Road Markets VERGE: The Slow Bike Race Pitt Street Mall, FREE 8am-3pm,142 Addison Rd Marrickville, Mon, USYD Front Lawns, FREE The Big Gay Flash Mob is the third year major work of theatre/ FREE Bring your bike and get ready to go slow. Keep your feet on the pedals and no touching the ground, last person over the media student, Jordan Johnny Johnstone! It will be raising money At the Addison Road Markets there is organic food, soy chai line wins. Slow and steady wins the race. Fantastic prizes to for GALFA (The Gay and Lesbian Foundation of Australia!). and handmade art a-plenty, not to mention pony rides for the be won! There will be Glitter, Gaga, Queens and Queers all shaking their kids. The markets are extremely queer friendly and a perfect booties to support an incredible charity! way to spend Sunday morning. Rainbow Queer Argentine Tango Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Tues, 7pm, Columbian Hotel, $15 Up Dayclub 9:30pm, ABC1, FREE Tango will make your walk more confident, improve your From 5am, Phoenix Bar, Exchange Hotel FREE balance, and it’s reliably uplifting. At this dance lesson you’ll What better way to not finish up a trashy night on Oxford St? Recover from your wild weekend with yet another instalment learn some sweet tricks for creating amazing feelings with Head to Up Dayclub this Saturday to keep partying all day long. of everyone’s favourite detective series. It’s the season finale. another person. You can purchase eight lessons for $100.

2 queerhoni @honi_soit Camp-us LETTERS NEWS EXCLUSIVE Union Board to review Queerspace Statement from the Sydney Oscar Coleman The issue of autonomy just won’t go away, reports Lane Sainty University Liberal Club Commerce I A comprehensive review has be- Dear Honi, Dear Honi, gun into whether the Queerspace is On behalf of its members, the Sydney The Sydney University Liberal Club being used effectively. USU Presi- University Liberal Club (SULC) Execu- has proven itself to be a disgrace to both dent Astha Rajvanshi said that the tive does not endorse and never endorsed the university and the Liberal Party. review would consider “whether Alan Jones’ comments about Mr John Time and time again it has made calami- factors like location, accessibility, Gillard in his address at the annual Presi- tous errors of judgement. autonomy, furniture and resources dent’s Dinner. Even though Mr Jones’ Firstly, it hired a notoriously inflam- are affecting its use.” statements were not ours, we recognise matory shock-jock for its President’s Ms Rajvanshi stressed that a and accept our responsibility to the Dinner. SULC knew that Mr Jones had thorough consultation of the queer student body to minimise grievances the ability to tarnish the reputation of community will occur before any whenever we possibly can. the club, but it seems that his cosy rela- decisions are made. “Any changes to the changed after proper consultation with SULC is an organisation that believes tionship with President Alex Dore meant furniture or a make-over of the space our members is carried out,” explained in a free, fearless and vibrant political that no matter how shocking and repul- will only occur after a thorough review Ms Rajvanshi. “After consulting the discussion, where controversial voices sive the comments, the night was always indicates that this is in the best interests members, a recommendation regarding from a range of perspectives may be going to have a ‘brilliant speech by...the of the queer community,” she said. any changes to the Queerspace or au- heard without undue fear of reprisal by nation’s most influential broadcaster’. SRC Queer Officer Rebecca Alchin tonomy will be put forward to the Board others. As an active Club, we often host Secondly, instead of behaving tactfully welcomed the idea of potential changes. to discuss and vote on at a consecutive functions with public figures from all in relation to Mr Jones, SULC decided “Any new furniture and other things board meeting. Alternatively, this recom- walks of life, and we strive to contribute to fan the flames throughout the night to make the space a more comfortable mendation can be made at a general constructively to the national debate. by auctioning off the famous ‘chaff-bag place would be greatly appreciated and meeting to allow the members to vote on However, statements are occasionally jacket’. This subtle ‘joke’ of killing the welcomed by the Queer Action Collec- the issue.” made – not by the Club - that are false, Prime Minister, no matter how much tive (QuAC),” she said. According to Ms Alchin, the vote held hurtful, and distasteful. When made, her policies may be reviled, is probably However, some of the issues under in August was not reflective of the views these statements warrant a response from lost on most. As the Jones controversy review are set to prove more difficult of the majority of the collective. “Au- those who helped facilitate their utter- began to unfold, Dore’s stubbornness in than others. A controversy was created tonomy aims to meet the needs of those ance. refusing to distance his club and party in August when an impromptu vote who feel they need a safe space on cam- The remark made by Alan Jones in his from the comments brought SULC and was held in a QuAC meeting to gauge pus, and I believe most of the collective 55-minute address, previously referred the university into further disrepute by people’s views on autonomy. To the would agree that it is only fair and in the to, was such a statement. It was distress- allowing it to become a target for the surprise of many, a motion in favour of interests of those people that autonomy ful and distasteful to Prime Minister media and the general public. a non-autonomous space was passed, is maintained,” she said. Julia Gillard and her family. Alan Jones Finally came Vice-President Zac whereby which straight people could Ms Rajvanshi cited a number of ac- has offered an apology for his remarks, Thompson’s comments that context was enter provided they were accompanied tions that would be taken to gauge the and we have welcomed that. everything. In fact, not knowing that by queer-identifying friends. views of the community. “[This will] Like all clubs at Sydney University, you are being recorded does not excuse This led a number of people to believe include doing research into the autono- SULC exists to serve students. To this Alan Jones. In this day and age, nothing that the Queerspace had become non- mous status of the space and the reasons end, we regret that some aspects of the is private at a public function. Nothing autonomous. However, this was not the for its autonomy in the past, speaking to aforementioned event were unbecoming can justify publicly insulting the Prime case, as QuAC lacks the authority to the Queer Officers and QuAC, holding of our organisation, and we ask for your Minister’s recently deceased father and make decisions about the autonomy of policy forums with the queer and wider pardon in respect of the future. even Andrew Bolt can admit that. If the the space. community and even getting feedback Liberal Club can’t, then it has truly been Rather, this responsibility lies with the through surveys,” she said. Yours in freedom, taken over by people who don’t operate USU Board of Directors. “The autono- The review is planned to be completed Sydney University Liberal Club within the boundaries of reality. mous status of the space will only be by late this year or early 2013.

COLLEGE When a college outgrows a senate William Harris thinks St Paul’s College could teach the government a thing or two about fairness and equality

When the lower house knocked down that the religious lobby have gotten away desire to become more supportive of its the Marriage Equality bill this month, with for too long. gay or bisexual students, and I think this the entire process had become farcical. I don’t expect Abbott or Gillard to is a terrific step forward and one worthy Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi linked be the celebrant at my wedding. What of recognition. To scrutinize colleges same-sex marriage with bestiality, then I do expect is that our political institu- is perfectly legitimate, provided that resigned from his front bench duties to tions start to pull their weight on this positive recognition is also given when avoid apologizing for his comments. issue, and reflect the majority of Aus- appropriate. There were senators who supported the tralians who support marriage equality. I find it unbelievable that the Prime bill, yet voted against it as the bill faced It is when institutions like these start to Minister has yet to signal her support for defeat, citing that it ‘wasn’t worth it’. reflect the needs of the underrepresented full equality. Despite this, I am heartened Even the Prime Minister Julia Gillard has conversion camp somewhere. that meaningful and effective change that an institution like Paul’s is making a signaled repeatedly that she will not back The arguments for maintaining the occurs. valid attempt to support its gay and bi- down from her nonsensical stance on the status quo frequently contain homopho- This brings me to a pleasant surprise I sexual students, regardless of its religious issue. bic undertones based in archaic religious received earlier this month. I have been foundation. If only our politicians would Despite being someone who rarely doctrine. We hear about ‘family values’, invited by St Paul’s College, through recognise the power of language and takes offense, the public discussion and as though gay people sacrifice their posi- their senior student Hugo Rourke and change their rhetoric on issues affecting political rhetoric around this issue has tion in Australian families as soon as college staff, to speak at Formal Din- the LGBTQI community, then perhaps started to wear me down. We have an they come out. We are told that marriage ner in a couple of weeks from now as this issue would progress past the reli- atheist, unmarried Prime Minister who should be between a man and a woman a former student. I have been asked to gious dogma. for some reason has been given reprieve for the sake of the children, as though speak about homophobia, the experience More importantly, recognizing the in her use of the “between a man and a single parents don’t exist and same-sex of being a gay college student, and most need to support LGBTQI students on woman” line. Gillard frequently cites her couples are incapable of raising children. importantly, to make those who are con- campus is a must in order to combat the ties with her “many gay friends” as some Most frustratingly, we are told that mar- fronted by their sexuality at college feel a various struggles these students can face. sort of subtle insinuation that she can’t riage should remain the way it is in order little more at ease. The opportunity to help a college student be labeled a homophobe. Tony Abbott to maintain a ‘set of traditions’ that Aus- This event is to be matched by a stu- body to become more supportive of gay also uses this line, though the existence tralia was founded upon. I think we need dent-organized forum on making Paul’s students is a terrific honor. It would be of these friends is a little less believable, to restore some secularity to this debate, and other colleges more gay-friendly. At nice to think that one day they could unless of course they are at a Catholic and stop the sort of schoolyard bullying least one college has now signaled its invite our Prime Minister to do the same. honisoit.com queerhoni 3 Camp-us

What Google Thinks COMING UP Editorial HONI s society begins to progress and spoken to prolific queer com- Atowards an ethos of equality mentator and Head of the School of and acceptance, the debate on queer Letter, Arts, and Media, Professor issues will inevitably flare up as the Annamarie Jagose. last pockets of ignorance and intoler- Herein you will find a beautifully ance begin to collapse. The discourse assembled mosaic of perspectives, must not be suspended, and, more from a spectrum as wide and diverse importantly, the queer community as the rainbow under which we must engineer its rhetoric to commu- gather. You will find the serious and nicate with the rest of the world. the lighthearted. You will find pas- But seriously, what do we I think we have achieved this sion and you will find laughter. And do with hamsters? goal with this year’s Queer Honi. at the heart of it all, you will find We speak not only to the queer our voice. community, but also to the wider This special edition of Honi Soit campus community. Within this gives us a powerful platform with edition we have dissected a wide which to express ourselves. It is my array of topics. We have looked at sincere hope that you, whomever how religion and queer identity can you are, whether queer or not, will be reconciled. We have considered be able to take something valuable some of the arguments in favour of out of these pages. marriage equality. We have delved Fahad Ali into queer developments on campus @FahadSKAli

A Primer to Queer Campus Culture Getting involved with queer culture often isn’t the easiest thing to do, so we took a look at some of the main queer-focused clubs and organisations on campus. SHADES Queer Action Collective Queer Revue SUPRA Queer Portfolio SHADES is a society The Queer Action Want to see your The Sydney Uni- that organises social Collective (QuAC) is name up in lights? versity Postgraduate events for LGBTQI stu- an SRC collective dedi- Want all of your Representative Asso- dents and their friends. cated to making the friends’ parents to ciation (SUPRA) has a SHADES is all about University of Sydney see you naked? Then strong commitment to valuing and respecting and wider community a the Sydney University equity, ensuring that everyone—and having better place for queer- Queer Revue is the all voices of post- a great time doing it! identifying people. place for you! graduate students are We hold a variety of events through- We welcome and provide a safe place Queer Revue is an all-singing, all-danc- heard within the university. out semester from huge parties to casual for everyone in the LGBTIQ community ing comedic production put on at the We run a number of social events for drinks, and movie nights to BBQs. No to express their thoughts and ideas. Be- Seymour Centre every year by queer and students such as our monthly wine and matter what your interests are, we’ve ing a collective, we value each member queer-friendly students. It was founded cheese nights. We also have a monthly got an event for you! Most importantly, and their input equally. in 2010 on two core principles: abortion Equity film night. Our last Queer Equity we welcome anyone and everyone to our QuAC holds weekly meetings at 1pm jokes and body shaming cast members. film night explored the history of Syd- events, no matter what ‘shade’ you are. in the Queerspace, which is located in We’ve gotten bigger and gayer every year, ney’s HIV epidemic with a screening of SHADES events are open to every- the Holme Building (near the Courtyard but we’re not done yet. Rampant and a discussion around the one, but if you would like to support Café) on Science Road. QuAC is a great We’re constantly looking for new peo- changing face of the epidemic - followed SHADES you can also become a financial place to meet other queer-identifying ple to get involved so come up and speak by Hedwig and the Angry Inch. member for just $6 a year. You’re able people and make new friends. No matter to us whether you want to strut the stage We’re currently working towards to join SHADES all year round. Come where you lie in process of coming out, (acting, singing, dancing) or help out building an Ally network on campus and along to our O-Week and Re-O Day QuAC is a safe place and is respectful of behind the scenes (writing, design, work- ensuring greater representation of queer stalls or any of our events, and have a everyone’s journey in life. ing backstage). Keep an eye out for our student needs within the university. chat to one of our friendly exec members You can come to the meetings at 1pm AGM at the end of October and come If you’re a queer postgraduate student to let them know you’re interested in on Mondays, and if you like, ask one of say hello at O-Week next year. In the and would like to be kept up-to-date signing up! the Queer Officers (Rebecca and Eleono- meantime, join the Facebook group and with upcoming events and campaigns (or Our next event, SHADES Halloqueen, ra) to add you to the mailing list. We follow us on Twitter (@suqrs) for all the have any ideas you’d like to share), email will be held on Friday 19th October at hope to see you around! latest Queer Revue news! me on [email protected]. 10pm at Zanzibar. We hope to see you there! Rebecca Alchin and Gayda De Mesa Tommy Berne Kade Denton Eleonora Kazantzis President, Sydney University Queer Officer, Postgraduate President, SHADES Queer Officers, QuAC Queer Revue Society Representative Association

Photo: Rob Jones 4 queerhoni @honi_soit News Review

gay economy DISCRIMINATION Welcoming the pink dollar No end to the right HONI Josh Sprake wants Australia to cash in on gay marriages With the collapse of global financial are know as Double Income to discriminate Religion will retain its privilege markets in 2009 and the economic tur- No Kids (DINK) families, to reject gay students and others, bulence that followed, governments have a term that has previously reports Michael Koziol begun to look at new markets to counter been used for professional the rapid drop in consumer confidence. young heterosexual couples The NSW government has backed Recently many economists have re- who had not yet started a away from previous suggestions it would marked upon the strength and resilience family. remove some religious exemptions to the of certain markets and demographics, The increase in gay Anti Discrimination Act, which allow such as the mining boom and the predict- couples has interesting Gay. And probably rich. denominational schools to expel students ability of low-income earners. implications for this category, as they are for being gay. New markets and demographics have less likely to eventually have children. lian-made, consumers are forced online In last year’s edition of Queer Honi, erupted that have greatly contributed Instead, the DINK status could become and overseas, and their income is lost to we reported that the Attorney-General, to the strength of the economy both at a permanent state of living, as opposed foreign businesses. Greg Smith, was considering changes to home and abroad. The Sydney Morning to the brief transitional state it tends to With this in mind, it is clear that our the act’s exemptions but that the govern- Herald recently detailed the economic occupy in the life of young heterosexual government and businesses should be ment had “other legislative priorities for power of wealthy single women in inner couples. Eventually, gay DINK couples targeting and fighting for the coveted the time being”. Sydney, a group it dubbed “the diamond could become a larger demographic than pink dollar. One obvious way to help Whether that was the error of a rogue collective”. their heterosexual counterparts. keep this money inside Australia would media adviser, or if the government has I would argue that there is a better Additionally, a report put out by the be to legalise same-sex marriage. The changed its position, the Attorney will market still, known as the ‘pink dollar’. BBC previously placed the value of the undoubtedly extravagant and expensive not say. A current spokesperson for the This is another name for the gay market, global LGBTQI market at approximately ceremonies that would follow such a AG would only tell Queer Honi: “The or the ability of a business to appeal to US$350 billion each year, noting that decision would boost many different sec- government proposes to retain the ex- the gay population. It has previously this community is likely to band together tors of the Australian economy, in turn emptions granted by the Anti Discrimi- been restricted to the context of mar- and support businesses, in the same way increasing jobs and services. nation Act.” The spokesperson would keting, such as the creation of a gay immigrant communities do. So, I have a proposal for the Austra- not answer questions about whether holiday resort or a gay friendly medical However, it is difficult to determine the lian government and all who oppose the AG had met with religious lobbyists service and so on. However, this has now effect of this community upon Austra- same-sex marriage. Next time you decide about the matter. expanded, and the pink dollar has an lia’s economy. One of many reasons for the economy is in trouble, instead of In February, Mr Smith wrote to his interesting twist. this is that Sydney’s sizeable LGBTQI bailing it out or putting the budget into federal counterpart Nicola Roxon As homosexual couples have become community has a large demand for status deficit, just legalise same-sex marriages. I regarding the proposed consolidation more common and accepted, they have symbols and high-end items, particularly can guarantee that businesses and econo- of Commonwealth anti-discrimination begun to move into de facto relation- in the fields of fashion and electronics. mists alike will love the words ‘same-sex laws, saying they threatened to compro- ships. Usually, these sort of relationships As many of these items are not Austra- bridal registry’. mise fundamental freedoms. “The consolidated legislation may very considerably increase the regulatory burden and cost to business (and) dimin- Bottoming out on Oxford Street ish core democratic freedoms of speech, The Golden Mile is dead, writes Matthew Endacott conscience, religion and association,” Mr On Oxford Street, there are more than In the block bound by Oxford, Smith wrote. just kebabs getting thrown up these days. Flinders, South Dowling, and The privileged right of religion to “For Lease” signs are a dime a dozen Taylor Streets you could lease discriminate will be protected despite the on the Golden Mile, the most telling enough space to move the federal government’s review. The discus- sign that the tide has gone out on Darlo. Galeries Victoria. They’ve been sion paper initiated by Ms Roxon in Too damn expensive, can’t park, can’t felling the ancient oaks in this 2011 stated: “The Government does not compete, carbon tax. Everyone has an part of town for a while now, propose to remove the current religious opinion about who slit the eastern artery. but I didn’t really mind until it exemptions, apart from considering how Bondi Junction certainly has blood on its claimed the Oxford art supplies they may apply to discrimination on the hands, but shopping centres have been store. Forty years of trading and grounds of sexual orientation or gender killing high streets for decades. Oxford’s one family that were effectively priced Oxford Street won’t do anything to identity.” It added that the exceptions fault for not seeing it coming, I say. out of a street that they helped to build. rekindle the home fires. Over the past “are necessary to avoid injury to the Walking from Whitlam Square to Pad- So what to do with a street that’s seven years, the City of Sydney has spent religious sensitivities of adherents of that dington Town Hall, the old drag’s tooth- going down quicker than, but nowhere $45 million upgrading the shopping strip religion.” less grin is almost unbearable by day- near as fabulously as, the Hindenburg? from Centennial to Hyde Park and yet it But even the Anti-Discrimination light. At the city end, it’s all sex shops Sending in the chains is probably the keeps haemorrhaging vitality. Cash is not Board of NSW stopped short of advo- and tragic sequined curtains that catch worst idea, so this being New South the problem, nor is it the solution. The cating reform in its submission to the the midday sun. Lady Gaga drifts out of Wales, you can expect it to be the first City of Newcastle hasn’t spent a cent on review. Instead it argued that “further an empty Stonewall and the rumble of official response. It’ll be a blow-your- fixing its broken main street (another public discussion is required”, stipulat- Kensington-bound traffic idles at Taylor socks-off blueprint, complete with an story altogether), but the not-for-profit ing “the need to appropriately balance Square. Up and over the crest and it’s artist’s impression of a scribbly glass box Renew Newcastle initiative has allowed the competing rights of freedom of belief all downhill, figuratively and literally. with the obligatory native bush. And Hunter Street to bounce off rock bottom. and the right to practice religion with trams. You can bet there will be trams. What Oxford Street needs is a bit of the right to equality and freedom from Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing TLC. It needs a community that hangs discrimination.” wrong with a bit of bush and straphang- around after the breakfast hose down. Without strong advocacy to the con- ing. All good in the hood. Problem is, More importantly, it needs a community trary, it seems impossible that the Com- it’s the only hood we ever seem capable that does more than just romps in after monwealth review will do anything to of imagining. When in doubt about their dark, trashes the joint, and goes home. force change at a state level. That means urban environs, Sydneysiders rarely If the LGBTQI community wants to schools will still be able to ask a gay stu- work with what they’ve got. They just make any claim on Oxford Street this dent to leave, and hospitals will still be pay someone from overseas to create a decade, we’re going to need to demon- able to refuse employment to competent plonk-down-able solution. Where there’s strate that we’re worthy of the deeds. If doctors on suspicion of what they might a fragile network of local retailers, Syd- we want to right the old girl, we need to do in the bedroom. ney sees square metres. Where there’s the start working together on projects that Australia’s laws are among the most opportunity to work with, connect, or nurture temporary and adaptive reuse luxurious in the world for these state- expand on public transport, Sydney asks during daylight. Working relationships sanctioned practitioners of hate, and it is the car salesman on William Street for with local council are important, but a national shame. his two cents. working relationships between businesses Throwing a tokenistic tramline down and locals are absolutely crucial. Twitter: @michaelkoziol honisoit.com queerhoni 5 Back of the Closet

Cam Smith puts the QI back into LGBTQI. Ask any queer person what their great Jnr implied in an interview that Sherlock - Homosexuality was big in Ancient loves are, and they will inevitably list and Watson were gay. Sherlock’s rights- Greece, as it was believed that sperm off two items before all others: random holder stated “I would withdraw permis- was the source of knowledge and that it trivia, and thinly veiled pilfering of BBC sion for more films to be made if they could pass on wisdom if ... deposited. quiz show formats. Well, we at Honi feel that is a theme they wish to bring - The Ancient Greeks encouraged their have heard your demands, and have out in the future.” soldiers to become lovers because they - According to a PBS report, a major- scoured the history books, scaled the - Homosexuality was against the law believed it would make them fiercer war- ity of New York’s gay bars, including the cliffs of knowledge and outright plun- in Tasmania until 1997, and now they’re riors. famous Stonewall, were run by the Mafia dered After Elton’s gay trivia section to the first state in Australia to attempt to - The Children’s Hour, a play centered in the 60’s. These bars provided a lucra- bring you the most random and most legalise marriage equality. around lesbianism, was adapted to film tive trade for the Mafia in both liquor factual LGBTQI facts you’ve ever seen in 1936 but by the time the censors were sales and through extortion, where this side of a British panel show. done with it, the film makers had to famous patrons were forced to pay up - It was against the law for homosexu- rewrite the central plot, retitle the film for the Mafia’s silence. als to immigrate to America until 1990. and then deny any link to the original - A mile long rainbow flag was created - According to the authors of A Billion play. in 1994 to honor the 25th anniversary Wicked Thoughts, ‘gay’ is the second - The United States Air Force actually of the Stonewall Riots. It was certified most popular term when it comes to researched the possibility of creating by the Guinness Book of Records as the sex-related searches on Google; narrowly a bomb that would turn enemy troops world’s largest flag. beating out ‘MILF’, ‘breasts’ and ‘cheat- gay. A report produced on the topic - The species of the dwarf chimpanzee, ing wives’ for the number two spot! speculated the results of such a weapon one of humanity’s closest relatives, is - In 2002, a classified file was discov- would be “distasteful but completely considered to be entirely bisexual. ered in the archives of Harvard Univer- non-lethal”. sity detailing a “secret court” of deans - In 1919, in attempting to mount a Busted and scholars set up in the 1920s to hunt case against suspected homosexuals, the - It’s an urban myth that the original down and expel homosexuals. US Navy had tasked a number of ‘young publication of Hamlet featured an acros- - Scientific studies have proven that if and attractive’ recruits to engage in tic reading “I am homosexual”, often you are male, every older brother you homosexual acts with suspected deviants, used to imply Shakespeare was himself have ups your chances of being gay by for use as courtroom evidence against a closet case. It does however repeatedly one third, unless you’re left handed. the accused. As a result of these “investi- feature the word ‘boob’ as an acrostic, so - The film versions of Sherlock were gations”, 17 men were court-marshalled if anything, he was probably a lesbian. almost cancelled after Robert Downey So gay. and charged with sodomy.

‘Babe’ is just the dead, beaten horse of as are other typical masculinity affirming that list. No one wants to be around words such as ‘mate’, ‘man’ or ‘buddy’. a couple that throws gag-worthy pet In fact, I’ve found them to be useful tools Don’t call me baby names back and forth between them as in ‘friend zoning’, where you don’t want Robert Grigor hates pet names much as Ashley Olsen drops “like, you to come across as sexually suggestive in In an age where the English language an extremely out of date word, not one know?” in an interview. any way. But if you’re flirting with me, is being desecrated by instant messag- that I would consider complimentary trying to get my interest or make me feel ing and texting, where Carpe Diem at all. Just hearing the word evokes the special, there’s no better way to shoot is replaced with #YOLO, and LOL is image of a gaggle of middle-aged British HUBBY My first qualm with gay men using this yourself in the foot than by treating me basically used as punctuation, you’d women sitting around ogling David term is the political incorrectness. I don’t just like one of the boys. We’re all dudes think that the use of sappy pet names is Beckham like a hunky piece of meat. care how long you’ve been together, if here, and we’re dudes who do it with something I would have gotten over back Saying it directly to a guy is probably you’re using it already, it’s not going to dudes, but if you want to do it with this in the 90s. But you’d be wrong. After going to have a similar, objectifying seem as special when that ‘inevitable’ dude, I swear to God, do not call me reflecting upon the way gay men com- effect. Not only that, but all three Urban marriage equality comes to pass, is ‘dude’ again or I will sashay away and municate, I’ve come up with the top five Dictionary entries for the word spunk it? You’ll never see a straight woman leave you fidgeting with the waistband of names that gay men call each other that identify it as common slang for semen. calling her male de facto partner ‘hubby’, your jock strap, dude. simultaneously roll my eyes and boil my Which begs the question, what is he because they’re not married. But my blood. really saying when he calls you ‘spunky true distaste for this word is much more bum’? MR petty. It strikes me as a pathological Pronounced ‘mister’, but almost always need to constantly remind the rest of abbreviated to Mr due to its incessant BABE the world that you’re in a relationship, At this point you’re probably thinking use in text messaging, this word has which is super annoying, quite frankly, I’m some kind of linguistically crazed plagued me from the day I turned 18, and borders upon desperate insecurity. feminist that just hates being objectified. and not from Australia Post. I’ve always I say this mostly because people use But fear not, my distaste for pet names found the name so dismissive. Most these types of relationship-orientated has further reach! The word ‘babe’ isn’t of the time, you’re probably using it pet names when their partner isn’t even that offensive in a social setting, but in because a) You can’t remember my around, e.g. “I’m going shopping with a relationship it is easily interpreted as a actual name, or b) You never bothered the boyfriend today”, or “OMG my term of endearment. It takes an outsider to find it out in the first place. “Hey hubby made me the best dinner last to recognise the word ‘babe’ as the sappy Mr” is not an adequate introduction, night.” Congratulations, you’re in a and overused pet name that is really online or offline, and I’ve skipped long-term relationship. I’m sure he has is. Sure, use it with your partner when over many Grindr conversations that a real name, so please use it before I they’re upset and need some comforting, employed that opening line. And even upheave my own dinner onto you. as though they really are a defenceless if you do remember my name…well, babe, wrapped up in your loving that’s even worse! It’s cheesy, it’s corny, embrace. But when you use it constantly, DUDE it’s unoriginal, and it does absolutely Okay, so maybe ‘dude’ isn’t exactly a it makes you sound like the whining nothing for me. pet name, but for me that is essentially infant that the name originally implies. why it is so problematic. It plays into Dude, I’m not your dude. It’s also terribly emasculating - a point the infuriating discourse of ‘straight SPUNK that goes for a lot of pet names, like Maybe I’ve gotten carried away in my acting’ where guys will do practically Like Mr, I’ve found that this name ‘sweet heart’, ‘cutie’, or even ‘honey’, as ranting, but at the end of the day, what it anything, including alter the way they is usually used for chatting up or made wildly popular by Karen Walker of all comes down to is that I have a name, speak, to affirm their masculinity. Now complimenting a guy you’ve just met. Will & Grace (and guys, unless you’re a so I would like you to use it. Contrary to don’t get me wrong - ‘dude’ is a perfectly Used on its own or as a descriptive reprimanding fag hag, that’s not cool). witty comebacks in pop culture, you’re adjective (e.g. spunky bum), ‘spunk’ is acceptable word in most social contexts, not going to wear it out!

6 queerhoni @honi_soit Back of the Closet TOP FIVE bluffer’s guide Tips for long distance loving Queer dating: Katherine Sherrie lives to tell the tale. So you’ve gone and found yourself a hottie to call your own, but suddenly you’re for straights in a right predicament. That sweetheart of yours is going away on a student exchange, or maybe you’re the one jetting off to India to ‘find yourself’. Or If you’ve ever thought that queer dating is different to the yawning perhaps you’ve embarked on the tumultuous emotional adventure that is falling meander of a straight date... well, you’d be right! It is! Fear not, for in love with someone from a different continent to you! this handy guide has been prepared by Herb R. Ogelvie Whatever the reason, the long distance game is hard work. In fact, a lot of the time, it sucks. But since my sweet Texan ladyfriend moved back to the mid- west, I’ve learnt of a few things that make it easier, and these are my top five. Rediscover the art of the letter. Hardly anyone sends letters anymore, with good reason: 1) they take forever to get there, and 2) you have to somehow find postage stamps. There is something won- derful, however, about receiving a hand-written missive from half way across the world, so get old-school and bring back the romance via pen and paper. Get a life-sized human cut-out. I have to admit I have not actually done this one. But according to lifesizecutouts.com.au, you can get a life-sized digitally printed human cut-out for only $150, plus postage and handling! When you factor in that you won’t need to take them out for dinner anymore, that’s practically a bargain.

These people are straight. Or perhaps they’re just straight-friendly... Keep busy. My modus operandi for the past year has been the busier 1. Queer first dates do not exist. They are like self-cleaning polyester or I am, the less time I have to be sad. People might tell you unicorns after February, 1856. it’s crazy to work three jobs, study four university subjects, involve yourself in university co-curricular activities and 2. Second and subsequent queer dates are sacred events, much like the wearing of sequins or a viewing of The L Word. As such, queer dates usually find the time to eat excessive amounts of dumplings. But begin with a solemn rainbow flag ceremony and a recitation of the Queer hey, the more tired you are when you fall into bed, the less Pledge of Allegiance – quoting Sue Sylvester from Glee. time you spend laying there, missing the big spoon, right? 3. After each date, a quick candlelit vigil is held for each of the Get your game on! participant’s patron saints of Queerdom. Notable examples include Sappho, When I say game, I’m talking online scrabble! Rummy Elizabeth I, Oscar Wilde, Harvey Milk and Rosie O’Donnell (pending timely king! Uno! I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, death). “Kat, not everyone has the spirit animal of a 65 year old retiree named Beryl”. But I’m being serious here. Playing 4. Once a more prolonged relationship has been established, a more complex system of etiquette must be followed. Examples: For a gay couple, whoever online board games can actually be a really fun way to has the most 80’s haircut is obliged to open the door for the other. For spend time together long distance. lesbian couples, whoever most recently scissored on top must carry the umbrella when it’s raining. For pansexual couples, a hot air balloon race Sort your technology out. around the world in 80 days or less will determine the right to restaurant If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it is to selection. download WhatsApp. Do it this very second. Viber too. 5. If a queer breaks the terms and conditions of a queer date (as clearly These fantastic apps allow you to text message and call outlined prior to the event), then the wronged party has the right to for free using wi-fi or your data allowance. You can demand the offence be repaid in rainbow “blood”. This tradition dates back barrage your partner with an endless stream of texts, for to 1856 when all the unicorns on the Crimean Peninsula were slaughtered the cost of $0! and the Black Sea ran rainbow with their blood. The modern day ritual substitutes rainbow ice cream and edible glitter sprinkles for unicorn blood. The Crimean Peninsula was the last known habitat of unicorns. RIP. Good luck, and enjoy watching your life savings disappear into Qantas!

QSYD.ORG

BadBro Reveleigh Gay Are you queer or “You’re a bad gay.” questioning and I suppose I am. I guess I should apologise to the old gay gods and the new... looking to find For wearing this polo from Lowes. out more about And for making a Game of Thrones reference just now. And for despising reality television based around fashion. queer stuff on And for not really liking Gaga (Bad Romance was alright...I guess). campus? And for refusing to shave in drag. And for never having set foot in Arq. Visit qsyd.org for And for having to look up the spelling of Arq. And for being able to fit my entire wardrobe on a single clothes rack. an up-to-date list And for wearing the same outfit combinations frequently. of all the LGBTQI And for not having always known that I was gay. organisations and And for not being that much into glitter. events happen- And for not having what one might describe as a fierce and fabulous personality. And for having my celebrity free pass as James Spader in his Boston Legal days. ing around Usyd, And for never having attended a marriage equality rally... as well as some ...I think I’m actually sorry for this one. contact details Oh! And for always being that one person who gives Jimmy a run for his money when Khe Sanh plays on the radio. for our queer In fact, for liking Jimmy Barnes. officers and con- Bad gay. venors!

honisoit.com queerhoni 7 Opinion POLITICS him, the Australian Christian Lobby, and other groups for thinking the way Fuck the glitter: I’m not ‘proud’ they do. They aren’t watching Mardi Nick Richardson wants to separate personal identity from sexuality Gras thinking about how great it is for Of all the developments of the 21st Tory), their desire to amend the Mar- self-expression and tolerance. They are century, by far the most regressive and riage Act (it should not be amended, it watching Mardi Gras thinking: “What counter-productive is the obsessive and should be abolished), or shrilly cries of sluttery is this! And these people want bizarre attachment to collectivising “Homophobia!” every time someone to get married!?” This is where the idea sexuality. Notions such as ‘gay commu- dares to disagree with them (to such an of the ‘queer lifestyle’ comes from, the nities’, ‘gay pride’, and ‘queer identity’ extent that the word has absolutely lost idea that every single member of this Not pictured: Nick Richardson that are being perpetuated mostly from all meaning). I do not know them. They ‘gay community’ exists following the crap. I am an individual who has been within this so-called community, have don’t speak on my behalf. same behavioural rituals. This problem developing my own identity since well ensured that all homosexuals in Austra- On top of this, enforcing an arbitrary is entirely the making of homosexual before I even contemplated being gay. lia, regardless of whether they subscribe marker of distinction upon themselves collectives and now they, rightly, are left My identity has nothing to do with my to these ideas or not, are trapped in a is absolutely antithetical to everything with the damage. sexuality, which is nothing more than a self-imposed exile, isolated from the rest that this group is trying to achieve. The Unfortunately, though, this has other fact of my existence. If you are also gay, of society yet longing to be a part of it. Mardi Gras exemplifies a serious clash of victims as well. I am gay but not in the then good for you. That does not make It is important, firstly, that we place conflicting narratives. On the one hand slightest bit ‘queer identifying’ (what us friends. There is no imaginary nar- the collectivisation of sexuality in con- we have the ‘Bondage Appreciation’ does this even mean?). When people rative that binds us together, no shared text. In the post-Stonewall, AIDS-era float, followed by a procession of Thai talk to me, they talk to me with a set of ‘history of oppression’. I have personally Western hemisphere, it made a lot of Lady Boys and horny lifeguards. On the loaded assumptions that I never asked never been oppressed. sense for a marginalised group to band other we have the ‘We Demand Marriage for. I am certain that when I go out to I do not live a queer lifestyle and together and form a united front against Equality’ float. Drawing attention to why the movies with friends, my parents certainly am not proud of being gay their perceived oppressors. I think to an you are different and then demanding to think that I’ve gone to a bondage dun- (I not ashamed of it either, it’s a fact I extent this was justified. be treated the same as everyone else is a geon to get fisted. I did not ask to join am indifferent to and just live with). The problem is, a lot of people haven’t self-evidently moronic logic-fuck. Equal- this fictional community, want absolutely Queerspaces, Queer Honi, and the like grown out of this identity and the ity or expression of differences – it’s one no part of it and deeply resent this iden- – they all have to go. They entrench a movement has ultimately fallen prey to or the other. tity being thrust upon me. victimhood complex which is entirely the major issue facing every collective Furthermore, gay ‘community’ rhetoric I seriously doubt that I am alone here self-defeating. throughout history: those who flounce perpetuates the false notion that this and, far more seriously, I think that this As long as sexuality is being used as around the loudest naturally gravitate to is a unique ‘community’ which every has a negative effect on gay youth. Kids an arbitrary marker of distinction it is the top and end up speaking on behalf of gay person identifies with. No, this is struggling with their sexuality, who may something we will all be shackled by. everyone. not my identity. No, those are not my want nothing to do with this insidious We cannot expect to be able to have the Personally, I don’t appreciate this, beliefs. No, I do not want to dress up culture perpetuated by increasingly vocal freedom to form our own identities and and cringe whenever a “representative in drag and sing cabaret, and I fuck- collectives are being done an immense be taken seriously for the mostly decent from the gay community” expresses ing hate musicals. I am no fan of Cory disservice. and diverse human beings that we are as their admiration of the Greens (I am a Bernardi but you can hardly blame So let’s lose the collective identity long as we are spoken on behalf of.

SOCIETY How homophobia affected me My own struggle with intolerance and discrimination taught me that things really do get better, writes Isabelle Cox

The debates occurring in Australian If you judge someone for being gay, politics about gay marriage, mental you’re a homophobe - and let me tell health, and the rights of LGBTQI people you, that isn’t something to be proud have reached the zenith of their destruc- of. I can’t bully you for being Austra- tive discourse. While such discussions lian, or straight, or conservative Why have the potential to raise awareness should other people who don’t know about the struggles of the gay commu- me care who I am or what I do? Why nity, they also give platform to voices should friends discuss my sexual habits that claim gay marriage will destroy behind my back? Why should my suicide “family values”, make “gay children” attempt be an open topic for discussion? and even, in the words of Liberal senator No one should force another to be Cory Bernardi, legitimise bestiality. “outed”, because it’s a personal choice How such ignorance still permeates the that is very difficult to undergo. I am 21st century is beyond me. ashamed to say I have spread rumours I am comfortable admitting that I about people being gay, and I am incred- have undergone tremendous struggles ibly sorry to these people. I apologise being bisexual, as has my homosexual wholeheartedly: no one should have to The Westboro Baptist Church regularly pickets funerals of deceased American soldiers. twin brother. I was bullied in school for undergo that. being in a same-sex relationship and was I am sexually attracted to both sexes. much more open environment. Discrimination, mental health issues, socially ostracised, as my ex-girlfriend I have had mental health issues exac- I have friends who are transition- and the scourge of conservative poli- didn’t want to come-out for fear of fur- erbated by men and women calling my ing, transgender, bisexual, and queer. I tics have affected my life, and they’ve ther discrimination. I performed worse preference “disgusting”. I’ve been told I understand their pain when they say they affected the people I love and cherish than expected in the HSC because I will grow out of this “stage”. My own fear the judgment of others, even from with all my heart. Don’t let the discrimi- suffered depression and suicidal thoughts father said: “Everyone experiments when within the gay community. For instance, natory, divisive, and sensationalist rheto- from this bullying. My brother, uncom- they’re young.” I wanted to scream: this in the lesbian community it might be a ric persuade you to become discrimina- fortable with his own sexuality, was isn’t a stage. This isn’t something that surprise to know that some women are tory yourself. Love is universal, and kids the main instigator of rumours. But my will stop when I turn 30. I have been judged on being femme or butch. Just deserve a loving family. In the words of brother is now comfortable, out, and told by my own extended family that it because I have long hair and like fashion, Ellen DeGeneres, a pioneer in gay aware- doesn’t let his sexuality define him. He’s was maladjustment during childhood wear makeup most days, have a small ness: “Things will get better, people’s also my best friend - a kind, loving, and that made me gay and that I won’t go to but noticeable tattoo, and a blog that is minds will change, and you should be compassionate person who doesn’t give heaven (not that I care much). dedicated to art, that doesn’t mean I am alive to see it.” a shit about what people think of his But it is insulting that despite being a “femme”. I am not a fan of the Oxford sexuality. He is happy with his partner caring, loving, intelligent, and passion- Street stereotypes, but why should I * Isabelle has chosen to be open about and I hope someday they will be allowed ate person, I am somehow going to hell judge those who engage in that subcul- her own struggles with suicide, and to marry and live together, ‘til death do because of my sexual preferences. How ture? And why is it even a subculture in encourages you to contact Lifeline if they part. is this fair? It’s not. People don’t under- the first place? Why is Mardi Gras criti- you are experiencing such feelings: Men have told me that they have the stand the discrimination that can happen cised for being too over the top? Who 13 11 14 ability to “turn” me, not realising that on a weekly basis. Luckily, university is a really gives a shit? 8 queerhoni @honi_soit Opinion Sexuality Heterosexism Melanie Jayne discusses the assumption of heterosexuality

A straight guy walks into a gay club. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re gay?” Nicki Minaj pulsates through the speak- ers as he works his way past drag queens The same reason you don’t introduce and cage dancers in his quest for the bar. yourself to strangers with: “Hi, I’m He spots a familiar face in the crowd, John, and I’m a raging heterosexual!” my own, and strikes up a conversation. “Don’t you want to have sex with We chat, we drink, and he mentions someone of the opposite gender just to a mutual friend of ours that recently be sure?” came out. He talks as if our friend has suddenly converted, try as I might to Sure, as soon as you’ve had sex with convince him otherwise. someone of the same sex to confirm that He asks: “So, what about people who you’re hetero. are born straight, but then become gay?” I respond: “Are people born straight, or Cries of “excessive political correct- just with the expectation?” ness” and “catering to the whims of In today’s society, heterosexuality a minority” are typical defences from is treated as the default orientation. critics, but neither of these are a fair jus- Children are raised on heterosexual Photo credit: Yoshimai via Flickr tification for inequality. LGBTQI people fairy tales, television shows and movies shouldn’t be made to feel excluded from glamourise heterosexual romances, and into the collective psyche that most of friend, or the where the lesbian woman the wider discourse for any reason: it’s musicians continually churn out songs us don’t even realise we’re reinforcing is asked if she’ll be bringing her husband a matter of being inclusive of the entire catering to the boy-meets-girl fantasy. it. Entrenched within the social fabric to the Christmas party. It’s the justifica- population. Sure, there’s a sizable portion of queer of the Western world, heteronormativ- tion for some of the most frustrating Unfortunately, things aren’t likely to media on offer too (thank you, Queer ity doesn’t rear its head so explicitly as questions put to LGBTQI people: change in our lifetimes. Sadly, ask- Honi!), but it’s hardly contentious to homophobia, but it bears just as much ing people to view the world in a less claim society operates on the unwritten potential to hurt the progress of equality. “When did you realise you were gay?” biased manner is still a radical proposal. rule: ‘straight until proven otherwise’ - “Why does what’s ‘normal’ matter,” However, there are minor - yet important formally known as ‘heteronormativity’. you ask? Well, because it provides the It must have been around the same - adjustments that we can make to the Heteronormativity refers to an ideol- foundations for that alienating experi- time that you had your heterosexual way we think and behave as individuals. ogy that promotes heterosexuality as ence where a young gay man is asked by epiphany. It might not change the world overnight, the norm. It’s a behaviour so embedded his parents when he’s going to get a girl- but it can make a world of difference.

SOCIETY A view from the fence Blythe Worthy likes it both ways, but not necessarily your way

It’s hard being a little bit bi. Fuck, who anxiety attack’ uncomfortable. Or even am I kidding. It’s hard being any sexual- ‘FUCK IF I TALK TO A GIRL AND Reinventing Paris: ity, but recently I discovered just how THEN TELL HER I’M BI WILL SHE difficult it can be talking to people of THINK I’M A CREEP OR THAT I’M What can Sydney other sexualities about my own. HITTING ON HER WHEN I’M NOT learn from their I’ve always had boyfriends and have I’M JUST TRYING TO TELL HER I’M been dating girls since I was 18 or so. BI’ uncomfortable. Yeah. planning revolution? For most of 2010 I dated only girls and The most interesting thing of all was then I fell in love with a boy in 2011. the way I was treated the more I hung MC Trust me when I say I like people for out with my gay friends. They laughed, Graham Jahn, AM, Director City Planning, who they are, not what they’re pack- made camp jokes and grabbed the Development and Transport, City of Sydney ing. When I broke up with my boyfriend lesbians’ boobs like any usual flaming WELCOME a few months ago, I realized I was no queer event, but I felt like an outsider. I Lord Mayor Clover Moore longer a ‘guy’s girlfriend’ but a fully felt like a closeted man, struggling to be GUEST SPEAKER Pierre Mansat, Deputy Lord Mayor of Paris, functioning single-ready-to-mingle-holla- honest with the people around me with- in charge of Paris Metropole and relations with come-at-me-hotties bisexual again. out causing raised eyebrows, but failing communities of the Paris Region. This was weird, seeing as I had also miserably. Not to mention awkwardly. just returned from a gap year and was To be honest, I think that bisexuals excellence Cities are dealing with the growing and changing needs of communities, businesses and our environment. quickly settling back into university life. have a bit of a bad rep. I’ve been asked Pierre Mansat will speak about his work over the past I was making new friends and catching to kiss other girls by my straight male — 2012 decade to unite government officials from Paris and its up with old ones. Most of my friends at friends and have been ‘The Lesbian’ suburbs. university were openly gay, and so were at straight female gatherings. I guess it What can Sydney learn from Monsieur Mansat’s efforts their friends, so my social circumstances doesn’t really help that I’ve got a shaved to streamline governance in Paris? And how could became REALLY gay. The one thing that head. I also never ended up telling any partnerships between the City of Sydney and other governments make our bold vision for surprised me about hanging around with of my new gay friends that I was bi, Sydney a reality? a big group of gays was that I found it which I think is a decision I chose to DATE Thursday 25 October 2012 difficult to explain my sexuality. make simply because no one ever asked TIME 6.30 – 8pm “This is Blythe, everyone, and she has me if I was. They all just assumed that I VENUE Lower Town Hall, Sydney Town Hall 483 George Street (entry via Druitt Street) a boyfriend,” was my friend’s way of was straight, even when my relationship TRANSPORT introducing me, as he thrust me into the ended. Rail: Town Hall station thick of a clearly gay social circle and Gays: next time someone tells you Bus: George, Druitt and York Streets left. As the surrounding gays and les- they’re bi, don’t roll your eyes or think Bike: Free bike parking on the Druitt Street side of the building bians returned to their conversations, I they’re hitting on you, because some- Tickets are FREE & ESSENTIAL and available began to feel really uncomfortable. Like, times it’s just as difficult for them to say from City’s Angel Place Box Office ‘I must get out of here before I have an as it was for you. on 02 8256 2222 or cityrecitalhall.com Visit sydney2030.com.au for information on our sustainability projects

honisoit.com queerhoni 9 Tying the Knot As the marriage equality debate rages on, we present two discussions which are often overlooked in the discourse

The unspoken, killer argument for gay marriage Science has something to say about discrimination too, writes Benjamin Veness

It’s a funny kind of democracy when – concluded that, “This study lends an issue with majority public support, support for current policies that have a solid grounding in human rights, and sought to eliminate discriminatory zero cost to implement fails to pass acts toward LGB individuals.” Their either house of Federal Parliament. research supports “an argument that But when the seldom-voiced health implementing social policy changes arguments in favour of marriage equality to abolish institutional forms of are made, a chill passes through the air discrimination may ultimately reduce and the mood turns humourless. mental health disparities in LGB University students can’t ignore populations, an important public health evidence. A meta-analysis in BMC priority.” Psychiatry of papers published between And in Australia, our most obvious 1966 and 2005 found that people who form of institutional discrimination can are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) are be found in a Federal Act of Parliament, 2.5 times more likely than people who the Marriage Act 1961. are heterosexual to attempt suicide (4 Researchers from the University of “But a more direct, public health includes the Australian Medical times for men who are gay or bisexual), New South Wales eloquently argue approach to managing both community Students’ Association, American 1.5 times more likely to suffer depression in Drug and Alcohol Review that we stigma and individually experienced Medical Students’ Association, Indiana and anxiety disorders, and 1.5 times are squandering an opportunity for internalised homophobia is, of State Medical Association, American more likely to experience alcohol and primary prevention. “Discrimination course, to reduce societal stigma and Psychiatric Association, American other substance dependence. and stigma underlie cultural norms, discrimination. And, one of the clearest Academy of Pediatrics, American College strategies is to legitimise sexual of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, minorities through recognition of American Psychological Association, and “If we truly want to provide all of our youth with a relationship status – that is, legalise gay the Australian Psychological Society. safe, supportive environment in which to develop and marriage.” The AMA’s point about youth is maximise their potential, then we must also allow them the They note that, “The best public- important, and should concern us all. policy interventions are those which Marriage equality offers significant opportunity to realistically envisage marrying the person target a significant problem, have a clear benefits to young people – both those they love, whomever that may be” rationale, are supported by research who already identify as queer as well as evidence, are least costly to implement those who are ‘questioning’. Passage of Is it unhealthy to be queer? individual experiences of ‘coming out’ and have strong community support. an equality bill would assist them to feel This is an important point, so let’s be and contribute to intrapsychic distress. Legalising gay marriage as an alcohol like an equal member of a society that crystal clear: No. It is not unhealthy to ‘Internalised homophobia’ is the term and drug policy response meets these affords them all of the same rights as be homosexual, or bisexual, or anything used to describe the internal conflict criteria.” their heterosexual family members and else. It’s unhealthy to be discriminated within sexual minority individuals, who The Australian Medical Association friends, regardless of their sex, sexual against, and suffer what’s termed have been exposed to negative attitudes, (AMA) says that, “Society’s acceptance orientation, or gender identity. minority stress. stigma and discrimination due to their of diverse sexualities and gender If we truly want to provide all of A study of more than 34,000 LGB sexual orientation. Alcohol or other drug identities is a major factor in an our youth with a safe, supportive participants published in the American use is one way to attempt to manage individual’s successful transition environment in which to develop and Journal of Public Health two years ago such internal conflict. Therapeutic through various lifestages” and that, maximise their potential, then we must found empirical evidence of detrimental interventions aimed at self-acceptance “Mental health problems are statistically also allow them the opportunity to health effects due to discriminatory are encouraged. over-represented in this population realistically envisage marrying the person policies on marriage equality. They throughout life due to exposure to they love, whomever that may be, in a surveyed participants in 2001 and 2002 discriminatory behaviour.” ceremony in which that love is publicly on a range of psychological health The AMA identifies young persons supported. It is crucial that ‘marriage’ indicators, and they administered the who are queer, especially those living is offered to everyone, or we put youth same survey in 2004 and 2005, after in country regions, as one of the main at risk of feelings of inferiority and 14 states approved constitutional groups affected by discrimination, undeserved stress. amendments limiting marriage to noting that “they have increased rates Whilst we patiently debate this issue, opposite-sex unions. of homelessness, risk-taking behaviour, real and perceived discrimination burns. “In the second set of responses, depression, suicide and episodes of self- Invisible, it is ignored and denied by participants reported significantly harm compared to their heterosexual those in power, but the evidence shows higher rates of psychiatric disorders, cohorts.” that the status quo is harming the health with increases of 36% for any mood The American Medical Association of persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, disorder, 248% for generalized anxiety “recognizes that denying civil marriage trans and intersex. At the saddest disorder, 42% for alcohol use disorder, based on sexual orientation is end, queer youth are at heightened and 36% for psychiatric comorbidity. discriminatory and imposes harmful risk of suicidal behaviour. Our elected In the comparable control group from stigma on gay and lesbian individuals politicians must pass legislation for states without such amendments during and couples and their families”, equality, just as most of us want them to, the same time period, there were no and is joined by many other health and all of us need them to. significant increases in these psychiatric associations that also support marriage disorders.” equality, or have recognised the major Benjamin Veness is President-elect The four authors of this study – from health disparities that exist as a result of the Australian Medical Students’ Yale, Harvard and Columbia Universities of denying it. A non-exhaustive list Association.

10 queerhoni @honi_soit Tying the Knot As the marriage equality debate rages on, we present two discussions which are often overlooked in the discourse

A union of radical and conservative politics Marriage equality and politics can sometimes have some unexpected junctions. Nathan Li reports

The intersections between queer issues, mattered to the franchised and disenfran- politics, and religion is nowhere more chised. The freedom of my brothers and apparent than in the same-sex marriage sisters are just as valuable to me as my debate. To begin, I will admit that I own freedom. The franchise of my broth- wasn’t the first person to recognize the ers and sisters are just as valuable to me irony of progressive politics lobbying for as my own franchise. an expansion of what is traditionally a Therefore, the right for all to live in conservative institution. For those who blessed matrimony should matter as are unfamiliar, the premise is that it is much to those given the right to marry ironic that as more socially progressive as it does to those denied the right. A heterosexual couples reject marriage as society that uses the right to marry to an important convention for their own institutionalize and perpetuate discrimi- relationship, more apparently socially nation reflects poorly on the individuals progressive same-sex couples are seeking within that society. The attitude that the to confirm their relationship by petition- rights and happiness of our neighbours ing for the right to marry. are no concern of our own surely casts As David Cameron was apt to say in a shadow on our collective consciences. 2011, “Conservatives believe in the ties Whether queer, heterosexual, married that bind us; that society is stronger or unmarried, we all find a common when we make vows to each other and intersection in our love for freedom and support each other. So I don’t support equality. gay marriage despite being a Conserva- The question for us as a community to- tive. I support gay marriage because I am day is whether marriage should be about a Conservative.” love and commitment, and let all couples It is neither necessary nor desirable to who are loving and committed to each quote the contrary views of Miss Gillard. other marry, or whether marriage should These both serve as a clear indica- be about the convenience of a man and tor that you cannot judge someone’s a woman creating rights to each other’s political disposition by that person’s property upon death or separation. Giv- sexuality or gender identity. Sexual and en the prevalence of the prenuptial agree- gender identities cut across all political, ment to avoid the incidences of property or sexual orientation, and regardless of fundamental issues to our society can no religious, socio-economic, and cultural division upon separation, and the rights their intentions to marry, or to never longer be polarised into labels such as backgrounds. Similarly, one cannot of de facto partners that approximate the marry in life, the question of same-sex “homosexual agenda” or “progressive depict all same-sex attracted or gender incidences of property division upon the marriage is one of equality and dignity. politics”. Supporters of equality span diverse people as progressive, atheist, dissolution of marriage, the latter defini- The question we must ask ourselves the spectrum of sexualities and genders unemployed, hipster vegetarians. Queer tion seems shaky. By process of elimina- is whether it is right to deny an entire as they do the political spectrum. It is identities are not so clean-cut. tion, we can conclude that if marriage is demographic the right to marry, and because we can find friends and allies Just as important as it is to recognize not about love and commitment, it loses whether it is right to say to an entire everywhere we turn that makes greater the intersection of political and religious all its relevance to our society. demographic that they were born with equality inevitable. perspectives within the queer commu- As the discourse currently stands, mar- fewer claims to rights and dignity be- nity, we must recognize the intersections riage has lost its original relevance. It is cause of their sexuality or their gender Nathan Li is a Queer Student Events between queer and non-queer issues, the no longer about promoting loving, com- identity. Even the great villain Iago had Coordinator in the University of Sydney queer community, and the heteronorma- mitted relationships or about forming a the conscience to reflect that “he that Union. tive community. Again, the issue of mar- foundation for a stable family. Instead, filches from me my good name / Robs riage equality is not “just a gay issue”. it is now only relevant only insofar as an me of that which not enriches him / And It’s everybody’s issue. It is not supposed institution of marginalisation. makes me poor indeed”. If we are to to be a fight between gay and anti-gay If marriage is to stay relevant, especial- pride ourselves on our tradition of jus- forces (though between these two, sparks ly for heterosexual relationships, it must tice and equality then such wrongs must certainly do fly). Marriage equality have some meaning. If the proponents be righted. matters to everyone in our society, just of marriage are genuinely interested in The reality of the matter is that indi- as the abolition of slavery mattered to strengthening the foundations of the viduals within society will sometimes both bondmen and freemen, and suffrage social institution, and turning it into an move at a different pace to society as institution celebrating love a whole. There will be many people and inclusion, they must who still believe that to preserve the repudiate any notion that traditional values of marriage means to marriage should be defined exclude same-sex couples who are, to solely by exclusion (that it them, incapable of forming loving and is only between a man and committed relationships. For them, and a woman) or that the only for those who do not believe in marriage sufficient and necessary altogether, we must ensure that their precondition to marriage is disbelief does no harm to the rights of being two people of opposite other people. sex. The story of same-sex marriage is one For everyone in society, of intersections between many cultures, regardless of their gender beliefs, and political dispositions. Such honisoit.com queerhoni 11 The likes of Jim Wallace do not speak for the queer religious community, writes Curtis Dickson

ver the last few years there has voices in the public sphere. In her speech It is this sort of attitude that drives Obeen a groundswell of support for against marriage equality, Liberal Sena- many queer people away from organised marriage equality – the push to extend tor Connie Fierravanti-Wells emphasised religion. However, a small percentage of state recognition to all couples, regard- the point that most major religions have 40 per cent of people stay involved, managing to find less of gender. Public debate intensified a special reverence for the institution of people in same- a congregation or denomination that during 2012, after the Australian Labor marriage. She mused: “I doubt that most sex relationships accepts them for who they are. The Met- Party changed its platform to support people who are pushing these amend- ropolitan Community Church, founded marriage equality and four different ments are overly religious or even intend identified as as a gay-affirming denomination in the marriage equality bills ended up before on staying in a monogamous relation- being Christian. 1970s, has three congregations in Syd- parliament. Disappointingly, two of these ship, which begs the question: why do ney. Many Uniting Church congregations bills were voted down last week. they want to get ‘married’?” Of course, are accepting of LGBTI people – with In a bitter twist of irony, this was there is an underlying assumption to data found in Gay and Lesbian Health two recently appointing a gay or lesbian largely because of the actions of the two Connie’s question: that it is not possible Victoria’s Private Lives report. The minister. Other groups are targeted major parties, and the intransigence of to be queer and religious. “researchers found that in 2006, 63.9 towards people who may be members of Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard. The ALP Nonetheless, queer people of faith per cent of the general population was less accepting denominations. These in- (the party of collectivism) gave its MPs do exist, albeit in smaller numbers. affiliated to a Christian denomination clude “Freedom 2 b[e]”, a support group a choice to vote against their party plat- Research has shown that lesbian, gay, and 18.7 per cent were not religious, for Pentecostals, and “Acceptance”, an form, while the Liberal Party (the party bisexual, trans, and intersex people are while in the LGBTI population only LGBTI Catholic group that celebrated its of personal freedom) bound its MPs to much more likely to identify as having 17.2 per cent identified as Christian and 40th anniversary in Australia this year vote against marriage equality. ‘no religion’ and less likely to affili- 71.6 per cent declared themselves to be – yes, it began in 1972, six years before If there has been one negative aspect to ate with Christianity than the general non-religious. More recently, data” from the first Mardi Gras! this process, it has been that the debate population. A 2008 study compared the 2011 Census showed that 40 per Over the past year I have been explor- continues to polarise queer and religious census data on religious affiliation with cent of people in same-sex relationships ing queer Christian identity as a part of identified as being Christian (compared my Honours research in Sociology. I’ve to opposite sex couples, who were 67 per found that for many LGBTI Christians, cent Christian). living the contradiction of being queer While these statistics do show that the and religious becomes, as sociologist Jodi queer community are less likely to be O’Brien put it, a raison d’etre. They are religious, they certainly lay rest to the able to reconcile their identity by reject- claim that those pushing for marriage ing the six to eight ‘clobber passages’ equality are not religious. Of course, – the pieces of scripture that are used to one could be forgiven for assuming a condemn queer people. dichotomy between churches and queer Instead, the people I interviewed people. After all, Christian churches (as embrace some of the more vital aspects well as many other faith communities) of Christianity: they believe in a compas- have often stigmatised queer people, sionate God, a loving Creator that does and excluded them from belonging to not condemn, but rather made them they their congregations. Many hold firm to a way they are. They often see Jesus as a strict binary notion of gender, privileging radical social reformer who stood for the ‘heterosexual vaginal intercourse within marriage’ as the only acceptable expres- sion of sexuality. In an environment In Australia, the dominant opposition where progressive to marriage equality has persistently come from the religious right – most politics and rational vehemently from the Australian Chris- secularism are the order tian Lobby. Invariably, conservative of the day, it often feels religious groups such as the ACL shift the parameters of the debate – pushing it easier to come out as from a discussion about the role of mar- ‘queer’ than to come out riage in society to one where they have a as ‘Christian’. platform to openly express their disdain for queer relationships as ‘unhealthy’ or “ ‘unnatural’. This sort of attitude was on marginalised in society. Christ’s example display when the ACL’s national spokes- of battling the powers of his day inevi- person Jim Wallace suggested that smok- tably encourages LGBTI Christians to ers lead longer, healthier lives than gay challenge traditional religious authority men (a claim based on flawed research). and make the church a more inclusive At around the same time, I attended and accepting institution. Still, many feel two forums held on campus where this a sense of dissonance between themselves factoid was produced as an argument and the broader queer community, where against marriage equality. admitting that they are a Christian can” 12 queerhoni @honi_soit The likes of Jim Wallace do not speak for the queer religious community, writes Curtis Dickson

be met with reactions of bewilderment to until my late teens (and no, they don’t Chaplaincy Centre. When we first at- Wallace and Cory Bernardi, there are outright hostility. believe that gays should be put to death). tended that congregation we were treated thousands of queer people of faith – I understand first hand how this dis- When I first started to realise that I like any other couple, and still are to this Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists – sonance feels, particularly at university. was attracted to other guys, I was terri- day. Our friends at church are eager to trying to live out their deeply held faith In an environment where progressive fied of how my parents and church might one day be able to celebrate our wedding in the best way that they can. politics and rational secularism are the react – so I pulled away from organised with us – I often feel that they are more As the campaign for marriage equal- order of the day, it often feels easier to religion. I later met my partner, who incensed about the injustice of the Mar- ity moves (for now) from the Federal come out as ‘queer’ than to come out as had been rejected from his Anglican riage Act than I am. to State level, we can only hope that ‘Christian’. But I was raised in a Chris- church for being gay. Together, we began Behind all of the public debate around the dignity and worth of all people are tian family – my parents are both min- attending a Uniting Church congrega- the worth of non-queer relationships, upheld in the debate. isters of religion in The Salvation Army tion, which we discovered through Rev and the ugly comments from self- Curtis Dickson is on Twitter: – and I was a part of that denomination Dr John Hirt in the campus Multifaith proclaimed Christian leaders like Jim @Cubansunrise

A silent revolution has begun to purge homophobia from the Middle East, writes Fahad Ali

I became fully conscious of my sexual- rate. It’s not such a huge leap to shatter ity while living in the Middle East. This the often recited lie that homosexuality isn’t the greatest realization one could is haram: explicitly forbidden by the have: I’m gay, and I’m living in a part word of God. From there, it is not hard of the world where homosexuality is to realise that if indeed homosexuality met with fierce opposition (and very did cause chaos, then the Western world heavy stones). A bit more than a year would be in flames. Clearly, quite the op- ago, I decided to come out to my closest posite is true. The Arab Spring, to which friends. It went surprisingly better than I have been an eyewitness, has brought I expected. When I told my best friend, conflict to some of the most docile re- he looked at me, shrugged, and said, gions of the Middle East. If Islamic soci- “You’re still the same person.” ety were truly as utopian as its fanatical It wasn’t perfectly trouble-free. When I clerics claim it to be, there would not be came out to a classmate over Facebook, I the exchange of bullets, Molotovs, and had death threats hurled at me. And this: tear gas on the streets. The Arabic youth “This is something that if you are in know this. canada or the states they will put u in jail, i swear... U have a disease... go find in Bahrain, the Gulf Daily News, had fight for equality and justice at home a doctor and cure it”. The Qur’an does published a letter from a young woman are sowing the seeds of acceptance in This kind of thinking surprised me. He not prescribe that was violently attacking homosexu- parts of the world where homophobia is seemed to be suggesting that homosexu- ality for being sinful and vile. A close endemic. By championing our own cause als were condemned with more aggres- any condemnation for friend of mine replied to this letter with here in Australia, we are lighting a spark siveness in the West than in the Middle homosexuality; in fact, in her own, which was published as well. of hope for those that will be the cham- East. This is, of course, completely my reading of the Qur’an, This was unprecedented. I did not pions of their own fight, across the seas. batshit. There is no way these precon- find it surprising that the newspaper I do not pretend that it will be an easy ceived ideas could have formed from it’s okay to be gay. would publish a scathingly homo- task. Indeed, we have not won our own direct observation or experience. It was phobic letter, but it was astounding fights here in Australia yet, but I believe something borne from misinformation They’re beginning to make the links, that they would publish a letter defend- with certainty that we are getting there. and ignorance. And the great thing about especially with the advent of file-sharing ing homosexuality. Weapons and warfare will not overthrow ignorance is that it can be remedied. and“ social media. The infiltration of The friend who wrote the letter had zealous clerics and the men they control, The Qur’an does not prescribe any Western film and television into the not been raised in a country where ho- including much of the monarchy and condemnation for homosexuality; in fact, culture of the Arabian youth has exposed mosexuality was accepted, but where it government in the Middle East. They in my reading of the Qur’an, it’s okay to them to a picture of the world that is could be met with the death penalty. She will be overthrown when their source of be gay. The Islamic perception of homo- radically different from their own. In the had minimal exposure to queer persons, power - unquestioned belief - has faded. sexuality as a vile act to be punishable West, prosperity, peace, and liberty are and yet she understood that queerphobia As the youth of Arabia begin to ques- by death is rationalized by the idea that nearly ubiquitous. Faced with the realisa- was terrible and unjust. I do not believe tion their world, the grip of ignorance it is a form of fitnah, or ‘mischief’. The tion that the grass is greener on the other at all that her schema of acceptance and hatred loses potency. The silent revo- act of fitnah, or “making mischief in the side, we are seeing the Eastern youth” would have been formed without an lution has begun, and I find it difficult to land”, includes things like acts of treason trying to impersonate the West in all its influx of Western ideas into the Middle imagine current conditions in the Middle and terrorism; crimes that have serious aspects, including queer acceptance. I Eastern ethos. East will be extant in the next century. negative consequences for the whole of a suspect that the quite recent emergence The implications here are significant. The worst possible thing we can do is community. of queer identities in the mainstream I would argue that our fight for queer be silent. An Islamic proverb reads: “he The idea here is that homosexuality media culture has brought about a shift rights here in Australia, and elsewhere who remains silent in the presence of (or any alternate sexuality) will corrupt in paradigms across the world. in the Western world, have consequences Satan is indeed himself a lesser Satan”. I society and bring ruin to a nation. After I had returned to Australia, I for the Middle East. I think this is often think the same concept applies here. ” This concept is beginning to deterio- heard that the one of the newspapers overlooked. We need to realise that our www.honisoit.com queerhoni 13 Queen Scene Theatre review Legally Blonde Jessica Jeffery thinks the show could’ve done with a manicure

On Wednesday night I made the trip have an easy success. But I feel like the out to the Lyric Theatre to see Legally show celebrates pop culture moments Blonde: The Musical. Now, I loved the that have come and gone, like the song original Legally Blonde with Reese and dance celebration of the ‘bend and Witherspoon. I even liked the hilariously snap’. I also think that it would have bad follow-up Legally Blonde 2: Red, been more enjoyable if I hadn’t seen and White & Blonde. But I wasn’t convinced enjoyed the movie version of Legally it would work on stage – the story just Blonde, because then I wouldn’t have doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for known all the jokes. a musical makeover. Now that I’ve seen If you haven’t seen the movie, here it, some of my misgivings have been is a quick outline: Elle Woods (played confirmed. Lucy Durack) is a frivolous sorority girl I can understand the reasoning behind madly in love with her boyfriend Warner sparkly pink dress she wore during the between scenes and the Lyric Theatre the show: take a well-received comedy (Robert ‘Millsy’ Mills). When he dumps curtain calls. seems like an excellent venue for this from the past decade, add music, dance, her because he wants a more serious girl- Other actors include David Harris type of big production. I could see and and an expensive set, and you should friend, she follows him to Harvard Law (Emmett) and Erika Heynatz (Brooke hear the show well from the dress circle. School to win him back. Wyndham). But the biggest clap of the The show was easily the most expen- The first number (entitled “Ohmigod night went to the two dogs who ‘played’ sive performance I’ve ever seen, and I You Guys”) was unforgettable, and I Rufus and Bruiser. Those dogs were re- bought a preview ticket with a group mean that literally because it’s so catchy ally well trained and adorable. discount. While it was a fun night out, I it’s been running non-stop in my mind all The show was very faithful to the just don’t think it’s worth the cost given week. Less impressive songs include “Se- original, probably to a fault, as some that it’s not an original show. rious” and “Blood in the Water” sung by songs were merely extended versions Millsy and Cameron Daddo (who plays of jokes from the film. The second act Professor Callahan) respectively. I didn’t dragged on a bit, but it was enlivened by Legally Blonde will be playing at expect much from either of them, but the best song of the night “There! Right the Lyric Theatre until December they seem like decent singers, just not as There!”. 16th. good as the seasoned performers around The whole show was incredibly high See legallyblonde.com.au for them. Lucy Durack was amazing, easily energy – the dancers were like ferrets details. my favourite performer of the night. high on red cordial, except with more Also she’s really pretty and I want the energy. There were seamless transitions

GAMES Poetry My Mini Gay Girlfriend Tuesday Talks Flora Grant gets a new girlfriend at Manning

My Mini Gay Girlfriend is an app by Annaliese Gale Digiclub where users foster a relation- ship from meeting to marriage with their Reigning denominations own mini gay girlfriend. She’s like a argue politics queer digimon, but instead of requiring at ineffectual debate food and water, she demands cuddles where the right-to-free-speech and brunch. reigns over free minds The app is a series of mini games that turning anger to apathy rate your ability in successive stages of a inaction and a total relationship. air of idiocy Once you’ve set your eye on a lady, it begins with holding hands, hugging and A selected panel of three kissing as you vie for her attention. The hand-chosen, revered - reaction and memory games are addic- tell paisley-clad tive, and depending on how well you practising androgyny do, you can ask your pocket lover if she neutral pronoun followers, wants to date. After a few rejections, that the best they can offer your patience is rewarded with coffee dates, trips to the movies and romantic is an open closet dinners. full of their own skeletons, Eventually, you can ask your pocket that when entered into lover to be your girlfriend. The clincher? is locked, key thrown away In one of the best examples of clever few days later you will find a grumpy make her your girlfriend’, but with a 4.5 forgotten with a handful of monetization of an app, you have to pay wife. In some cases she may have broken star average rating it’s obvious that it’s other perverted types $0.99 to make her your girlfriend. up with you, or, even worse, your cat hit the mark. Once you pay and make her your girl- might have died. My Mini Gay Girlfriend is popular The same old fear friend, you’re allowed a candlelit bath Thankfully, one of the selling points of because she plays so hard to get. Despite recycled for centuries, followed by breakfast in bed (where you the app is that it allows you to have as demanding affection, she never tells you return to haunt have to find a croissant under the sheets many ex-girlfriends as you like, meaning she loves you, never offers you a hug first dismal youth who preach to win her love), and after about 5 days the fun can start again with any one of and is quick to scowl at you when you intentionality in language of a solid smartphone relationship, are 18 mini characters. don’t choose the right things for your deconstruct discourse allowed to ask her to move in with you Suggested improvements from users in- picnic together. She rewards your dedica- and troll cyber-space clude a ‘scene’ section of the app, where tion and consistency – so maybe the app and get a cat. reprimanding those who The final stages of the game are mar- all these exes can bump in to each other is a good thing for relationships on the ‘simply didn’t mean that’ riage and going on holidays together, al- and be friends. whole. though once you’ve reached these stages The app plays in to the well-worn Now I have to go before she gets jeal- A heckle from inattentive crowd there isn’t too much to keep you coming lesbian stereotypes about U-Hauling – ous. reminds all back to the app. the feedback on the App Store is: ‘I love that fear of other will always return it, but one problem: it takes too long to When you leave the app and return a in one way or another.

14 queerhoni @honi_soit Profile

in progress, so I just thought ‘Well, I’ll just write one and send it,’” she recalls. “But because I’m such a slow writer, I only managed to write a paragraph. So although I would say to any student who asked me ‘They asked for five pages, so don’t apply if you’ve only got a para- “Foolish graph,’ and even though if I was on a committee I wouldn’t award a prize to a person who only submitted a paragraph, and somehow, it…it must have been a good paragraph.” It’s only when I press her on it, saying lucky” that she doesn’t give herself much credit that Jagose relents — slightly — on the “foolish but lucky” line. A combination of hard work “Well, I did say that I was a swot at and pure chance brought uni, didn’t I? I do work hard, that is Annamarie Jagose to the fair to say. But there was a lot of luck there, because lots of people work hard. University of Sydney, I didn’t have any kind of career plan… writes Lane Sainty everything just lined up.” Jagose admits that she doesn’t have a lot of spare time, but lately she and her partner have been spending time at dog training with their eight-month-old first heard Annamarie Jagose’s “And I could see their logic! But yes, I Auckland where she became a head of puppy. Jagose has been with her partner name earlier this year when she did work hard.” Jagose also mentions department for the first time in 2007. for 16 years, but is not married; hardly participated in a debate on the that she was involved in feminist, les- Her position as the Head of SLAM is the surprising, considering her views. proposition ‘same-sex marriage bian, and land rights activism. first non-teaching role she has ever held. “I can truly say I have never wanted I Academia aside, Jagose is also a pub- to be married,” says Jagose, explaining should not be legalised’. This was not Jagose moved to Victoria University of remarkable because of the participation Wellington to complete her PhD, which lished novelist, with three books under that she found the concept highly dubi- itself — after all, same-sex marriage has eventually turned into her first book: her belt. Slow Water, her most recent ous from a very young age. At school in been discussed to death — but rather Lesbian Utopics. Even then, Jagose had novel, was shortlisted for the Miles religious studies class she would ask the because Jagose, a queer, progressive no idea what to do when she finished. Franklin Literary Award in 2004. teachers how it was possible to promise woman, argued for the affirmative. “I completed my PHD without ever “Somebody told me once that the to do something forever, as marriage or While this debate has constituted the thinking that I wanted to be an aca- strange thing about my novels is that religious orders required. “I’d question bulk of Jagose’s media attention this demic. I am the least sensible academic I they are all totally different, not just in it, saying: ‘How do you make a promise year, she offers, as I discovered, much know in this respect.” terms of what they’re about but almost for the future? How do you say I will more than an alternative viewpoint on She considered different career op- as if they’d been written by three differ- do this for all time, because I might not marriage. Jagose is a respected academic tions, law among them. “Law was one ent people,” says Jagose. “I’m not sure if want it in ten years time?’And they said and a published novelist. She is also of those things that careers counsellors that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” ‘Well, you just have to keep to your modest, describing herself as “lucky” always pushed at me at school, but then They certainly all sound different. promise.’ And I just didn’t think it was a throughout our interview, claiming that I thought oh, you’d have to be a lawyer, In Translation is about a lesbian love very good logic.” much of her success came from “being in which seemed a disadvantage,” she com- triangle, Lulu a couple who raise a On the media attention surrounding the right place at the right time”. ments wryly. chimpanzee in their house for linguistic her pro-queer, yet anti-same-sex mar- Currently, Jagose is the head of riage views? “I’m rather hoping that the School of Letters, Art and Media soon people will stop asking me to speak (SLAM) in the Faculty of Arts and Social “I completed my PHD without ever thinking that I about this topic, because I don’t have much else to say.” Sciences at the University of Sydney. wanted to be an academic. I am the least sensible She’s been employed as an academic for When quizzed about the biggest chal- the past 20 years, but surprisingly, this academic I know in this respect.” lenge she has faced, Jagose pauses, and was never part of her plan. chooses her words carefully. In fact, much of Jagose’s life seems Her mother was increasingly con- experimentation and Slow Water a nine- “On a personal front, I found it chal- to have been determined by chance. cerned about her job prospects (“You’ve teenth-century historical romance based lenging to leave a family environment She grew up in the Waikato region of been at university for seven years now, on a real life sex scandal. Jagose explains that was very close and affectionate, northern New Zealand, and ended up what are you going to do?”), but instead the basic plot lines of each, concluding knowing that I had a trajectory that was studying at the University of Canterbury of parental pressure, it was a chance con- her précis of In Translation with “the going to take me outside the expected in Christchurch. Jagose cites scholarship versation with a friend that got Jagose shared love interest is a translator…and version of being like my parents. So restrictions as the reason for her choice her first academic gig. that’s sort of why it’s called In Transla- coming out as a lesbian to my family of university and degree. The friend was among the “sensible, tion. Oh god, that sounds like such a was quite difficult, and for a long while “If you were under 20, you were only well-informed PhD students” who terrible novel.” I didn’t have the same relationship that I eligible for a scholarship if you studied searched for jobs amongst the educa- Her writing process is diligent and had previously had.” something that wasn’t available at your tional hire pages in various international methodical. “I make it manageable for But Jagose isn’t bitter. “Now that I’m local university. At Canterbury, they of- newspapers. She told Jagose that a job myself by saying ‘I will write x number older, I can see that it would have been fered a degree in Latin. So I did a degree was going for a lectureship in English of words a day,’” she explains. “I wrote a challenge for my family too, and one in Latin,” she explains, laughing. at the University of Melbourne; Jagose my PhD by writing 400 words a day, and that with the passage of time they’ve I ask what she was like at university, applied and got it. In retrospect, she con- now I’ve raised that total to 500. In 20 actually managed fantastically.” and she immediately responds: “A hope- siders herself more than a little lucky. years.” She laughs. Jagose admits that She also says that she has never expe- less swot.” When she first arrived at the “That’s not really how you should sometimes she doesn’t reach her target, rienced workplace discrimination on the residency halls of Christchurch, she spent apply for a job,” she says disapprov- but that “it doesn’t happen so often” basis of being a queer woman. every spare minute studying. ingly. “But it worked out for me.” Jagose only on “very unhappy days.” “No, no, I’ve been hired on the basis of “I didn’t exactly understand at first started at the University of Melbourne Being able to write her first novel is it!” she says, explaining that when your that not everybody was doing this,” she in July of 1992, but it took a little time another milestone Jagose puts down to first book is called Lesbian Utopics, those says, laughing again. for her to start feeling like a real aca- luck. On the day she finished her PhD, who might have a problem with queer Her study habits were so extreme that demic. “I always felt like a bit of a sham, she got a phone call informing her that women tend to stay out of your way. they attracted light teasing from friends. because I had just sort of lucked into it,” she had won her first writers fellowship, “You’re off the hook from having to “Some of my friends would say ‘Look, she explains. to the value of $18,000. explain,’ she says. ‘And in my experi- Annamarie, you worked for fifty hours Nonetheless, she stuck at it, work- “At first I thought someone was pull- ence, universities tend to be much more on that essay, I’ve worked for two, you ing at Melbourne until 2003 when she ing my leg, because the application had progressive than conservative. That’s yet got an A plus and I got a B plus. So took a new position in Film, Television asked for five to ten pages of a novel another way in which I’ve been incred- who’s the stupid one?’” she remembers. and Media Studies at the University of in progress, but I didn’t have a novel ibly lucky.’

honisoit.com queerhoni 15 Action-Reaction

John Francis becomes a woman, and feels fat

time to get naked. Now, getting naked is awkward at the best of times, but it’s a confronting experience when you’re standing in front of three judgmental fags and a hag in order to try on dresses at a stranger’s house – all while being sober. The first dress was long, flowing and dark. It seemed perfect, until the zipper started to struggle around my ribs. So now not only was I half naked, half wearing a dress in a stranger’s apart- ment, but I was also FAT! As it turns out, being fat is a state of mind – and of inflated lungs – so I expelled and voila! I was thin again! The dress was stunning and it made my collar bones look a mil- lion dollars, so we continued on. Upon leaving Nathan’s house, I felt much more comfortable for the role ahead, knowing that I at least wasn’t going to look awful. A few weeks ago, I found myself in After that special evening in Quak- need of a dress. You see, I would be ers Hill, the opening night approached making my drag debut on stage in the quickly. It was a Wednesday and I left 2012 Sydney University Queer Revue the office half an hour early to get to and unfortunately, not being Cinderella, the theatre. My talented make-up artist, I couldn’t get any friendly neighbour- Aidan, and his assistant, Clare, were Hello, Clitaurus! hood mice to make me one. So, two patiently awaiting my arrival as we had Photos: Rob Jones weeks before the show, the props team, to start early to get my makeup done Jed & Annie (Jannie for short), the in time. I grew to enjoy this part of the star. At one point, I found myself sitting Yes, it was difficult to be a drag director, Joe, and I loaded ourselves into preparation and marvelled at the evolu- on a stool, centre stage with a spotlight queen. But, as in any character role, it’s a Toyota Camry and embarked on an ex- tion that my face undertook. In some glaring down on me. A “cop” on either a chance to become another person or pedition to find a fabulous frock or two. ways, I think Clitaurus’ persona would side of me, the only thing I could think being and to live vicariously through Our quest took us deep into suburbia to begin to swell inside me as she started to of was how I’d sat the wrong way and him, or in this case, her. Clitaurus Van the McMansions of Quakers Hill where see her face staring back at me. the strapping tape keeping my junk in a Carti-Gay gave me the opportunity to Nathan, better known to many as Karen Suddenly I was doing it. I was getting neat “tuck” was now pinching. I could become an extraordinary woman for five Kardashian, made his home. my sass on and owning the stage. Well, I change position, but the incredibly re- awesome nights, to meet some pretty He kissed us all hello and ushered us was sharing the stage with each and ev- vealing sequin dress in which I was clad amazing and interesting people, and to into his bedroom, racks of gowns imped- ery other performer, but for the moment was just looking for an opportunity to have a completely new and challenging ing our entry, and then it seemed it was when I was in the spotlight, I felt like a ride up. Oh god. experience along the way.

persuade them that these dreams are dictions and advice given privately and achievable. Apart from the hope that publicly by astrologers”. I would like this more visible representation would to see a similar statement issued on the impart, we also require queer scientists topic of queer rights. At moment, we are to be acknowledged in order to convince coming under a barrage of completely the general public that the queer commu- outlandish, pseudoscientific claims, nity provides an invaluable contribution which are being accepted, quite remark- to all aspects of society. ably, by members of parliament and a To be silent is to be secure, but wars part of the general public. Scientists can are not won by security. The fight for be vocal and rebut these arguments, if queer rights is an issue that transcends they so choose. Scientists are, in one the importance of the individual. I would sense, the seekers of truth, and know- say that the queer scientist has an obliga- ing the truth, they would be mistaken to tion to be an activist because there are remain silent. They must find the resolve people who depend on them to set an to help turn the tide. example. Young people need heroes and In the same vein as those 186 scientists heroines, and the rest of the world needs against astrology, I believe that “the to understand that queer people can do time has come to challenge directly, and remarkable things. forcefully” the prejudiced claims of our Where Are All the Queer Scientists? I believe that the establishment of a adversaries. The time is nigh to rise up in the name of fact, writes Fahad Ali national union for queer scientists is an idea that should be realised sooner It is a worrying observation that activism, for fears of losing tenure or rather than later. We need a strong, there is an apparent deficiency of queer having grant proposals rejected. This is unified body of queer scientists to stand individuals in the scientific profession. why solidarity is required: just as a trade collectively against discrimination in They are almost certainly there, but they union protects employees, an association the scientific profession, to combat the are not as vocal as one would expect. of queer scientists and allies would be a pseudoscientific arguments being used There is further cause for concern when strong protective force against discrimi- to attack the queer community, and to we consider that there is no national as- nation. foster a new paradigm of inclusiveness sociation for queer scientists in Austra- For the same reasons that we need and acceptance. lia. The tacit nature of queer scientists is women and minority ethnic groups to In 1975, 186 prominent scientists problematic, and that the lack of formal be represented in science, we need queer signed a document entitled declaring organizations for these scientists is a very scientists to be recognised. The issue is their objections to the pseudoscience of germane issue. not one of minor importance. A more astrology. These scientists were appealing My concern is that the practitioners of conspicuous representation of queer to natural law and scientific fact to, as science, distinct from their field, are be- scientists is necessary to empower young they put it, “caution the public against ing prevented from taking part in queer people to fight for their dreams, and the unquestioning acceptance of the pre-

16queerhoni @honi_soit SRC Reports

Queer Officers’ Report [email protected] No rain on QuAC’s parade in 2012, writes Rebecca Alchin It’s been a good year for the Univer- performances – to cover the travel costs the year - our arms were a lot less sore sity of Sydney’s Queer Action Collective for students going to QC. with your help! (QuAC). We’ve had numerous events This semester we had Pride Week, and And finally to the collective: QuAC throughout the year to keep us busy, and after a lot of grocery shopping and pan- has been one of the greatest experiences none of them could have been achieved icking with my co-officer, Eleonora, we of my university life. The collective has without the help of our amazing collec- were ready to celebrate with a pancake a special place in my heart – coming to tive members. breakfast, ‘Coming Out By Candlelight’, USYD in 2011, straight out of school, We started off the year participating in and a delightful picnic. I didn’t know any queer people. I made a cross-campus Queer Students Network I would like to extend my sincere the awkward trip down to the Queer- (QSN) Mardi Gras float. Even though it thanks to Eleonora, and also to Lane space during a QuAC meeting, complete- rained, that didn’t stop our ‘queers of the and Lachlan, for being my co-Queer ly terrified and not uttering a word. I’m future’ themed parade from going ahead, Officers. They are beautiful people and I happy that I braved that first trip down. and we marched down Oxford Street, am so glad to have worked with them. I Without QuAC, I wouldn’t have meet proudly carrying a banner painted with would like to thank Nathan for guiding so many lovely people, and wouldn’t a glittering unicorn, and receiving hugs us along the way, and Evan and Charlie be quite as secure as I am today in my and high-fives from the crowd. for sacrificing so much of their time to own queer skin. I wanted to try and give With the help of the SRC, we were organise the Queer Cabaret party. To something back to the collective that has on 8 October in the Queerspace. able to send a group of students to QuAC’s ‘officers of fun’ – Jamie, Sarah done so much for me, so I took on the Any queer-identifying student at USYD this year’s Queer Collaborations (QC) and Nick – thank you. I want to thank role of Queer Officer, which leads me to is entitled to vote, and a total of four of- conference in Adelaide for a week during Fahad for taking on the role of editor- my next point. ficer positions will be available. the holidays between semester one and in-chief of Queer Honi, and to everyone Nominations for the 2013 Queer Offi- two. We also held a successful fundrais- else who made this publication possible. cer positions are coming up soon. If you Lots of love, ing ‘Queer Cabaret’ party at the Red And to everyone who helped El and I put would like to run for the position, please Rebecca Rattler – complete with band and drag up posters for various events throughout come to the meeting we will be holding

[email protected] Environment Officers’ Report Reflections as a Queer Wom*n, bySteph Clark

The Environment Collective is a group up about an issue, where you were made patriarchal viewpoint (or those with the it has and makes with other collectives. on campus that works together to ad- to feel awkward, or uncomfortable, or loudest voice!). This is aided by pro- These collectives are both environment dress and engage in environmental issues. that your opinion would be ignored, or gressive speaking lists which mean that based and in other spheres (such as queer Its goal is to promote environmental laughed at. Why were you positioned to people who haven’t spoken before in the issues). Through this, I have been able awareness whilst producing an empow- feel like this? Who was being over-rep- debate or those who identify as belong- to make a whole network of friends ered space that is less alienating. resented in the discussion? Who else in ing to marginalised societal groups (such not just across campus, but also across I want you to think back to a time the group wasn’t voicing their opinions? as women, queers and people from ethni- Sydney, the state and the country. This is when you felt that you couldn’t speak Were you not speaking up because you cally diverse backgrounds) are prioritised partly due to groups such as SEAN (State feel like your in the debate and ‘bumped up’ to the Enviro Action Network) and ASEN view wouldn’t be top of the speaking list. It is the acces- (Australian State Enviro Network) that accepted or that sibility of collectives to people who may have set up working groups, workshops, people would otherwise feel disempowered in everyday forums and Environment Camps such judge you? life, that allows for a vibrant and strong as SOS (Students of Sustainability) on a I feel that col- grassroots movement. multitude of issues and ideas. lectives function It was in this way that I was able to All of these different groups and events in a way that feel completely comfortable with voic- aim to build and strengthen the activist allow for the ing my opinion and my whole iden- movement and collective framework in a representation tity in the Environment Collective as a way that, I believe, allows for the input of views from queer wom*n and later go on to be the and involvement of a whole range of a multitude of Environment Officer and represent the people. groups, not just Collective in the SRC. I’m here! I’m (an Enviro-)Queer! from a white The really exciting thing about the En- Steph (Sparkle) Clark heteronormative vironment Collective is the connections Email: [email protected]

[email protected] The Wallace Report An extract from the diary of Jim Wallace

So I took the wife and my two about how the gays are neo-Nazis. watch an animal die next to him, beautiful children on a camping trip I got my son Jack to help me set then de-scale and gut it after finally this long weekend. I could of spent up the camping gear – it’ll teach putting it over fire and devouring it, it with some old school chums, who him how to be a man. I think it’s it’ll lead him to a much more moral were going golfing. I, however, have very important that teenage boys lifestyle. never liked golfing – I just really pitch tents when other men are The kids say that they are afraid hate the Greens! Sorry, the greens around. of the wild animals that might be – it’s a force of habit to capitalise We took a hike around the cliff we around the camp site! I told them Greens in writing that phrase. had a bit of a scare – I nearly fell that it is ridiculous to be afraid Camping is the life for me! I al- down near a muddy precipice! Gosh, of that. Besides, even if they were ways like getting into the wild, like I just can’t avoid slippery slopes! violently mauled until their even- when our Lord and Saviour Jesus I’ve been worried about Jack – tual death by some vicious animal, went out into the desert and avoided the whole day he’s been playing the their lifespan would still be longer temptation, and feel like I’m do- “Call Me Maybe” video from his than the average homosexual. Then ing the same, getting away from iPhone. I don’t want him to pick up I handed them a pack of cigarettes all the modern distractions and any immoral ‘lifestyle habits’. I’ve and told them to get smoking. decadence of our society! Of course, taken him fishing today in order to I just want my kids to do the right though, I did need to take the iPad learn how to be a man – I think- thing. Not the left. to livestream Q&A in order to tweet ing if he gets the opportunity to -Jimbo

honisoit.com queerhoni 17 Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney Annual Election

sRC election results

ELECTORALELECTIONS OFFICER’S REPORT 2012 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL, SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

I declare the following persons elected:

PRESIDENT: David Pink I Stand Up for International V Stand Up Against the Cuts AW Stand Up for Fair Students James Leeder Education HONI SOIT: JAM Jay Ka Jing Ng Julia Robins AB Voice for Women NUS DELEGATES: 7 J Stand Up for Cumberland Eleanor Gordon-Smith AX Beat for SRC (in order of election) Isabelle King Margaret Zhang Phoebe Drake, Sam Farrrell, AD Stand Up for Women Dylan Parker, Jacqui Munro, K Stand Up for Science Hanna Smith BA Stand Up for Engineering John Harding Easson, Astha Raj- Alexander Peters Nikhil Mishra Vanshi, Constantina Hallas. AL Stand Up for Student L Ian Chan (Durian) Housing BC Yolo for College STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Ian Chan Eleanor Cooper Levi Jordon Smith COUNCIL: 33 (By Ticket Order on the Ballot M Grassroots for Student AM Grassroots for Queer Paper) Welfare Action BQ Stand Up for SRC Rose McEwan Charlie Jackson Martin David Pink A Free Parking Sam O’Leary N Equal AO Voice for Diversity BR Jam for SRC Nathan Li Sama Rahman Bebe D’Souza C Legalise It Harry Stratton P Voice for First Years AQ Stand Up for Student Penina Su Rights BT Voice for President E McDonalds on Campus Jennifer Light Sam Farrell Penelope Parker Q Voice for Education Cameron Caccamo AS Stop the Cuts BW Grassroots for a Green F Rise for SRC Erima Dall Campus Sam Murray R Voice for Arts Amelie Van der Stock Samuel Pearson AV Grassroots for Social H Stand Up for Law Justice BZ Pokemon Liberation Front James Higgins T Voice for Science Brigitte McFadden Evan Gray Kade Denton

PAULENE GRAHAM ELECTORAL OFFICER 2012 27TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Students’ Representative Council, The University of Sydney Phone: 02 9660 5222 www.src.usyd.edu.au 18queerhoni @honi_soit Students’ Representative Council, University of Sydney Annual Election SRC Help

LookingTeddy Cook – Community Healthout Promotion for Officer, Each ACON’s Anti-Violence Other Project

Anti-Violence Project you say! reported to the AVP, with domestic What’s that!? Homophobia and violence being one of the fastest growing Transphobia don’t exist anymore areas of reporting. so why would we need an Anti-Vi- It is encouraging that our communities olence Project? Right? Not quite. are beginning to find a language to talk about abuse in relationships and that reports are increasing. This reflects more NO MATTER We support people who’ve experienced accurately the levels of abuse occurring incidents ranging from serious physi- in our relationships. HOW SMALL THE cal harm to cyber bullying, domestic However, there are still big challenges. INCIDENT sRC election violence to neighbour harassment. We Abuse can be hard for us to recognise or train the NSW Police Force’s Gay and discuss. We might not know where to go Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs), ad- for support. Reporting or asking for help vocate for our diverse communities, run can be difficult. Friends or family might campaigns and work closely with dif- not get it. Or we may not trust services. ferent organisations. The AVP team has For info, support, referral or to make a strong commitment to working with a report to us please contact ACON’s everyone within our communities and in Anti-Violence Project on (02) 9206 2116 particular with marginalised members or 1800 063 060 during office hours. To including lesbians, Aboriginal, trans* or make a report or get tips on safety see gender diverse, sex workers or people our website: from culturally and linguistically diverse www.acon.org.au/anti-violence backgrounds. You can also report violence via the results Over the last few years we’ve seen Police Assistance Line 131 444. You can levels of street-based physical violence report any incident to the available of- ELECTORALELECTIONS OFFICER’S REPORT 2012 reducing and the NSW Police Force ficer, however Gay and Lesbian Liaison increasing their commitment to address Officers (GLLOs) may also be available. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL, SYDNEY UNIVERSITY our communities’ needs. Across Sydney Call the Police Switchboard on 02 9281 and NSW collaborative work is being 0000 or the AVP for a GLLO near you. I declare the following persons elected: done to help GLBTIQ-ers feel safer in For more information on LGBTIQ their communities and able to access domestic and family violence go to: support when needed. Verbal abuse and http://www.anothercloset.com.au/ PRESIDENT: David Pink I Stand Up for International V Stand Up Against the Cuts AW Stand Up for Fair harassment continue to be commonly Students James Leeder Education HONI SOIT: JAM Jay Ka Jing Ng Julia Robins AB Voice for Women NUS DELEGATES: 7 J Stand Up for Cumberland Eleanor Gordon-Smith AX Beat for SRC in your situation. Please take the time An easy to use guide for anyone (in order of election) Isabelle King Margaret Zhang sharing a rental property to talk to a counselor about ways to NEW SHARE Phoebe Drake, Sam Farrrell, AD Stand Up for Women cope. You can access the University’s Dylan Parker, Jacqui Munro, K Stand Up for Science Hanna Smith BA Stand Up for Engineering Ask counselors (CAPS) or ask SRC Help John Harding Easson, Astha Raj- Alexander Peters Nikhil Mishra to refer you off campus. Either way HOUSING Vanshi, Constantina Hallas. AL Stand Up for Student you need to realise that there are many AGAINST L Ian Chan (Durian) Housing BC Yolo for College Abe people that you may not have even met STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Ian Chan Eleanor Cooper Levi Jordon Smith yet who will not just accept but like you SURVIVAL HOMOPHOBIC COUNCIL: 33 Hi Abe, for who you are. VIOLENCE (By Ticket Order on the Ballot M Grassroots for Student AM Grassroots for Queer I know the big thing in the news at the GUIDE... Abe is the SRC’s Paper) Welfare Action BQ Stand Up for SRC moment is the fight for gay marriage. I welfare dog. Rose McEwan Charlie Jackson Martin David Pink don’t want to seem negative about it all, If you would like to ask Abe a question send The Share A Free Parking but marriage is such a long way from an email to [email protected]. Abe gathers Housing his answers from experts in a number of areas. LAUNCH & where I am at. I just want to be able to Sam O’Leary N Equal AO Voice for Diversity BR Jam for SRC Coupled with his own expertise on dealing with Survival live in peace, able to be who I am, not people, living on a low income and being a dog, Guide Nathan Li Sama Rahman Bebe D’Souza Redfern Legal Centre having to pretend to be someone else or Abe’s answers can provide you with excellent C Legalise It insight. FREE BBQ have to put up with abuse for not being Harry Stratton P Voice for First Years AQ Stand Up for Student someone else. Reporting homophobic violence makes it visible. Penina Su Rights BT Voice for President Then we can do something about it. E McDonalds on Campus Jennifer Light Sam Farrell Penelope Parker Q Voice for Education Catching Up Speak to ACON’sFEATURING Lesbian FRINGE and FESTIVAL Gay COMEDIAN Anti-Violence Project Cameron Caccamo AS Stop the Cuts BW Grassroots for a Green F Rise for SRC Erima Dall Campus Dear Catching Up, on 9206 2116MAT or at WAKEFIELD www.acon.org.au/anti-violence Sam Murray R Voice for Arts Amelie Van der Stock When I read your letter I couldn’t help Freecall 1800Please 063 join 060 us to celebrate the launch of the Samuel Pearson AV Grassroots for Social but feel that there is so much in there Share Housing Survival Guide. H Stand Up for Law Justice BZ Pokemon Liberation Front that you are not saying. It sounds like Report all violence to the Police: James Higgins T Voice for Science Brigitte McFadden Evan Gray your home is not a peaceful place, In an emergency: 000 Police Assistance Line: 131 444 Kade Denton and that you are not enjoying support of your family (either your birth or This campaign was produced with funding provided by the NSW Department of Corrective Service’s Victims of Violent Crime Grants Program The guide answers questions about rights when chosen family). I am very sorry to hear sharing a house and avoiding the pitfalls when things Footbridge this. If you feel that you are being go wrong. PAULENE GRAHAM Jane Foss abused at home, you may be able to To be launched by the Commissioner for Fair Trading. ELECTORAL OFFICER 2012 find somewhere else to live. Of course Have you 27TH SEPTEMBER 2012 this is no easy task if you do not have WHEN: 12pm-1.30pm Monday 8 October Gadigal an income. Probably the best starting Maze Crescent Lawn liked us on WHERE: BBQ next to the lawns behind the BBQ place would be twenty10, the service Wentworth Building - off Maze Crescent Biochemistry for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, Facebook? www.src.usyd.edu.au transgender, and queer youths. My www.rlc.org.au other concern is that you sound very www.facebook.com/SrcHelp www.sharehousing.org Students’ Representative Council, The University of Sydney Phone: 02 9660 5222 www.src.usyd.edu.au depressed. This is quite understandable honisoit.com queerhoni 19 Sports and Health

No rainbow card for football players Blood donation Precious few of our athletes are choosing to make their sexuality public, writes Thomas Poberezny-Lynch Fahad Ali supports the science

There are currently more than 5000 of the reasons he publicly expressed his An independent report on MSM (men professional soccer players in Brit- sexuality was because the Welsh Rugby who have sex with men) blood donations ain. Not a single one is openly gay. In Union governing body had long been has found “there is sufficient evidence to Australia the same story applies, and proactive in creating an environment of support reducing the deferral period of out players in any of our football codes LGBTQI acceptance. 12 months to six months for all sexual are few and far between. To paraphrase Gus Johnston, the Australian hockey activity-based deferral criteria without one British commentator, there is more player who came out in 2011, expressed compromising the safety of blood and chance of the next Pope being black than similar sentiment. Prior to Johnston’s blood products in Australia.” a footballer publicly coming out. Clearly coming out, Hockey Victoria established I will be clear: I do not like the idea of something is wrong. The law of averages a program ‘Fair Go, Sport’, to promote a deferral period. I would like the free- states that gay footballers must exist, so an environment where LGBTQI hockey dom to donate blood whenever I choose, why have so few publicly declared their players felt safe and secure. regardless of any sexual contact I may sexuality? It seems as though the message is have with men. However, the science Homophobia in sport is the common finally reaching sports administrators. speaks against me. The results are objec- answer. Yet this answer ignores the fact Following a recent online petition which tive and reasoning is sound. that the representation of queer athletes garnered over 26,000 signatures the AFL But what if I’m a gay man in a monog- is at an all time high. A quick Google screened anti-homophobia ads on the amous relationship? The report explains: search reveals the sheer number of LG- big screen before the two preliminary “The main point of concern from the BTQI athletes around the world, compet- finals. Amazingly, the administration is evidence-based risk assessment is the risk ing in a diverse range of sports from now considering a gay pride round next of acquiring HIV from a non-monoga- boxing to cricket to fencing. In Australia season. Rainbow boundary lines anyone? mous partner in an MSM relationship for instance, Matthew Mitcham and In Britain the Football Association is significantly greater than the risk of Natalie Cook are but two of many fa- recently launched its four year ‘Open- acquiring HIV from a non-monogamous mous and successful queer athletes. ing Doors and Joining In’ action plan to partner in a heterosexual relationship This is not to deny that homophobia is increase the involvement and wellbeing because the risk of transmission of HIV not a problem in sport. Go down to your of LGBTQI individuals in football. Time is greater in the MSM community.” Justin Fashanu, the only ever openly gay EPL local football field and you will hear a footballer. Photo credit: The FCF. will tell whether these initiatives are suc- These results are disheartening, but I range of abuse being thrown around: cessful. believe they are rational. According to ‘poofter’, ‘fag’, ‘homo’ to cite the most Thomas, NRL referee Matt Cecchin, and However, we should not forget that a 2011 surveillance report published by common slurs. Or take the tragic story Australian tennis player Rennae Stubbs. sport’s treatment of queer athletes does the Kirby Institute, between 2006 and of Justin Fashanu, the only ever openly All are highly successful sportspeople not operate in a societal vacuum. It 2010, 86 per cent of newly acquired HIV gay English Premier League footballer. who are open and confident about their reflects the socially sustained prejudice infections were though sexual contact A truly phenomenal player, Fashanu sexuality. If homophobia has not pre- and assumptions of the time. Only when between men. However, there is much we came out 22 years ago to the disgust of vented these sportspeople from coming society genuinely understands that some can do to change the situation. his family. His career and personal life out, why do queer athletes remain under- people are gay will queer athletes be Have safe sex. It’s not that hard. Free quickly deteriorated as opposition fans represented in numerous Australian and truly accepted. Indeed, when such a time condoms are available in the Queerspace and the media turned on him. Justin British football codes? arrives, being queer will be normal, not and in the SRC office. Get regular STI Fashanu committed suicide in 1998. I believe the answer stems from the newsworthy, and homosexuality will be check-ups. Don’t engage in any risky Yet despite this, more and more failure of sport administrators to create as irrelevant as heterosexuality is today. behaviours. Once the numbers are in our athletes are coming out as gay. Take for an environment supportive of sexual When such a time arrives I hope that the favour, then we’ll have reason to call for example, rugby union player Gareth diversity. As Gareth Thomas said, one Pope is black too. a change in the Red Cross policy.

Fear of the smear Clare Sullivan got one, and you should too

Today I had my first pap smear. Hav- The doctor grilled me on my sexual ing been sexually active since I was fif- history, and after finding out that the teen, it was a good seven years overdue. bulk of my experiences had been with “WHAT?! You’ve never had one?” I can other women, gave me a pitying little hear you say, adding “but your cervix smile, said that the procedure wasn’t re- is a ticking, HPV time-bomb waiting to ally necessary, and sent me on my way. explode into full blown cancer” if you’re It wasn’t until a few years later, when my mother. Or maybe, if you’re another university had moulded me into an twenty-something year old: “Yeah, me aware young queer, that it became clear neither. They sound so awkward and just how incorrect – and screwed up – painful…I’m never going to get one.” that statement was. It doesn’t matter It is not unusual for young women to what kind of sex you have, HPV can have an aversion to pap smears. Whenev- be spread through any genital, or even er the topic comes up in conversation, an mouth, skin-to-skin contact. Further- ominous silence enters the room, which more, queer women have the same infec- old partner – had never had a pap test, did, who cares? The procedure comes is quickly ushered out by a rapid-fire of tion rates as their hetero counterparts. or even made plans to, finally hit a nerve. part and parcel with being born with a excuses for putting it off. For me, it was But still, more years passed, and while The aversion has become a fully-fledged vagina and being sexually active, and a combination of laziness, confusion and I happily joined the chorus of liberated denial: Young women, particularly there is a first time for everything. fear of the general unpleasantness, but it feminists who believe that women’s queer young women, are not getting pap Oh, and ‘pap’ is just an abbreviation wasn’t always this way… bodies and sexualities have been hidden smears. So, today I got one, and I’ve of ‘Papanicolaou,’ the doctor who dis- As a diligent, seventeen year old away for too long, I remained smear- been telling everyone about it. covered in 1928 that cells in the cervix hypochondriac, I called up the local free. By then it had become an issue of How was it? Fine. Apparently my change slightly just before they become medical centre and made an appoint- feeling too busy (but strangely having cervix was uncooperative and hard to lo- cancerous, and not clinical, medical- ment. Against my mother’s advice – “go enough time to go to the dentist), too cate, but that’s something you work with speak for vagina. to Susy, she’s great. She even does your broke (what about bulk billing?), and in the name of early diagnosis of cervical So, if you haven’t had one, go and do father’s prostate checks” – I opted for too complacent that those three needle cancer, and besides, you can’t expect it to it. Regular pap smears can help prevent a doctor who I had never seen before. jabs at high school would do the trick eagerly greet a cold speculum. up to 90% of the most common type of After deliberating over whether or not (surely having a dead arm for days meant How long did it take? 10 minutes max. cervical cancer. While it’s amazing that waxing was required for the occasion that those little vials were doing some- Was it awkward? Not really. When I we live in a time where women can have and consulting google about what ex- thing to my body?). told the receptionist my name she didn’t more sex, and different types of sex, than actly the procedure entailed, I was ready The recent realisation that many of my loudly proclaim “Clare! You’re here for ever before, we need to look out for our to go. friends – and even my twenty-five year your first pap smear,” and even if she cervixes while we’re doing it.

20queerhoni @honi_soit It is a place where sham marriages are common and male-to-male rape is not a crime. Despite a progressive Generation Y, the queer community of China is still held back by conservative tradition and state indifference, writes Zhiming Yu

esbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, “So you can hurt a girl instead?” before the interview, a pretty unusual A terrifying truth under the current Lintersex and queer (LGBTQI) ac- Silence. choice of make-up for a Chinese girl. law: male-to-male rape is not a crime. tivists rallied on a sunny Saturday morn- Peter Shen, an openly gay civil en- She has just turned 21, but has already “There’s no point of calling the police ing in August in front of Sydney Town gineer from Hunan Province in south come out to her mum and been with because there is no law to punish their Hall, wishing the government could China, shares a similar view. “If I can’t her girlfriend for more than a year. She wrongdoing,” says Jiwen Chen. “If you finally legalise same-sex marriage while get married with my partner, mutually- wants to take her girlfriend to Australia are unfortunately raped, which is quite thousands of miles away in metropolitan consensual ‘fake marriage’ is the best and hopefully settle there. often if you are cruising around public China, gays and lesbians are still strug- option. It is the only way to keep every “Call me a selfish person. I mean, bath-houses, think about the fact that gling to get their social status recognised. member of my family, albeit voluntarily thank you very much mum and dad for you are still alive and be careful next Only a few are brave enough to come or involuntarily involved, fairly happy.” bringing me into this world, but I get time. That is the only thing you can do.” out to society, while the majority remain Why not? If the concept of marriage frustrated, day by day about those ri- The other implication of the policy is silent. Many choose to suppress their in- can be ridiculed and deconstructed by diculous traditions that they hold. This is that anything to do with homosexuality dividual desire for sake of the “common my life and this is the real me. So they’d must be done underground. There are good”—a term that was used frequently better accept it,” she says. more than thirty NGOs aimed at educat- “My girlfriend’s parents are both ing LGBTQI people and their supporters during Mao’s period. “You have to sacrifice your While baby-boomers born around the members of the Communist Party, highly across major cities, however, their vis- time of the Cultural Revolution (1960s- own happiness for the respectable figures in Xinjiang Province. ibility is still low. Financially dependent 70s) are approaching middle age, their welfare of your parents who What makes things worse is the fact that on a small sum of money that the World offspring (often one child per household, kindly fed you and brought her family belongs to a minority commu- Health Organization grants every year nity, and the majority of the populations for prevention of AIDS, these NGOs can a result of the One Child Policy) are in you up.” their twenties, the age to find a partner are dedicated Muslims”. barely sustain themselves, let alone get and get married. - Jiwen Chen She addresses this dilemma with an their message across. Younger generations are not prepared: awkward smile. You can almost hear a Despite the fact that one can hardly get they got their diploma after four years long sigh coming out of her chest. This is any information concerning homosexual- of diligent study and took an overnight post-structuralists as something un- too complicated a matter for a person of ity in the mainstream Chinese media, the train back to their hometown, to be natural and heteronormative, why not her age to think about. Internet has proved an educational tool greeted not only by their parents but also just play around with the institution of It is a dilemma that is faced by millions for young gays and lesbians. a ticket to a ‘speed dating event’ hosted marriage, joking around with its sacred- of LGBTQI people in China. Estimations “I am a big fan of BL novels (BL is in the local park. The biggest one, held ness and perhaps testing its solidness by on the numbers of LGBTQI population short for Boy Love) and I’ve been writ- in Shanghai World Expo Park in May, undermining the system from within? vary, however, China Daily (the Party’s ing my own novels on-line since high attracted more than 20,000 singles. It looks good in theory. However, the official English newspaper) estimated an school,” says Regulus Zhang. “Some The parents were obviously the most real world is more complicated, espe- approximate 30 million, or 2.3% of the girls around my age, heterosexual and active participants compared to their cially for people in China. In the past, entire population. Homosexuality was homosexual, love reading them.” indifferent, nail-biting children— most getting married has been a must, rather not legal in China until 1997 (prior to In addition, discussion groups are cre- of them are surprised and perhaps a ated on QQ, the Chinese MSN, to reap- little bit overwhelmed by the scale of the propriate characters that are widely seen event. Though enjoyable for some, many on mainstream media. Between straight found themselves uncomfortable about characters, homoerotic elements can being objectified and commercialised, not be discerned by a pair of sharp eyes, or by others, but by their own parents. simply recreated by anyone who feels the Apparently, there is no place for gays need to fill the void of what they cannot and lesbians, because for the people of see in mainstream culture. contemporary China, they simply don’t So, the Internet becomes the place they exist. I can’t help but pity those children come out to their parents, the place they who are too afraid to come out, and queer the mainstream culture, the place their parents as well. Some of them are they fall in love. But still, thousands of deceived, some of them choose to be years of Confucian tradition (filial piety), blind about the issue, and others simply Daoism (ying/yang dichotomy), as well deny their existence. as the influence of Buddhism (empty “Many gays and lesbians follow their one’s desire to attain personal salvation) parents’ will. They get married, have is still constituting, perpetuating, and children, and establish a heterosexual even haunting generations after genera- family,” Jiwen Chen, a gay interior de- tions of Chinese. “Let’s hope something good will hap- signer, tells me. “See, I don’t know what Above and top: scenes from Shanghai Pride, 2009. Photo credit: Kris Krug via Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 will happen to me or the gay community pen to us when our parents’ generation in general, but heterosexual marriage is than an option. Producing an heir or a that gays and lesbians were put into pris- deceases and when we are the leading always an option for me, and indeed a helping hand, preferably a plump healthy on for their ‘hooliganism’), and in 2001, minds to influence society. Let’s just hope very good one.” boy, can grant both husband and wife homosexuality was officially removed that we will not become uptight and “But you’re not attracted to girls at all. higher status in the family. from the Ministry of Health’s list as a narrow-minded as our parents did at that What kind of a family is that?” I ask. Gen Y seem to have a whole differ- mental illness. However, the law on ho- time,” says Peter Shen. “You have to sacrifice your own happi- ent take in terms of family values and mosexuality produces more restrictions For the moment, members of the Chi- ness for the welfare of your parents who marriage, demonstrated when I meet than protections. An unofficial statement nese queer community are struggling to kindly fed you and brought you up,” Regulus Zhang, a lesbian student from summarises the government’s stance on have their existence recognised officially, Chen says. “They are going to lose face Xijiang Province in northwest China. homosexuality in China: the government so they can at least fight with identity if you happened to be deviant from the She is wearing black eyeliner and has is not to support, not to object, and not and dignity. However, it is destined to be norm. I don’t want to hurt them.” applied blood red colour on her lips to promote homosexuality. an exhausting battle. honisoit.com queerhoni21 The Stonewall Report

a message from the

evangelicalunion Just don’t give in to temptation and you’ll be fine. As a Christian, I was very glad to hear but thanks to Jesus’ love and twelve this year’s edition of the Homosexual weeks of reparative therapy, I’m back to changing the law will lead to. I mean, think they’re unnatural, sinful sodomites Agenda is open to submissions from non- shopping at Lowes, just like you could who could resist their sexy, sensual pets that should be outlawed. Get your facts deviants. I’ve decided to use this oppor- be too if you would just declare your if the law was changed? I sure couldn’t. straight. tunity to break up what I presume to be love for Jesus Christ! But not in that way It’s not discrimination for me to not I’m glad we finally had this opportu- 24 pages of back to back pornography, you filthy perverts. want to marry my dog! nity to have a frank and open discussion with a few words from our Lord Jesus H. Just think of the perks, like marriage. Speaking of which, these days every without you all shouting over me about Christ. Sure, there’s been attempts to destroy time I point out that homosexuals are “rights” and “equality”. I mean, why Unlike homosexuality, accepting Jesus marriage and include deviants, but every- trying to corrupt our children, or that even have the debate if you’re not going as your savior is not a choice. I ad- one knows the only person who can truly they’re causing natural disasters, they to consider the side that’s speaking the mit, even I’ve faltered at times, having define marriage is our King in heaven, jump on the homophobe wagon, and unquestionable truth? They don’t call browsed through the skinny jeans at his Holiness, Henry VIII. You might call I’m sick of it. I’m not a homophobe! I’ve our word the gospel for nothing, you Target in one of my weaker moments, it “homophobia”, but we know what got no problem with homosexuals, I just know.

The Midnight Shift with Felicity Fag-Hag Saturday night, LOL! So I’m at Nev- stairs. Conversation is somewhat dif- Into the shower next. He insists on ermind and it gets to about 4:30. My ficult due to the language barrier, but we washing my hair, and can I just put on G.B.F. and I are stumbling around on cope. We go up to his apartment, enter the record: it’s NOT SENSUAL, it’s just the df and this 40 year old lesbian goth his room where there are two bunk beds VERY AWKWARD. When daylight prop- approaches, points at some dude in the with one guy up on his laptop gaming. erly strikes he says I have to leave in case corner, and says: “Go ask his name”. OK WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO? his landlord catches him, so we go grab Helga, that sounds like a great idea. He takes me out on the balcony and a coffee nearby. He starts to stroke my Turns out he’s French and almost as it dawns on me that this is one of those face, stopping and asking when he can hard to understand as the lesbian goth. It places you see advertised on telegraph see me again. He asks for my number, also doesn’t help that we’re standing in poles. He brings a chair out and we strip so I get my eyeliner out and write it on front of a stack of speakers. Next thing off and get to business. his arm in a smooth move as I leave. I’m I have him up against the wall gyrating It’s alright, nothing special - although such an awesome sluzbag! with the vibrations of those same speak- we almost break a glass table when An hour later he’s already messaged ers, with my knee between his legs for he insists on slamming me up against me. “Hi Princess. So great meet you. You that little extra grind. it. Then we go back to his bunk bed beautiful and I’d love to see you more. I look back at my G.B.F to make sure (WTF?), but he’s not satisfied. He aggres- xx” (sic). Jesus Christ. A barrage of texts he’s alright - I see him and lesbian goth sively finger-bangs my vajayjay — kind and voicemail messages ensues, most of are deep in convo - whatevs. Fabrice and of like a horny teenager — and because which I don’t reply to. I take it to the couch until a muscly secu- of the language barrier I can’t get him to WHY CAN’T STRAIGHT MEN rity guard tells us the club is closed. slow down. Plus, Mr All-Night-Gamer is FUCK LIKE THE GAYS? DON’T GET I solemnly swear I am not compensating for We trek down the steep Nevermind still plugging away on the top bunk. SO ATTACHED YOU WEIRDO! my deep-seated fear of straight men.

Privilege and Politics with Queer Activist Quinn Hey peeps, this column has been mous. I convened a meeting of my Judith entitled to make decisions without first designated a safe space. I respectfully ask Butler study group last week to discuss considering my views. In order to ad- all homophobes/heterosexuals to please the issue and after several days’ worth dress this gross abuse of power, I will be refrain from assaulting it with their eyes of motions, amendments, and clarifica- spending the next few days attaching a as doing so would exponentially increase tions, we decided our discussion space progressive reading list to each edition of discrimination amongst queer-identifying would be sex-positive. A complete list of Queer Honi to ensure that submissions student journalists. I almost choked all the motions passed will be released as of minorities are read first. on my fair trade, soy, tofu-substitute, a Facebook note in early 2014 and the Now, I urge you all to take a minute gluten-free Panini last week when I heard editors better watch out because I’ll be to brace yourselves for the dramatic the editors of Queer Honi had decided tagging all of them. spike in homophobic violence that will this year’s edition would be non-autono- In the meantime, I would like to inevitably result from the publishing express my complete of heterosexual submissions alongside and utter disgust with queer-identifying ones. For years now, the editors’ despicable the autonomy of Queer Honi has af- display of their privilege. forded us some protection from the As a differently-abled, hate-filled aggression of heterosexuals, queer-identifying w*tr*, but the editors of this year’s edition have it is an affront to the ensured they are now all free to pick us queer community as a off one by one. whole that I was not My Judith Butler study group and I Judith Butler, revered by Sydney Uni queers. consulted on the matter. will be holding a pre-emptive vigil to Too often, voices like coincide with the Queer Honi launch to have just launched against us, come join mine are marginalized commemorate the many deaths that are us as we take a stand against the fascists by cis-gendered, white bound to occur. editing our death warrant and stay for a Tofu: the breakfast of champions and queer activists. males who feel they are As a result of the pogrom the editors drink with some cool peeps. 22queerhoni @honi_soit Puzzles QUEER QUIZ 1. What is the name of the lead female character in But I’m A Cheerleader? 2. Which was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage? 3. From which film did the main plot of this year’s Queer Revue take inspiration? 4. What year was SHADES founded? 5. Which was the last Australian state to decriminalize homosexuality? 6. How many people should be on the track at any one time in a game of roller derby? 7. The queer children’s book And Tango Makes Three is about a family of which animal? 8. What colour in the original design of the rainbow flag has been removed? 9. In which US city was the original Stonewall? 10: Four for you, Glenn Coco! 10. What is the name of Elton John’s husband? 7-9: How very queer of you! 4-6: Average to middling. 1-3: Cory Bernardi. Lesbians in their natural habitat: a game of Roller Derby. Queer Find-A-Word Left: Penny Wong (Credit: Penrith Sustainability Uni The names of 16 influential via Flickr), Below: LGBTQI Australians are Magda Szubanski hidden in this Find-A-Word. (Credit: Eva Can you spot them all? Rinaldi Celebrity BOB BROWN Photographer via PENNY WONG Flickr). RUBY ROSE MICHAEL KIRBY ALEX GREENWICH KERRYN PHELPS PORTIA DE ROSSI TOM BALLARD MOLLY MELDRUM ALAN JOYCE MAGDA SZUBANSKI JOSH THOMAS MATTHEW MITCHAM DAVID MARR RENAE STUBBS NATALIE COOK

Queer Maze

This is not Susie and Sarah’s cat.

Susie and Sarah have lost their cat! Help them get through the maze to find their beloved pet.

This one might be.

1. Megan 2. The Netherlands 3. Sister Act 4. 2010 5. Tasmania 6. Ten 7. Penguins 8. Pink 9. New York City 10. David Furnish Furnish David 10. City York New 9. Pink 8. Penguins 7. Ten 6. Tasmania 5. 2010 4. Act Sister 3. Netherlands The 2. Megan 1. Quiz Queer Answers: Honi Soit Opinion competition 2012

v AWARDS NIGHT Join us at the Verge Gallery at 6pm on Monday 8 October to award the winners of the 2012 Opinion Competition. Free drinks and food! With special guest Joe Hildebrand.