Michaelmas term
This term: Politics in Focus
Also inside this issue:
Pride Season special from London and Amsterdam
Shamanism
Special creative writing section ...and lots more
[no definition] michaelmas 2006
Contents
Such to everyone’s profound disbelief I’ve managed to do it again, albeit late, and produced another magazine! What was supposed to be the michaelmas edition is now the lent edition. Thanks to everyone who sent letters and emails praising or giving feedback on the Easter issue, they were all appreciated. This term [no definition] gets political and focuses on the political agenda for the LBGT community, we also have a special section on the pride season gone by just to make everyone glad that they are back in Cambridge. Once again, do not hesitate to email if you there is something you want to raise or get off your chest. Have a good year. Ed-
Editor’s Shout- POLITICS IN FOCUS Page 2 PART I: Gay rights brought home I question whether politics is a relevant force in our lives or is it all Page 5 about old men chucking abuse at one Paul Reynolds looks at the fact whilst gay people are le- another. gally protected against discrimination, our protection is still at the discretion of our judges.
PART II: Blair and Kelly “Labels are for Page 9 filing. Adam Pogonowski argues passionately how Blair is eat- Labels are for ing up our rights and how Ruth Kelly is polishing off the remains. clothing. Labels are not for PART III: The Great BNP scandal people.” Page 11 James Lark takes a light-hearted looks at the potential -Martina homosexuals amongst the ranks of the British National Navratilova Party.
Also in this issue…. [ND] DOES PRIDE 2006 President’s Shout: Page 3 CUSU LBGT President, Colin Ferguson, keeps us all Pages 15 to 20 up-to-date on the goings-on in the exec We take a special look at the pride events this season in Brighton and Letters to the editor: Page 4 Amsterdam Including a letter from the guys at Loughborough
The Cambridge Prowler: Page 12 We kidnap two freshers who shed light on their ex- periences in Cambridge so far. Creative writing corner– Special Feature: Shamanism Page 13 poetry special A selection of finalists reminisce over their Page 21 time in Cambridge. Sophie Horner, Georgina Milne and Porsha get lyrical for our special poetry section
The views expressed in [no definition] do not necessarily represent the views of CUSU LBGT, contributors do so out of their own good will retaining any rights and jurisdiction over their articles. CUSU LBGT is an autonomous campaign of the Cambridge University Student’s Union. [no definition] michaelmas 2006
Politics… bah humbug! Love it or loathe it there is no getting away from it.
I am apolitical. Apathetic to- term partner? Why may I be wards politics. I would like to discriminated against by insur- think of myself as a free- ance companies, prospective thinking, non-conforming, re- employers and public services sponsibly-acting, non- just on the grounds of my sexu- persuadable individual who is ality? And I arrive at the same unaroused by the rigidity, bick- realisation that our friend Mike ering and back-stabbing that in the advert arrives at. Politics. party politics only has to offer me. So whilst I care about all of these In fact, thinking about it issues, and the wider issues fac- now, my political views cut ing society at large, I remain sat Andrews: Serious about politics across so many party lines that on my backside simply bitching come election time I would have about how I don’t like the status more coloured ribbons hanging quo and in doing so contribute from me than a Gay Pride pa- to the mindset of 40% of our rade. Whilst I can be easily “My political views cut population that didn’t vote in tempted to dip my toes into the the 2005 election. Of course across so many party shindigs of university political there isn’t going to be one party associations (dearest Julia Beck lines, I would have tailored to my myriad beliefs at least deserves a mention here), more coloured ribbons (gosh this isn’t Germany) but my views are something per- my outright refusal to acknowl- sonal to me that can neither be hanging from me than edge the wider structures that bought nor bargained for in an a Gay Pride parade.” are shaping how I live my life, attempt to give a bunch of not just as a gay man in the UK, jumped-up idiots a fat pay but as a citizen of this country packet just to throw abuse at means that I’m in no position to each other as though the Palace stand up against any injustice of Westminster was a school n't “do politics”, Tom takes him that I may experience. Who is playground. No way am I going up on his word, stopping him most at fault here? The people to enter into any kind of booth if from complaining about every- who push oppressive legislation all I’m expecting is merely a thing from the price of alcohol to through Parliament? Or people piece of paper with the names of the time the pub closes to the like me and our ineptitude in old men on it. state of the streets when they wanting to do anything about it? However, when I start walk back home. As conversa- In the wise words of Plato, “The going off on one like now (and tion quickly dries up, Mike real- price of apathy towards public trust me I’ve slimmed that last ises that politics affects almost affairs is to be ruled by evil paragraph down five times al- every aspect of his life, and that men.” ready) I sometimes recall an ad- perhaps he does “do politics” [nd] vertisement that appears around after all. election time which soon shuts Then I imagine a similar me up. In this advert, two ordi- situation where I assume Mike‘s nary looking friends, Tom and position. I start complaining. Mike, start a conversation in an Why is homophobia not tackled ordinary looking pub. But when in our schools? Why am I pre- Mike adamantly states he does- vented from marrying my long- Editor
2 [no definition] easter 2006
with the Freshers' Barbeque, apparent decision to water which was arranged in conjunc- down gay rights legislation. tion with Suzy Milburn, New Emma has been hosting the Hall Rep. The barbeque was weekly women’s coffee meet- well-attended and provided a ing at Clowns, which compli- relaxed setting for Freshers to ments Rob's Sunday Social. I meet each other, with the incen- know Rob is always looking tive of free food and drink! Our for new ideas for Sunday So- other main event was the Pre- cial, so if you’d like to suggest cious launch night with pre- an event, just give him a drinks at the Fountain Inn. shout ([email protected]). Since the last issue of No Defini- There were around 180 people at The Exec's focus at tion there have been some the Fountain and as I'm sure you the moment is on organising pretty significant changes to the all know, Precious was abso- Awareness Week, which aims CUSU LBGT Exec: I took over lutely packed! to promote understanding of the Presidency in Easter term All of the Exec have LBGT issues. There will be a and it was decided at Open been pretty busy since the start huge range of events includ- Meeting that the Chair and I of term with campaign business. ing: a launch party, film should run the campaign as an Rob Field, Socials & Welfare Of- screenings and guest speak- equal coalition. Unfortunately, ficer and I have been running a ers. If you have any sugges- we had to say goodbye to our support group in conjunction St tions that you'd like us to take Computing Officer, Mike Hor- Edward's Church for anyone on board, please feel free to ridge and Reps Co-ordinator, reconciling their sexuality with get in touch. Ingrid Nielsen, both of whom their religion. Meanwhile, Carol graduated at the end of last Johnson who used to share the I hope you’ve all had a great year, and Kate Setterfield, Grad post has recently taken on Michaelmas Term especially Women's Officer who is on her the role independently; she has if it's your first term in Cam- year abroad. Since then, Alex organised grad drinks, which bridge! Hopefully I will see Wilshaw, Communications Offi- will be followed by a grad for- many of you at the next Open cer has been covering the com- mal later in the term. No doubt Meeting on Friday 24th No- puting role and we are very you will have bumped into our vember, where you will have pleased to welcome Jasper Ents Officers, Noel Cochrane the opportunity to tell the Adamson as our new Reps Co- and James Trafford who con- Exec what you want them to ordinator. Jasper hopes to pro- tinue to work with Precious to do for you. In the meantime, mote interaction between Col- promote and run the weekly drop me any email you have lege Reps and will be in touch club night at Club22. Josh Rob- any questions or suggestions. with them soon to organise inson, Campaigns Officer has some events. been penning quite a few letters [nd] CUSU LBGT has seen a on our behalf, one which urges Col fantastic beginning to the year the government to reconsider its President 2006 CUSU LBGT Exec Members 2006-2007 President: Col Ferguson [email protected] Chair: James Campbell [email protected] Secretary: Alex Wilshaw [email protected] Treasurer: Kaur Adamson [email protected] Welfare: Rob Field [email protected] Reps co-ordinator: Jasper Adamson [email protected] Ents officers: James Trafford and Noel Cochrane [email protected] Grad rep: Carol Johnston [email protected] Womens officer: Emma Murphy [email protected] Socials: Rob Field [email protected] [no definition] editor: Luke Andrews [email protected] 3 [no definition] easter 2006 [no definition] easter 2006
Cross campus
I’ve been reading your website and looking As any University which is predominantly male, through the fantastic work that you’ve been doing and especially being a sports and engineering insti- at CUSU, and it is great to see other Student Union tution, the macho attitudes can create an almost bodies taking LGBT representation as seriously as impermeable wall of silence around LGBT topics, as we do here at Loughborough Students’ Union. students are afraid to ‘come out’ due fear of a loss of respect from peers. Our challenge has been to shat- As an integral body of Loughborough Students’ ter illusions about the LGBT community, encourage Union, we’re committed to working in three broad debate and show that the LGBT community is an areas: socials, welfare and campaigning. We recog- inclusive one and my Association is freely accessible nise that, like everyone else in society, the people by anyone that wants or needs its help and services. of the LGBT community have varying needs and With this in mind we’ll be holding a major “Out in tastes and so we try to make sure that everyone Sport” event in March 2007, with serious (and fun!) can be involved – from using our confidential sports which we hope will help remove the “gays “drop-in” service to going on socials to G-A-Y and can’t do sports” myth; all of you at Cambridge are the Nightingale - and everything else we offer that more than welcome to join in! sits somewhere in between the two. I’m proud of the work that my committee have done Loughborough can be a complex place to work as here in Loughborough in helping to shape the a Union as it also contains two Further Education LLGBTA into the active organisation it is today – colleges. Our efforts to involve the constituent col- make sure you at CUSU continue to support your leges and our refusal to be left on the side-lines of LBGT group, and get involved! the colleges has led to us being named the NUS’s Further Education LGBT Society of the Year 2006. Babak Erfani We’ve even got our first Committee Officer from Chair, the RNIB College this year, which has improved Loughborough Students’ LGBT Association relations with the colleges significantly. www.lufbra.net/llgbta [email protected]
Dear Sir, Dear Editor,
How far is anti-discrimination discriminatory? Fantastic magazine last term. The facelift and revised content was exactly what Recently I received a careers guide from my college LBGT offi- Cambridge students should be putting cer that had been published by Stonewall and Credit Suisse and out there. was aimed at gay men such as myself who were looking for possible careers in the big wide world. While on first impres- May we continue to see more of the same. sions I found this to be a worthy and positive publication, it began to dawn on me how many companies in this guide were Regards, attempting to play on the fears of LBGT people in order to en- JF tice them into the corporate machine. The promises of ‘a toler- ant environment’, ‘friendly workplaces’ and ‘recruitment with- out bias’ that were littering this guide became tiresome as though all other companies would be intolerant, unfriendly and biased. After a while and I started asking myself, surely ALL Any chance of more pictures like those employers should be proud of this and working towards such on the front cover of the last magazine? goals and not just using it as a recruitment ploy. I question how far companies will exploit this situation for their image and Hugs, gain. Will we get to the stage where quotas are brought in for Undisclosed numbers of LBGT people in a company and have companies competing with each other? Whilst this would certain advan- tage you and I we ought to think about how sincere this motives are. Comments on articles in this issue, pressing opinions about cur- rent affairs, a general whinge Yours. Send all your letters to [email protected] DFP.
4 [no definition] michaelmas 2006 Gay Rights Brought Home? Our Judges and Our Freedom
Paul Reynolds
had blocked any chance of effec- tive judicial probing by putting The past decade has been an ex- in place the legal brick wall of citing time for gay rights; gay ‘national security.’ men and women can form legal Eventually these soldiers partnerships, they can consent to brought the case to Europe, sex at the same age as their where European judges pointed straight peers, and they can go out the complete fallacy of the and fight in Iraq. Much progress so-called security considerations. has been made, yet a gay man In its considered opinion the and a straight man are still European Court of Human placed in markedly different le- Rights found that the service of gal divisions. In 1998 the passage straight soldiers would not be of the Human Rights Act (HRA) undermined by the dishonour of heralded a potentially weighty having to work alongside gay gay couple had cohabited in a addition to the arsenal of those people, as the MOD had effec- rented flat for many years until who seek a levelling of the play- tively suggested. That the Minis- one of them died. The deceased ing field. How effective it would try’s crude, almost schoolboy, was, however, the sole regis- be would depend on the judges homophobic discrimination tered tenant of the flat. This who were entrusted with this sailed through the English courts potentially meant that his part- new power. As the Act begins to unscathed with its lunacy only ner would be evicted from his settle into place the question is being uncovered on appeal in home and be denied any claim ‘Have our judges delivered?’ to the tenancy. However, the Rent Act 1977 ensures that this The Bad Old Days “As the Act begins does not happen for long-term straight couples (married or In 1995 three men and one to settle into place not): it protects the partner of a woman were dishonourably dis- the question is tenant, demanding only that charged from the Armed Forces. the couple ‘were living as hus- That they had impeccable service ‘Have our judges band and wife’. The question records and showed sincere delivered?’” was whether two gay men dedication to their country was could really be considered to not in question; the problem was be living as husband and wife, that they were gay. Led by the Europe definitively shows how if not, then they would be de- chief applicant, Mr. Smith, the gay rights resided abroad. This nied those rights enjoyed by group took their case to the sort of inequality is what the their straight counterparts. Court of Appeal to challenge this HRA can tackle. The decision of the overt discrimination. The Gov- House of Lords (the most sen- ernment (very helpfully) ac- The Potential for Change ior court in the UK) made clear knowledged that it was indeed the potential of the HRA as it violating fundamental human If the past is of a helpless and stated that there was no sensi- rights but claimed that this was weak judiciary unable to defend ble reason to discriminate absolutely necessary ‘in the in- gay rights, what is the present against gay people in this con- terests of national security’. The and future? The recent case of text. The majority of the court judiciary were clearly uncon- Ghadian v. Godin-Mendoza explicitly recognised that the vinced by this, but all they could (2004), decided with the new love, affection and long-term do was to shrug their shoulders HRA in force, presents a wel- commitment which typifies a and step aside; the Government come glimmer of hope. Here, a marriage can exist in both gay
5 [no definition] michaelmas 2006 and straight partnerships. Having No discussion of the judici- wife in the sanctity of ‘the matrimo- done this the judges then proac- ary’s attitude towards gay equality nial home’. The judge, however, tively deployed the powers granted had to show how this case was dif- by the HRA and ensured equality ferent from Brown in its relevant for the claimant. “A man cannot have facts. On this point he failed en- Yet venerated human rights a husband and a tirely, indeed one’s overriding im- lawyer, Professor Wintemute, is not pression is that of a man grasping at overjoyed at this conclusion. He woman cannot have straws. Truly the only discernable points out that the British Judiciary a wife.” difference is that pointed out by was simply following a recent Euro- legal academic Paul Roberts: in pean case and so they were bound Brown the sex involved gay men, in to come to the conclusion they did. would be worthwhile without con- Wilson it involved a man and wife. Wintemute is right to postpone the sidering two quite stunning crimi- The married couple’s privacy was festivities because even with this nal cases. The first is Brown, a case upheld and the gay men were European guidance Lord Millett, in which a group of consenting gay criminalised. one of our most senior judges, re- men had performed sadomasochis- Brown and Wilson are both fused to accept that two men could tic acts. This led to minor, non- pre-HRA but they sadly are not live as husband and wife. In a hospitalising injuries. The authori- cases from far back in the archives. speech laden with what are hope- ties became aware of these activi- The problem with the Human fully long outdated beliefs he de- ties and prosecuted, the case end- Rights Act is that it is only as good clares that the phrases ‘his husband’ ing up in the House of Lords. The as those judges who apply it. The and ‘her wife’ are, socially, ‘a non- question to be answered was judges who decided those cases are sense…a man cannot have a hus- whether or not someone may law- amongst the judges to whom the band and a woman cannot have a fully consent to an injury during potentially great tool of the HRA wife.’ It is hoped that no gay person sex (as one can consent during, for has been given. ever finds himself relying upon example, a boxing match). Our sen- Lord Millet to uphold his basic hu- ior judges decided that these men Hopes Dashed? man rights, for his prospects of suc- could not consent and, with fa- cess will not be healthy. mously flimsy and almost univer- After the highs of 2004 have come sally criticised reasoning, found the lows of 2006. Two key gay The Hurdle them guilty of several assault rights cases this year do little to en- charges, and did so with thinly- courage optimism for those who As the majority decision in Ghaidan veiled disgust and with much le- wish sexuality to be irrelevant when shows, the HRA can lead to in- gally unnecessary moralising. determining legal protection. creased gay equality and Professor One might be able to stom- Wintemute does suggest that it is ach the decision in Brown if it were First is the very recent case of Wil- gay people who will benefit most not for the decision in Wilson kinson, which highlights how the from the Act - yet such hopes will which followed. In this case a hus- judiciary may limit the HRA. Here a only be realised if the judiciary is band, acting under his wife’s in- lesbian couple who were validly actually prepared to allow the reali- structions, branded his initials on married in Canada applied for that sation of such equality. Lord Mil- his wife’s buttocks using a red-hot marriage to be recognised in the UK let’s speech demonstrates how it poker. The wife suffered serious (as any marriage lawfully con- cannot be assumed that such a pro- scarring and had to be admitted to ducted abroad is). The judge ruled gressive attitude is a given. hospital. The case made it to the that English law rejected their mar- Court of Appeal where riage and would only consider them the senior judge was to be civil partners; a title which just as disgusted as undoubtedly has much less reso- those in Brown. He was nance, as well as slightly different disgusted however, not rights. In explaining his decision the at Wilson’s recreational judge strays into what Peter activities, but that any- Tatchell describes as reasoning wor- one would dare prose- thy of ‘Christian fundamentalists of cute a husband for what the rightwing Evangelical Alliance.’ he gets up to with his He talks of the need to preserve
6 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
that this violated the HRA she “With the HRA the was blithely waved away with As stated at the outset, it is clear legal gap between the astonishing explanation to see that gay rights have come that homosexual relationships an incredibly long way in the gay and straight do not fall within the protection last ten years, and with the HRA of the HRA and so the UK had the legal gap between gay and can be narrowed” the right to discriminate if it so straight can be narrowed. How- chose to. This case passed by a ever, the reality is that this can- strong majority, the only voice not be done without the judici- marriage, that ‘ age-old institu- in disagreement being that of ary’s co-operation. They must tion’, and ensure that it remains (the mighty and, it is submit- return to the progressive days of both ‘respected and respect- ted, all round fantastic) Baron- Ghaidan, rather than continuing able’. The inference is unavoid- ess Hale, who pointed out that along their current unhappy able: open marriage up to gay there can be no lawful discrimi- path of narrow interpretation people and it will become tar- nation without adequate justifi- and denial of freedoms. It is vi- nished. cation. The only rationale she tal that our judges get on side, could see here was ‘the histori- and quick, otherwise the great This case has been unhappily cal discrimination which has opportunity presented by the coupled with the second gay existed between homosexuals HRA will have been wasted. rights regression of this year. In and heterosexuals’ in the law. the case of M v. Secretary of Her Ladyship was not con- Thanks to Professor Wintemute, King’s College London, for his guidance. State, the courts held that it was vinced that the fact that gays acceptable for M, a lesbian liv- have long endured discrimina- [nd] ing with another woman, to tion was tantamount to a con- have to pay more child support vincing justification for the con- than she would if she lived tinuation of such discrimina- with a man. When she claimed tion.
Any comments on this or any other article? Think you can write better and want to contribute? Email us, [email protected]
7 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
8 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
How Blair is eroding our human rights ... and not just those of gays. Adam Pogonowski
Blair’s Whatever the rumour, homo- And what of Blair and “baby”, the sexual couples are just as capa- his human rights tendencies? Human ble of bringing children up as Personally, he is preferable Rights Act, heterosexual couples are. Such when compared to the old- statements about the danger- guard Tories, (so one thing to be came into force on October ousness of homosexual child- thankful for), but his commit- 2nd 2000, incorporating the rearing are pure discrimination, ments to the HRA are looking European Convention on lacking in the way of empirical more and more dubious as one Human Rights into English evidence and the new legisla- experiences more of his govern- law. As his baby, one would tion would curb such arbitrary ance – something quite off- expect the Human Rights prejudice. putting for a believer in the im- Act (HRA) to be cradled The legislation would portance of human rights. Three gently in Daddy Blair’s also disallow schools (faith examples should be ample evi- arms; nurtured and cared schools are the prime perpetra- dence of his actions, which have for, be given a chance to ma- removed vital rights from peo- ple. Firstly, The Terrorism Acts – ture and develop into a bed- “These rights holding suspects without trial rock of legal rights protec- matter. They don’t for lengths of time that are ever tion. The reality is not quite just matter to on the increase. The detention of so perfect. around 3.5 million an arrested person normally Whilst certain rights gay folk in the UK lasts for a 36 hour period, how- improved, the latest infuriating but they should ever, in 2000 the Blairite regime act (in a series) has been Blair’s matter to everyone” introduced Terrorism Act num- backing of the decision of Ruth ber one – a seven day holding Kelly, Communities Secretary, period, without trial (for terror- to delay the implementation of ist related offences). Not satis- a vital piece of legislation that tors of this) from saying: “No fied with this, the Criminal Jus- would accord more rights to entry to this school; you’re a tice Act 2003 doubled this to 14 homosexuals. In an article in gay”. This is a crucial aspect of days of detention without trial. the Observer (October 15th the legislation attempting to Then, I am sure we will all re- 2006) Blair is described as hav- tackle discrimination at school. call, the controversy over Blair’s ing given full backing to Kelly, Surely this is the best place to want to hold terror suspects for who is allegedly working on start to tackle institutionalised 90 days without trial; a ‘want’ the integration of, as well as homophobia? That is of course, tolerance for, all persons in unless you are, like Ms. Kelly, a communities across the UK. devout Catholic. Perhaps Kelly Not only would the is able to disentangle her poli- legislation do such things as tics and her religious convic- allow homosexual couples to tion? She has abstained from share bedrooms in hotels that nearly every (if not all) votes discriminate against such per- concerning gay legislation sons, but lesbian couples would working its way through Par- be able to have IVF treatment, liament since 1997. A shocking where in some places they are fact, and a good indicator that barred from treatment because Kelly is no more committed to of their sexuality. Perhaps a gay rights than Bush is commit- view of some of society is that ted to letting the illegally de- homosexual couples are too tained prisoners of Guan- Kelly: Leading the offensive dangerous to have children. tanamo Bay out. against gay rights?
9 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
that was supported vehemently by of repeal – unsurprisingly from the Thirdly and finally is the The Sun, creating headlines such Tories – and one only dreads what fundamental issue here: gay rights. as: “Traitors” (to the parliamentari- UKIP would do with it. It is probable Blair’s commitment to rights is all ans who voted against the pro- that the Courts would not allow such the more dubious over his backing posed legislation). Having been alterations, and likely that Parlia- of Kelly. Their stance on this issue defeated on this, the 2006 Terrorism ment would not give its assent to is incredible – as Education Secre- Act came into force with a holding them. tary Alan Johnson has angrily period of 28 days without trial. A Did you know, one can not pointed out – and against all as- whole month of a life gone; in lots protest within a square mile of Par- pects of tolerance and equality. But of cases for no legitimate reason liament? The pinnacle of democracy these rights matter. They should whatsoever. This is bad enough on and one can not protest there - to not just matter to around the 3.6 its own, but when one thinks of safeguard the government, of course. million gay folk in the UK, but to how much liberty is deprived from Is terrorism anymore prevalent everybody: in a society where Blair merely “suspected” terrorists by nowadays than it ever has been? advocates pluralism, tolerance and control orders one is further There is certainly more reporting diversity; where we wish to en- shocked and saddened at rights- and awareness, but is there actually courage social interaction, lose erosion. Is this Blair’s Guan- a major increase? For some reason prejudice and discrimination; peo- tanamo? we are experiencing a full-scale ero- ple should care and stand up for Then of course, Blair sion of our rights which only be- those rights that are little by little wanted to “alter” the HRA. The comes obvious when looking sinking into the abyss. most crucial piece of legislation this through the copious statute books – country has seen for more than a something that the ‘ordinary man on [nd] century and he wishes simply to the Clapham Omnibus’ (to use a legal “alter” it. There has even been talk maxim) would not do.
Does this get you rushing to put pen to paper? Then we want to hear from you
Real life stories? Poetry? Reviews? Satire? Photography? [no definition] is always on the look out
10 [no definition] michaelmas 2006 The big BNP scandal James Lark discovers that there’s more to the British Na- tional party than meets the eye.
Most of us ing use of sailors’ outfits, al- it’s just about saying what people who con- though these feature in the film want to hear. And finally, at long sider ourselves rational and less than might be imagined due last, the BNP are doing this for a politically aware tend to write to the brisk narrative which sees broader spectrum of people than off the British National Party as two such nautically-costumed the ignorant, racist portion of so- a bunch of unimaginative, nar- characters ripping off each oth- ciety. No more are they saying row-minded, racist homo- ers’ clothes and, in what is pre- “out with the darkies and let’s sumably an artful piece of cine- keep our race pure”; now, they phobes. matography, fondling each other are proudly declaring “bring on
the erotic gay Marxist films, we’re Prepare to change your views. hard as rusting trucks and slag!” Because Richard Barnbrook, star We all know how the of the BNP back at the start of “Why would Richard film world works. Mel Gibson May when he won eleven council made “The Passion of the Christ” seats in the borough of Barking Barnbrook make a because he is a Catholic. Steven and Dagenham, has set out to Marxist homosexual Spielburg made “Schindler’s List” prove everyone wrong about the film? because he is a Jew. Tom Cruise values he stands for. It was re- …. because he is a made “Mission Impossible 3” vealed no more than a week after Marxist because he enjoys senselessly ad- his victory that, amongst his miring his own face. Why would (surely numerous) achievements, homosexual.” Richard Barnbrook make a Marx- Barnbrook at one time delved ist homosexual film? The answer into the world of arthouse Marx- is very, very simple: because he is ist gay erotica. and splashing around in a river a Marxist homosexual. Let’s re- Well, I should point out together. member that this was back in that he had actually kept mod- Barnbrook’s own literary 1989, before “Brokeback Moun- estly quiet about this achieve- contribution to the film is evident tain” made it pretty much obliga- ment, but thankfully we now all in the sheer poetry of the script tory to have a gay subplot in know better thanks to Search- itself. “It bares you like a fore- every film. Barnbrook was light, an anti-fascist organisation, skin’s folds,” one of the charac- bravely expressing his own glori- who leaked the story and by do- ters declares, “you will make ous Marxist gayness – and good ing so ripped the lid off the myth yourself a beauty, hard as rusting for him! that the BNP are all right-wing trucks and slag.” Gay poetry un- In a way, his inclinations alpha-males. At last, we have a rivalled even by the great W H should have been obvious even BNP candidate who openly dem- Auden. Clearly, this is a great, without the film. It’s an estab- onstrates a love for a man in a great piece of cinema. And it is to lished fact that the biggest homo- sailor suit . be welcomed. By embracing gay phobes (of which the ranks of the Not only is it refreshing Marxist porn, the BNP has finally BNP must surely number) are all to hear that a man we had as- made itself a legitimate party, repressed homosexuals them- sumed to be bigoted and rather and one that we should be more selves. Barnbrook himself re- repulsive has shown such a than happy to vote for. mained pretty silent on the sub- broad-minded view towards gay It may strike some as a ject. Cynics will suggest that this socialism, it’s also a great relief to bit of a U-turn – but no more is because he was too busy kick- see such creativity in a party than Labour’s adoption of Con- ing the shit out of some gay which has, both creatively and servative values in the late 90s. Marxists to salve his nationalist, politically, seemed so stuck in a And let’s face it, since that time sexually repressed conscience. rut. For Barnbrook’s masterwork there has been a gap in the mar- But surely we should give him doesn’t sound like any run-of- ket for parties with Marxist val- the benefit of the doubt and as- the-mill porn flick – it sounds ues. Opportunistic it may be, but sume that it’s because he was too like a work of genius. we all know that politics now is busy giving head. The film has been de- not about remaining true to a set [nd] scribed as avant-garde in its dar- of values, or even to promises – 11 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
The Cambridge Prowler is a spotlight on the LBGT community of Cambridge tracking down the latest gossip and issues from across the city. This term we pull a few freshers off the streets and interrogate them about their first weeks..
Name: Joe Upward College: Queens’ “I’ve just been Subject : Law Age: 19 shopping and spent all my loan How much of freshers’ week do on clothes and ] you remember and what were the [ shoes.” highlights? A surprisingly large amount, I’m quite disappointed! Highlights in- clude the pj pub crawl and wandering through the Name: Josie Fielding foyer of a hotel by mistake and casually remarking College: Sidney Sussex what a nice day it was to a rather perplexed recep- Subject : Medicine tionist. Age: 18 What is the most indispensable object in your So, freshers’ week is over and the hell-ish room and why? stuff has started. How much of freshers’ My GHDs without a doubt! You can straighten week do you remember and what were the with them, iron with them and even trade use of highlights? them for someone making a trip to the porters’ Worryingly I remember all of it! lodge when you’ve managed to lock yourself out of your bedroom at 1 in the morning wearing nothing Has your college made you feel settled and but a dressing gown and a whistle! comfortable in your new environment? Emphatically yes. Sidney is fantastic. Al- What was the first thing you told your parents though, it is alarming how fast gossip travels. when they called/you called them? “I’ve just been shopping and spent all my student What is the most indispensable object in loan on clothes and shoes” just to judge their reac- your room and why? tion! My kettle. For hot chocolate, of course – the elixir of life (apart from alcohol). Out of 10 rate your impressions of the guys in our fine university. Describe how you were looking for your Probably 7 but 10.5 after a few drinks! Nah there matriculation photograph. are some pretty fit guys here who have personali- Flustered – since I arrived late…that was a ties and something interesting to say which is a first good start… for me although then again there are a few slightly odd characters so a couple of points have to come Out of 10 rate your impressions of the girls/ off for that! guys in our fine university. Better than Oxford! The scene is better, or at If [no definition] was going to track you down on least what I’ve seen so far. (I come from the eve of graduation how would you like to have there, I’m not just subscribing to the Ox- changed? bridge rivalry ). I would have liked to have grown 2 inches, mas- tered the art of eating with chop- “When I leave Cambridge I want to sticks and become a nicer go down in university history person who has the ability to for…..” ‘impart wisdom’ – I’ve al- Cooking gourmet meals for everyone ways wanted to do that! and baking fabulous cakes all the time in spite of having only a Baby Belling “When I leave Cambridge I and two hobs to do it with. [ ] want to go down in univer- sity history for…..” Making the best cocktails in the world as well as being a pretty good guy (although I’d settle for going down as just plain pretty :- p ). {nd] 12 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
SHAMINISM: How the attitude towards gender has never been as clear-cut through history. By Porsha
In the few years since I came out if their own religion forbids such compulsory in certain situations. to the world as being transsex- behaviour – although most people In Korea, almost every shaman is ual, I have been confronted with who say this don’t know exactly female. In Korean shamanism, numerous arguments as to ex- where or how this happens. It’s eas- males are permitted to become actly why who and what I am is ier to spout other people’s research shamans, but in doing so they an aberration. Those people who than do any oneself, after all. How- need to suspend their male iden- have homosexuality as an inher- ever, not every religion condemns tity, and as such they are ex- transgenderism. Indeed, some of pected to act and dress as ent part of their personality re- them actively promote such activi- women. ceive their fair share of abuse ties. Take shamanism for example. This is not an un- even in today’s supposedly toler- While not a religion per se, sha- precedented example. While the ant climate. In the eyes of the manic practice is the oldest known Siberian shamans are highly bigots, I have taken one step form of spirituality on the planet, masculine at first glance, the even further, and have denied and is spread right across the globe. Siberian shamanic costume often that my flesh is properly ori- As the unifying form of religion that displays a number of female ented, never mind my emotions gave rise to identifiable practices in symbols. This is taken to its logi- or sexual preferences. Argu- almost every other religion, it may cal extreme by the Chukchi tribe ments such as being ‘against na- in the North-Eastern ranges of ture’ and ‘against God’ are easy “In shamanic cultures Siberia, who dress like the fe- to find. Dipping into the popular male spirits they work with, per- media every week is all it takes the prevailing attitude form female duties in their do- to uncover such opinions on towards sexuality and mestic life, and even speak the those who dare to be anything language that is traditionally but resolutely heterosexual. Lets gender is suspended so used by women. That the face it, despite the work of equal the shaman can women have a totally separate rights and tolerance organisa- language of their own shows tions, the flavour of the day is function properly” that the differences between the sexes in that community are con- still vanilla. siderable, and this makes the These arguments stick well be the great-grandparent of shamanic transvestites all the in my craw, as they would with every other spiritual path. more remarkable. The logic be- anyone else who is the target of Shamanism often re- hind it is that the cross-dressing these comments. I do believe that quires the practitioner to behave in symbolises the marriage of the everyone is entitled to their opin- a manner that is considered to be shaman to a female spirit, so he ion, but with a specific condition: unacceptable to other people. Sha- in effect spiritually becomes one the opinion should be well in- mans know that conventional rules with the female entity. formed. In the case of those who do not apply to them; they are ex- There are other exam- condemn my transexuality on reli- pected to do what is necessary, not ples. While the actual act of be- gious grounds, I have decided that what is comfortable. They exist ing a transvestite may not be enough is enough. It is time to take solely to protect their people, even prominent in their culture, Alas- a stand. I find it hard enough to at the expense of their own life, kan Inuit shamans do perform keep my trap shut most of the time comfort, or the social conventions of distinctly feminine rites, includ- as it is, and this sort of provocation their community. In shamanic cul- ing giving birth. Physically, this has forced me to drag out my tures the prevailing attitude to- is impossible, but the rite is en- soapbox. Please notice how well I wards sexuality and gender is sus- acted so completely that it is not stand on it. As a tranny I take pended so the shaman can function unknown for the shaman to ex- some pride in my poise and grace, properly. There are communities perience the rigours of child- thank you so very much. where transvestitism is not only birth, including a quantity of I can understand why tolerated in shamans, but is actually people might attack transexuality 11 13 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
but unlike the berdache class, who Female priests did exist, but male displayed a degree of spiritual Isis priests would go so far as to power, these men were treated as practice self-castration so that their cowards, and shown nothing but role in such rites would be permissi- contempt. ble. Another excellent example It is not unusual to find of the transvestite shaman is found in such examples in shamanic culture. Scandinavian culture. According to The energies of the world tend to be the myths of the Norse people, the broken down into masculine and goddess Freyja brought magic from feminine. Such division of the world her own people, the Vanir, and is a concept that comes from almost taught it to the Aesir (the other fam- every culture. In order to properly ily of Norse deities). However, this manipulate the energies of the magic (known as seidr or galdr) was world, a shaman has to be fully at- a feminine form of energy only asso- tuned to both. Unless a tribe has spe- We'wha (1849-96), a Zuni berdache, lived in ciated with women. In order to per- cific male shamans and female sha- New Mexico. He is shown holding a ritual form seidr magic, a male would have mans for individual energy types vessel, dressed in women's clothing. to dress as a woman. Odin, deter- (which is not unheard of) then a sin- mined to learn the magic, does actu- gle shaman needs to be able to blood being produced from the sha- ally dress as a woman to do so. His switch gender roles, spiritually man's genitals. counterparts find his cross-dressing speaking, or become a combination North American Indians amusing, but on seeing that his ac- of both. had a long-standing tradition of tions have granted him access to the So how does this influ- transvestite behaviour. The term for seidr magic, the amusement is re- ence my attitude towards those who this is berdache, and these individuals placed by understanding and respect. call me a freak for wanting to rid would adopt the female role, in ac- In the Norse shamanic tradition, it myself of my masculine body and cordance with social conventions. became not only acceptable but nec- live life as a woman? It certainly re- Unlike the modern attitude towards essary for shamans to dress as assures me that I am not completely transgenderism, a berdache was very women if they wished to perform insane. If we consider the world in well respected. They did not adopt ritual magic that was associated with chronological terms, most modern the female role due to any personal seidr. religions are still in their infancy, preference. A berdache would be in- There are yet more exam- especially when compared to sha- structed to adopt the role during a ples. Ancient Egyptian manic practices that are fasting vision quest, which was one priests performed a num- measured in tens of thou- of the rites of passage required to ber of different practices “If we consider the sands of years. Cave draw- attain full manhood. A berdache was that resulted in their ap- world in ings from humanity’s very required to follow the instructions to pearing more feminine. A earliest recorded history chronological terms, become female, or it was though that priest would have to bathe depict shamanic rituals that the spirit of the Moon would strike several times a day, and most modern are still identifiable today. them dead. Becoming a berdache was also shave all the hair off religions are still in Spiritually speaking, it has not such a bad thing, however. They their bodies. Neither of been acceptable and even had considerable powers of proph- these acts were gender- their infancy” promoted for thousands of ecy. They also excelled at any task biased, but were designed years. As a practitioner of traditionally performed by women. to keep the body completely pure shamanic spirituality and a transsex- The berdache were supposedly ex- and free from any kind of taint when ual I do not believe I am in any way tremely clever, and expert gamblers. inside the temple and the presence of offensive to nature. On the contrary, Reputedly, they were also quite the gods. However, they also wore a a shaman knows that those who re- shameless in their behaviour, but that very specific garment, known as the fuse to listen to the promptings of did not reduce the respect that their sheath dress. This garment was the their body and soul are denying the people paid to them, and they were traditional and very common gar- reality of their existence. This is not even taken as wives by men who ment worn by women. Generally the sort of thing I want to do. undoubtedly would achieve status speaking, most Egyptian priests and respect by doing so. dressed in female clothes. I am transsexual. I am not These were not the only In the later Ptolemaic and ashamed of it. I listen to my inner gender divergent examples from the Roman periods, devotees of the cult self. I am in touch with my body, North American Indian culture. of Isis would take this much further. and no matter what people may say, Those who showed cowardice in bat- There were certain rites that were tle would be forced to live as women, traditionally performed by women. 14 [no definition] michaelmas 2006 Brighton Pride 2006 By Dunni Alao
revealed to me on the way. ence. Although Pride is free - in So off we went, me fact it is one of the biggest being the token newbie For all those a little hesitant free outdoor parties in the amongst my friends; a Pride about Brighton Pride – don’t UK - the food, drinks (with Virgin. I’d visited Soho Pride be! This year’s (2006) Pride the exception of water) and the week before in London was definitely one of the most importantly the rides but I was soon to realise that highlights of my summer. are not, as it turned out I it was nothing compared to Like one of my friends said; was going to need a lot more Brighton. For most Soho ‘what more could you want, than lipgloss if I wanted to Pride is more or less an appe- thousands of LGBT people maximise my Pride experi- right by the sea, the wind tiser before the main meal, a caressing your hair, the sun good time but by no means beaming down on your the highlight of it all. I’d back, my only recommenda- “This years pride heard of the wonders of the tion is to get in there!’ Being Brighton scene and I was un- the quaint little closet case I was definitely one derstandably looking for- ward to witnessing such a am, this was to be my first of the highlights of Pride and I couldn’t wait to large gathering of LGBT peo- get stuck in. Armed with my my summer” ple. I was a bundle of excited digital camera and a whole nerves, I wanted to see and lot of lipgloss, (one should experience all Pride had to always be prepared in light offer. of some unexpected lip ac- For those who don’t tion) I met my friends at an unearthly hour on Saturday morning at Victoria station. The parade was to start at 11am and we wished to be down well before then in the hopes of getting a good spot. The Southern Railway Com- pany was doing four for the price of two tickets that sunny August morning; an added bonus and for me sure proof of the joys that were to follow. Tip number one for all those who head to Pride, make sure to get out money first thing. This was a little snip- pet of information my friend
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flat above scattered them across the pavement. Clearly he thought some Pride goers would need them later on! Nothing prepared me for the sight I faced once I entered the park however. I stood spin- ning round in awe at what were possibly the biggest carnival rides in history. I suddenly felt like Charlie when he first clapped eyes on the Chocolate Factory. Mechanical arms tow- ered above trees whizzing peo- know, and I certainly didn’t, waving pink batons in the air. ple round and round in a crazy Brighton Pride is a registered To be honest the parade went blur. A giant ball attached to charity in England and Wales by in a blur, one thing was for bungee rope bounced screaming dedicated to the promotion of sure however, and there are a people up and down. Thousands all things LGBT as well as rais- multitude of organisations in milled around various giant ing awareness over the issues support of Pride. tents, music pulsating through concerning the LGBT commu- Once the parade was their structure making it seem nity. This year’s theme was the over my friends and I soon fol- alive. We plonked ourselves Carry On films with a celebrity lowed its trail to Preston Park, down on the floor for a quick fag appearance from Barbara Win- experiencing all sorts of mysti- (of the smoking kind) and a look dsor, I was lucky enough to cal wonders along the way. at the map. Unfortunately, it’d spot her on one of the floats, Bubbles floated along lazily, been no longer than ten minutes waving proudly and grinning whistles blared and factions of when I started to notice a rather away whilst two scantly clad the fancy dress crew had bro- unhealthy red tinge to my male dancers twirled around ken off into the streets and flut- friend’s skin. Tip two: don’t her in teeny white hotpants; tered on by merrily singing. As leave you’re sunscreen at home, happily personifying the I neared Preston Park the floor temperatures that day were a campness of the Carry On literally became covered with record high and as a result a films with their flailing arms. unused condoms as a kindly couple of my friend came back After all what was Pride with- gentleman from a window in a sporting a deep crimson crap out its clichés? The parade stretched on for what seemed like miles and probably was. All along the seafront people stood cheering and waving, whilst various organisations marched on by on floats, there were many a Drag King and Queen blowing kisses, a luscious dis- play of very scantly clad Gay- dar radio models handing out whistles and stickers and a very serious looking bunch from Amnesty International
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look. my Mecca. Unfortunately we’d The Gaydar radio tent “As I neared missed the pole dancing how- was oddly cool inside; I craned ever we were just in time for the my neck towards the ceiling Preston Park the DJ set and I finally managed to expecting to catch sight of a fan floor literally catch up with one of those Gay- only for my eyes to be met by dar models – whether or not that strobe lights flashing on muscu- became covered in lipgloss came in handy however lar men gyrating to Madonna. I I’m not inclined to say. was suddenly feeling a tad bit unused condoms!” The great thing about out of place. After a small stint Pride is that there’s something in the Gaydar tent I chilled out for everyone, young, old, gay, besides the booming speakers ject next to an organisation called straight, bi, trans, female, male of the Herbal High stall which True Vision raising awareness of or just plain confused. Although according to the banner offered hate crime and I couldn’t help my friends and I missed out on a bewildering variety of legal but notice the not so indiscreet the Singstar stage and the Re- drugs for those willing to part jangling of donation buckets. One venge Cabaret we managed to with a minimum of £10. I stall that caught my eye in par- make it back to the pier before watched as a little 3-year old ticular belonged to the organisa- nine to watch the beautifully girl boogied on down to the tion Spectrum. This umbrella or- staged fireworks display just off Jungle House music that ganisation was established in the coast. As the sky lit up with blasted out around her. I could 2002 as a response to the ineffi- green, red and dazzling white only assume her parents owned ciencies felt by the LGBT commu- sparks I spotted a few couples the stall. nity in Brighton, Hove and the arm in arm, heads arched to- Whilst there I got talk- surrounding areas as indicated in wards the evening sky. It was ing to two topless gay men in the Count Me In surveys. I felt then I realised the romance of it gold rimmed cowboy hats and this was all rather interesting and all. It had been one of those matching jeans, everyone was picking up an annual report was lovely summer days, crammed so friendly, besides I was all on suddenly envious of the Brighton with seaside fun and promises my lonesome as my friends had residents fulfilled. I was no longer a Pride decided to spend the next forty We soon made it over to Virgin and I was proud. minutes queuing for the loos. the Candybar tent; at last I was at [nd] Tip three: try if you can to go before you get to the park as the queues are just ridiculous, and if you find yourself in a desper- ate position make sure you find some trees well away from the Police stall. Pride is more than just a party and as I began to make my way over to the Candybar tent with my friends I was pleasantly overwhelmed by various stalls promoting LGBT issues. There was Amnesty In- ternational, exulting love to be a human right, the Brighton Mind Out LGBT Mental Health Pro-
17 [no definition] michaelmas 2006 Amsterdam Pride 2006 By Jenny Lee and Luke Andrews
ence organisers had been be- nevolent enough to arrange for a boat of our very own to take part in the 3-hour parade through the canals of Amster- What do you get when you cross dam. Being Pride virgins we had also harboured quite con- 40 young gay people from “Amsterdam Gay across Europe, a lot of very loud servative views on such events music, some outrageous dress Pride touched us and both felt that sexuality was something personal and pri- senses, and a crowd of about immensely because 300,000 people. Eurovision? Or vate to an individual, so the our boat in Amsterdam pride everyone came whole idea of waving rainbow flags whilst generally being 2006? together to celebrate quite raucous in public seemed We have a weakness for cultural difference” to go against these values. exchanges and trips abroad, so However, we quickly realised when we got offered one on a that there is nothing more em- plate that combined the promo- powering and thrilling than to tion of gay rights and LGBT is- have over 300,000 people lin- sues then we simply could not ing the canals of Amsterdam refuse the chance to represent dancing along with you and the UK at the European LesBi- enjoying a huge party. The Gay conference. This years con- party lasted well into the night vention was held in Delft in the Netherlands and consisted of 14 nationalities from as far West as Iceland and as far East as Bul- garia, together over 60 partici- pants worked for over 10 days trying to change the face of LGBT issues across all of Europe. Whilst the conference in itself provided us with a lot of fun and inspiration we are in agreement that without a doubt our highlight was being in Am- sterdam Pride at the end of the conference. Unlike all other Pride festivals, Amsterdam Pride is held on the canals and takes place on canal boats. The confer-
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but the parade itself was some- thing truly phenomenal. The boats ranged everything from thought-provoking, serious to simply outrageous, and as the alcohol and sexual liberation flowed freely so did the day became even more fantastic. However, whilst the picture that may be painted was one of utter debauchery and wildness, there was a very touching side to the day. There
“We do not want to marginalise ourselves and draw attention at every conceivable moment, we wish only to be included”
were not just gay men and les- bians out in force, but often whole families making a day of the festivities, children dancing with their parents, old ladies out having picnics on their house boats waving as the boats went past. This is what a Pride festival and indeed gay activism should be all about, inclusivity. Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people do not want to margin- alise themselves and draw at- tention at every conceivable moment, we wish only to be included and given exactly the same rights as heterosexual people do. Amsterdam Gay Pride touched us immensely because everyone came to-
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gether to celebrate difference, not just based upon sexual orienta- tion, but to celebrate the diversity and tolerance of society as a whole. And it’s right to celebrate this. If our society is void of diver- sity and tolerance then what hope do we have as a civilization?
[nd]
http://www.amsterdamgaypride.nl http://www.amsterdampride.nl/ www.coc.nl
Pride Facts
λ The first gay pride parade in 1969, known as the March on Stonewall, started as a protest against dis- crimination and violence against gays in New York City.
λ The gay pride flag, which was debuted at the 1978 San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade, was designed by Gilbert Baker. It's inspiration came from the black civil rights and hippie movements.
λ Adding a black stripe to the bottom of the flag represents solidarity against AIDS.
λ The gay pride campaign of the gay rights movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orienta- tion and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered 20 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
I’d like to thank all those people who sent poems into [no definition] this term. I was so im- pressed with them all that I decided to dedicate the back pages as a special poetry section.
Little Black Hearts
Sometimes I cry By Candlelight And play the Stones
And cry again. That first time I'm not sure why. Our first time Sometimes I draw little black hearts You composed with them a heart Or people smiling or crying or laughing. Bearing our initials I'm not sure why. - Out into the night Maybe I am human
That doesn't mean I'm prepared to accept it. They lit the way I cry about that, too. And you found me
Every secret, every sigh Sometimes I cry And under their watchful eye And I know exactly why, - Took everything But I still drink you into oblivion.
Every time. They burned down Why don't you rot, and stay out of my dreams? While we slept Then I'd save on sanity, alcohol, And I held you And tissues. While your eyes sought out the stars - Never rested Porsha In the morning Too weak to be an angel You collected them up
One by one i see her smile like second sight And put them back in the box etched into my eyelids -To be reused hailing from the half-light perfect in the half-light Sophie Horner she is my resting state
she runs tangents to my empty apathy She Looked Back she knows my shadows as she knows her
hands You smelled too much like summer, too much she knows me best because i let her Of the sweet and sharp perfumes, because her smile sounds my name The tea tree hand cream, citrus blooms. You tasted like the city, dripped in urban sweat and yet i know that when she's dreaming Ran dirty nails through your salty hair, she's singing with her eyes closed And blinked at me with your eyelids wet- and she's leaving me You crystallised against the light, mere mortal You slipped from solvent, long dissolved into to voids and all that's in between The grey street backwash, dripping out you shone; to dreams more tangible than truth Refracted, gleamed, and gone. to each my savoured half of every severed kiss The seconds muted as I checked; your shadow Lengthened, stretched into the wilderness of feet and touching my lips Wheels, I waited, wasted all my daydreams smiling back As you glanced through sulphur smog at me. smiling through the half-light Georgina Milne Sophie Horner 21 [no definition] michaelmas 2006
Hatesong What does it take? Make you see, make you look. You're a bitch Open those mascara lashes And I hate you. See the marks you leave. Look at you there Kiss the pain away All eyes Tongue wash shame burn rashes. And lips And seduction. If I could kill you now You're a bitch Freedom in blood-bound blows; And I hate you. If I could kill you now I'd loathe you to death. Walk into my life But love you back to life again. Walk out once again; Because you're a bitch You never call to say And I hate you. You'll be over, on your way. You just show your fucking face Look at my life. And I fall Look at what you did. Again. Skeleton-bare, stripped I stand And I fall. Every caress a torture. I want to kill Fall. I want to kiss Lies like pillows Bitter is sweet in lip-thrust motions Embrace me like mother You degraded fucker. She fucking hates you too. Don't you know any better? Because your a bitch. You're a bitch Reach out claw-hand And I hate you. Scratch out eye-pit But you're only glass Scream out bitch-name You're only silver Spit out bile-gut And when I don't look You return to your inner place. You're a bitch But you'll always be a bitch And I hate you. And I'll always hate you. No more than you deserve. But fuck knows, I need you. Look at my life. Now. Look what you did. Porsha Look who I am. Look what you do.
Susan
Pale faced, wider than the moon If you feel you have what it And sweat slicked; takes to write for Hollow, Always seeming [no definition] then we want Empty underneath your age of flesh and to hear from you. Fingers, creamy meat, a voice, a pulse and not a single Word to scream, Articles, reviews, letters, Just like granite breathing, Darling; I was lost- satire… Always grey, a fog shawl on your skin, I pressed my fingers through [email protected] And felt my thumbprints crumble off- I saw my knuckles jarring in my fingers, While they wandered reckless over you.
Georgina Milne [nd] 22