The Rainbow Centre Issue

students constructing culture

Rainbow Centre Special Edition

Issue 7.4 Spring 2008 04

7

25274 86121

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A Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publication 75 University Avenue West Waterloo, On. N2L 3C5 519 884 0710 ext. 2738 519 883 0873 (fax) blueprint@wlusp.com Editor In Chief Josh Smyth Managing Editor Zach Rowe Graphic Designer Alexandra Bailey Associate Editors Global Sarah Lifford Local Mark Ciesluk Trends, Culture, Counterculture Maeve Strathy Literary Igor Valentic Contributors Nikki Barker, Alex Corscadden, Beth French, Steph Gazzola, Sydney Helland, Sean Joseph, John Kaye, Matt Kirkpatrick, Adam Lawrence, TJ Naven, C.E. Pierre, Josh Smyth, Cory Sousa, Maeve Strathy, WLUSP Administration President Keren Gottfried VP Advertising Angela Foster VP Brantford Dan Schell Chair, BOD Colin LeFevre Vice Chair, BOD Rafiq Andani Directors Ryan Clubb, Rachel Crawford, Lauren Burns, Chris Copp, Dennis Watson

The Rainbow Centre Special Edition This issue marks a new project for Blueprint Magazine. All the content, art, and layout was assembled by co-ordinators and volunteers from the Rainbow Centre. The Rainbow Centre provides a safe space, where everyone is welcome regardless of gender and sexual orientation. They’re a resource centre, a social space, and an organization that works to advocate for and raise awareness of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer) community. I’d encourage anyone reading this to drop by their office in Mac House at Laurier - it’s a pretty special place.

It’s become very easy to be complacent about queer issues. We live in Canada, remember? A happy, peaceful land where same-sex marriage is legal, discrimination is banned, and people are tolerant. Right?

The fight for rights and awareness for LGBTQ people has accomplished some absolutely incredible things. Just think, not so many years ago homophobia was welcomed openly right here on Laurier’s campus. That’s certainly no longer true - but the struggle is far from over. Each of us, regardless of sexual orientation, or gender, has an obligation to confront homophobia and transphobia wherever we find it, even when it makes us uncomfortable to do so. To do anything less is to do a disservice to the immense struggle that many people still face simply for expressing who they are.

We all live in a bubble. Most of the readers of this magazine are university students, living in a liberal space, within a relatively liberal city, in a relatively liberal country.

All that liberalism, and still we have close friends that suffer each day. There is much to be done. It starts with a commitment to engage crticically with the simplistic conceptions of gender and sexuality that surround us. It ends when each of us can accept the beauty in everyone else. Period. That, I think, is not too much to ask.

- Josh Smyth, Editor-in-Chief

Photo Credits: Cover: Sean Joseph Inside Cover: Alex Corscadden Inside Back Cover: Shawn Watt, Sydney Helland, Alex Corscadden Back Cover: Beth French

Please send letters to jsmyth@blueprintmagazine.ca

Rainbow Centre Special Edition

Global Alphabet soup: a basic guide to inclusive language..........................................................Page 4 Local You need to read this: a heterosexual guy writes about being an ally by Adam Lawrence.......Page 5 KW rocks by Bobbay Bondarrr..............................................................................................Page 6 Trends, Culture, Counterculture I’m coming out by Maeve Strathy.........................................................................................Page 8 A closet tantrum by John Kaye............................................................................................Page 9 Pomo homo by Nate Salter................................................................................................Page 10 Shirts or skins: a comment on gender deconstruction by Steph Gazzola...............................Page 10 Literary Both ways by C.E. Pierre....................................................................................................Page 13 Hidden by TJ Naven..........................................................................................................Page 14 Why do all good things come to an end? by Cory Sousa......................................................Page 15 Selfish? You decide by Cory Sousa......................................................................................Page 16 Denouement by C.E. Pierre................................................................................................Page 17 More at www.BlueprintMagazine.ca

Global Alphabet soup: a basic guide to inclusive language LGBTTTIQQ....

Regarding sexual and gender diversity there are a variety of terms used. The following terms and definitions are those used by the WLU Rainbow Centre. While language continues to flow and develop over time, these terms are intended to provide a respectful way to refer to sexual and gender diversity.

Lesbian A woman whose primary attraction is to other women.

Gay A man whose primary attraction is to other men. Also used as an inclusive term referring to LGBT individuals.

Bisexual A person who is attracted to both men and women.

Transsexual A person who identifies with and lives as a gender opposite than the one they were assigned at birth Transgender A person who identifies with a gender other than the one assigned at birth; or a person who views their gender as more fluid than strictly male or female Two-Spirited A term used by North American Aboriginals referring to both sexual orientation and gender identity/ expression.

Intersex A medical diagnosis describing a person who is born with physical and/or chromosomal features in which sexual characteristics belonging to both

sexes are combined in a single body.

Asexual Asexuals are people who do not experience sexual attraction. Many asexual individuals experience romantic attraction to some degree, many do not. A large portion of romantic asexual individuals are not hetero-romantic.

Pansexual (sometimes referred to as omnisexuality) is characterized by a potential attraction for anybody, including people who do not fit into the gender binary of male/female implied by bisexual attraction. Pansexuality is sometimes described as the capacity to love a person romantically irrespective of gender.

Queer A term used by some to describe their sexual orientation or gender identity, as they do not associate with all or some other terms. Also an inclusive term used to refer to the LGBT community.

Questioning Term used to refer to anyone who is unsure of their attractions and/or sexual orientation.

Straight Allies Members of the straight community who are supportive of the LGBT community.

Non-inclusive Language: That’s so gay…

Hey Guys!

Etc. etc. etc

Some tips for promoting inclusion include: • Using gender neutral language when referring to an individual or their partner when you are unaware of their sexual orientation or gender identity • Avoiding terms that stigmatize or oppress individuals based on various aspects of their identities, experiences or backgrounds • Stigmatizing individuals based on: drug use, abuse, race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual activities, sexual orientation, individuals with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities is inappropriate.

• Diversity in all forms is to be respected and welcomed within the Rainbow Centre. The NO Assumptions policy applies to all aspects of each individuals identity, experience or background.

• Object to jokes and humour that put down individuals based on an aspect of their identity or are based on stereotypes.

• Educate yourself on LGBTQ issues, experiences and needs about which you were previously unaware, or with which you have no previous exposure.

• Do not assume that LGBTQ individuals are not interested in marriage, having children, or other activities that are typically associated with heterosexuality.

Local You need to read this: a heterosexual guy writes about being an ally Adam Lawrence I am just an ordinary guy, trying to do ordinary things in both my life and my work. Oh, did I mention that I am white AND heterosexual? Good. I am glad I mentioned that, because now I know you are listening.

I know I am privileged, and I know that I possess a certain amount of power in our “wonderful” society. BeView from a safe place TJ Naven cause of this, people let me speak. When I address a group of people, they do listen, and it is this power and privilege voice and advocating for a group that doesn’t always have the that, when unacknowledged, continues to perpetuate difability to raise their voice. But being an ally is only the first ferent forms of oppression within our society.

Like I said, I am an ordinary guy, but I am also the step. For example, take my friend TJ (Senior Program CoorDiversity Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University. Long awk- dinator in the Rainbow Centre). He is awesome and I have ward pause... Yup, you read that right. A white, heterosexual worked hard to help him create a space for all the people in man is the coordinator of diversity. Angry emails can be sent the Rainbow Centre, but I am more than his ally…I am his directly to me or any university officials. But before you begin friend.

So here is my thought. Now remember, I am a white, writing, please talk to the people that I surround myself with in the Rainbow Centre and the entire Laurier community. heterosexual male, so take this as you would like, but... what Please learn about who I am, what I am passionate about, if we did not care what people looked like, or who they wantand what I advocate for. I am much more than a white, het- ed to have sex with, or who they prayed too. What if we just engaged people in conversation, erosexual male. and learned their story. Learned about I should start everything I write by what makes them unique. Learned saying I am an “ally”. I always forget what makes them special. If we don’t I am an ally, because I am not really do this, and we continue to judge people “Being an ally is important, sure what it means. To me, it is just based on our perceptions of them, we another label…something that people but it means more than are missing out on so much. I guaranuse to convince others that they are tee you will be missing out on meeting tolerant of the queer community. Tolwearing a button.” and creating friendships with some of erant…uuuggghhh…another word that the most incredible people in this small makes me shiver. I am expected to be world. “tolerant” of others…it just sounds so Remember that story about that kid negative and forced. You tolerate bad on the beach, saving the lives of starfish by throwing them smells, not good people.

I am not an ally because I have taken the time to get back into the ocean? Do you think that kid wondered about to know the amazing individuals that make the Rainbow Cen- the sexual orientation of each starfish before throwing it back tre so successful…I am more than an ally, I am a friend. Now, in the water? Probably not, but he saved them anyway. I don’t get me wrong. Being an ally is important, but it means wish we could all think like that everyday. more than wearing a button. Being an ally is about creating a

LOCAL - 6

KW rocks!

Bobbay Bondarrr Somebody asked me recently if I got harassed much for being out and (fairly) proud in high school. Simply put?

Not at all… for two reasons mainly, I’d say. Firstly, I went to a fine arts high school where being gay did NOT make you a minority. Secondly, I grew up 10 minutes from downtown Toronto. Deep in the heart of downtown, there is diversity everywhere - different colours, shapes, sizes, backgrounds, experiences, ages, ethnicities, abilities... The list goes on! I was really lucky that my adolescent queer years were fostered in what can really be such an exciting and accepting place.

That said, do I miss it? Not enough to cry about it. My current place of residence - and presumably yours Kitchener-Waterloo, though not as large in size to Toronto, is also a great place to be queer… Nay, more than that! To be

of any orientation, background, lifestyle, etc. that is not the norm.

I’m not just talking about The Rainbow Centre – although I am a fan! I’m not talking about GLOW or Dyketopia (the U of W equivalents of the RC) at University of Waterloo either…

I’m talking about the Starlight, Club Abstract, and Club Renaissance. I’m talking about Orange Monkey, Jane Bond, and Café 1842. I’m talking about The Old Goat, Words Worth Books, and Princess Cinemas. Alternatives are everywhere!

So don’t miss [insert your hometown here] either!

Be proud to be a Kitchenerian/Waterludlian while you’re here, even if it’s only temporarily.

It’s truly not a bad place to be.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ANIMAL

Club Renaissance 24 Charles st. W. Kitchener, ON (519) 570-2406

WLU Global Citizenship Conference March 7-9, 2008

The Wilfrid Laurier Global Citizenship Conference is an exciting and multi-faceted event that offers students, academics and community members a forum for engagement in local, national and international issues, including the environment, trade and conflict.

7 panel discussions, 3 lectures, 20 workshops Tickets are on sale now at the Bookstore!

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Presented by Laurier International & GCC

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Conference & Dallaire Event Students $ 30 General Public $ 40

Be engaged, be empowered, be proactive

Supported by:

Students General Public

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To apply, please submit a covering letter, your resume, a list of the positions you are interested in (ranked in order of preference), and a list of any positions for which you do not wish to be considered.

Application Deadline: Noon on March 10, 2008 Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group Library Rm 3-301, Ph: 519-884-0710 x3846, info@lspirg.org, www.lspirg.org Sign up on the website for a Weekly Email Update ! Join LSPIRG’s Facebook Group!

Trends, Culture, Counterculture I’m coming out!

Maeve E. Strathy The coming out process. Things that come to mind – I’ll feel a bond with them somehow. For the most part I don’t fear, anxiety, honesty, liberation… There’s a lot that can come really think of it as a big deal, but I’m aware of it and it’s just out of this process (pun intended!) – both positive & negative. kind of there.

All I know is my own process, nobody else’s… The problem is, Did you think of me differently after I came out?

I can’t remember how my process went.

When you came out to me, you identified your sexual It’s been a while since I came out. My mom, dad, sis- orientation as bisexual, which was new to me. It took a while ters, some of the extended fam., boss, professors, peers, mail- to get my mind around it. I really think “gay” is an evolved man, the girl at the Stag Shop, and the barista at Starbucks term, and it has branched out into a lot of new terms that I ALL KNOW. I miss coming out. I loved the adrenaline and the don’t always understand, such as “queer”. However, what questions that ensued… “Do you think so-and-so is hot?” … I do understand is the idea of identifying with a community “Do you use a strap-on?” … “Is that why you and protesting against being pigeonholed. I like Ellen so much?” can appreciate that.

Another big question is – “Are your What do you think of some of the extreme parents cool with it?” The truth is, COM“It really comes down reactions some parents of queer children PLETELY! They love me, they’re proud of me have? For example, a child being kicked out to a matter of love.” & the work I do with the Rainbow Centre, and of their home. they couldn’t be more supportive of and welIt really comes down to a matter of - Maeve’s Mom coming to my girlfriend. love. I don’t want to judge parents who react That said, knowing that my parents negatively to their child’s coming out. There’s couldn’t be more supportive, I ponder… Have been a revoluton of understanding in terms of they ever experienced a coming-out process of their own? human sexuality, and it’s not something that happens quickly People say that parents of queer children go through their or over one generation. Everyone’s oinion should be respectown coming-out process. It makes me think of one of my fa- ed. We need to understand that there are still authoritative vourite episodes of HBO’s “Six Feet Under” where the charac- institutions in our society that promote the idea that being ter Ruth, who has a gay son (David), is reading a book called gay is immoral. Parents aren’t the only ones reacting in nega“Now That You Know”, a.k.a. now that you know your child is tive ways. Change is a slow process and it’s hard to alter your gay… beliefs, especially when you feel that your child’s coming-out Did my Mom ever buy a book like that? I decided to is a personal attack on you. get the facts straight from the horse’s mouth. The horse being Do you have any advice for queer-identified individuals my Mom. who are nervous or anxious about coming out to their parents?

Me: Did you ever know or have inclinations that I was gay Although sexual orientation is who you are and not before I came out? a value you hold, I can also identify with being different from Mom: No. I always thought of you as different from my parents. In fact, most people choose different routes from your sisters, but I never put a label to it. I generally never their parents in some way. If I can suggest anything though, jump to the conclusion that someone is gay until they tell it’s to have a support system for yourself before you come out. me.

I think that it’s an act of self-love to seek out a community that Did you find you experienced a coming out process as the helps you understand/accept who you are. Also, everyone parent of a queer child? needs to remember that we are not defined by our parents.

Yes, in fact I find that I’m still experiencing it since a lot of people still don’t know. It generally isn’t on my mind, but (continued on page 9) sometimes I’ll meet someone who also has a queer child and

9 - TRENDS, CULTURE, COUNTERCULTURE

TRENDS, CULTURE, COUNTERCULTURE- 10

A closet tantrum John Kaye On more than one occasion, I’ve been told that coming out to my parents was, in essence, a selfish act. That’s not something that’s easy to hear, especially at a point when there seem to be very few satisfying aspects in a process that has completely altered the relationship I have, or once had, with my family.

I know I can be selfish. From uterus onward I’ve been hogging the TV, taking the last cookie and passing off responsibility, at least every once in a while. If we’re honest with ourselves, which we rarely dare to be, we’re all selfish sometimes. Selfishness is not what I think of when I ponder about the house of horrors that has been my coming out process. There’s been no parade, no dancing men, and a definite lack of naughty shaped cakes. However, the fights, awkward conversations and silences have been plentiful. I guess that’s self indulgent… for an emotional sadist.

It’s taken some time to wrap my stubborn mind around the idea of my coming out being a selfish act, but nonetheless I’ve concluded; it is. It’s selfish in a few ways. I came out for me, for my own peace of mind, and to fulfill my own need to be who I am with the people I love most. I was without a doubt thinking about myself.

Still, I think it’s important to look at it a little differ-

Protestors

Alex Corscadden

ently than a child throwing a temper tantrum at a grocery store or an angsty teen coming home with a Bad Religion tattoo and a cheesy belly ring. For one, being gay, despite what many ‘experts’ may say (I’m talking to you, Dr. Laura!), is not a choice. If I were to choose to do something to send mom and dad into a state of shock and horror, I’d probably opt for something less life altering, like a discretely placed lower back tattoo. Furthermore, as much as I was thinking about myself in deciding to come out, I sincerely hoped that something positive would come of it between my family and I. As hard as it is for them to grasp now, I told them in a crazy fit of honesty, sincerity and love. The truth may hurt now, but with any luck, they’ll come to realize that honesty was in fact the best policy. (continued from page 8) Growing up is an on-going process, and in accepting who you are, you have to stand up for yourself knowing that you could be rejected. There’s nothing easy about it. …So there that is. My mom is the coolest lady, isn’t she?

Now it is time for me to plug the Rainbow Centre. This is rather self-indulgent, but completely applicable to this issue. The Rainbow Centre is just the kind of support system my Mom was referring to. It’s is a safe, fun and supportive space where everyone at Laurier and in the broader community is welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We advocate for and provide awareness about the LGBTQ community, while acting as a social outlet and resource centre. More than all of that formality though, the RC is where I hang out, do schoolwork, make new friends, talk about current events (both queer-related and not), and generally have a good time.

The RC is also a great place to work through what can be the toughest process in a queer-identified individual’s life: coming out. However tough though, coming out is necessary I think. After all it’s the difference between being you and, well… someone else.

TRENDS, TRENDS,CULTURE, CULTURE,COUNTERCULTURE COUNTERCULTURE-- 10

Pomo homo Nate Salter <<Here comes the preface, the disclaimer>> I do not and will not speak for a group of people. My trans status does not elect me as a representative of all things gender variant. Contrary to popular belief I know just as little if not less than you know about the “trans experience”. <<Now for the ‘meat’>> I don’t have “straight sex” Whether I’m with a woman, man or anyone in between or outside of that boring old binary I simply don’t.

How does that strike you? I am male identified, still female bodied and gay – in every which way. But, you may ask (and justly) how can you be gay with a gal and a guy? The problem with that question is not that you’re asking it, but the constraints you are thinking within. Gay is more than sex, more than culture (fashion, music, television, gay best friends, etc) more than politics (although more often than not I do tend to meddle in politicking). If you start from an understanding that the world is inherently divisive and black and whitebutch/femme, gay/straight, cisgendered/transgendered- you are bound to get stuck because sooner or later (more likely sooner) you’ll bump up against

Shirts or skins: a comment on gender deconstruction Steph Gazzola

What does your gender feel like? Where do you feel it? Your head? Your stomach?

When you wake up in the morning do you think, “Hmm, I think I feel like … a man today”?

I have to ask these questions because I’ve never felt my gender.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that I am gendered, but it’s more like a sweater I’m wearing than something I am.

It’s a sweater that I knitted with yarn handed to me by society. And, like a sweater, I know I could take it off and switch it for something new. But I’ve been wearing it for so long – since birth, actually – that I can’t imagine how something else would feel. And, like walking around campus shirtless, I know I would get some intense reactions if I left it off for good.

To work out this metaphor further, I’ve noticed lately that people are wearing gender-sweaters of all kinds of styles and colours, but for some reason we try to lump everyone into a couple

of categories. For instance, you’re wearing a dark green sweater with blue patches and white sleeves so we’re going to put you in with the darks, you have a light blue sweater with dark red stripes so you’ll have to go in with the lights. Are we sorting laundry or people here? Then we go ahead and treat people different-

someone like myself. Someone who slips between boundaries and binaries and fucking loves it.

This is written for you. To challenge you and (hopefully) change you.

When you find yourself assuming that a person sits on one side of the fence or another, try just for me (and yourself) to burn down the fence, to give that fence a hearty and well deserved “fuck you!”

Then, come and see me, so we might interact as people – not as representative of a class or group, but as people connected by our disconnection from ones and zeros.

You’re (that’s) where change starts, the beginning of the end.

don’t fit into one of the groups (and one only) also don’t fit into our consciousness. Having two groups not only obscures the natural variability within and between them, it also disadvantages a large portion of the population.

This group will be disadvantaged to a greater or lesser extent until we unravel the dichotomy we’ve constructed for ourselves. That means questioning some fundamental aspects of our society and ourselves. But if these gendered aspects are so important, don’t they deserve questioning?

I suggest the goal of gender equalists everywhere should be to jumble up those groups, swap around our sweaters, and even throw them off and run naked through the streets (metaphorically). Only then will we release ourselves from the constraints of internalized gender roles and external expectations, and let the true variabilCaught Matt Kirkpatrick ity in human identity shine through a little clearer. ly depending on whether their sweater At this point you may be thinkis lighter or darker, so of course they ing, “Dude, my gender belongs so much turn out to be slightly different peoto the dark pile it’s a black hole. And ple… Surprising. besides, I can feel my gender – it’s in Humans group things; it helps that spot right below my ribs and it us organize our world and interpret pulses my identity to me all day, every it faster. Unfortunately, when we only day.” But if you’re not, come join me on have two groups we also tend to put the gender deconstruction bench; I’ll be one above the other, and people that here – slowly unraveling my sweater.

Literary Both ways C.E. Pierre Gordon likes to cuddle after sex. Kim never liked it with anyone else, but with Gordon she’s starting to enjoy it.

This is most likely due to the fact that, unlike the majority of her former lovers, she actually cares about him. They have been seeing each other for three weeks. He is the third man and the fifth person Kim has been intimate with.

It is in this post-coital state of relaxation that Kim finds it convenient to bring up the tricky subjects of conversation. She assumes that he is better able to handle them when he doesn’t have sex on the brain, as men tend to do most of the time. Lying with her head on his chest or her arms around his neck, she has previously inquired about his past relationships, his history of drug use, and his views on abortion. Tonight, her question has a more immediate motivation.

They are spooning. Kim’s breath is slow but shallow as she tries to decide how to phrase her question. Gordon’s is deep and self-assured. She rolls over to face him, putting her hand on his waist.

“Are you doing anything Saturday night?” she asks.

He shrugs. “Whatever you want to do, sweetheart.”

“Well, a friend of mine has never been to a gay club and so I promised I would take her to The Dub sometime. We were thinking Saturday might be a good night; it’s not as busy as Friday and neither of us has school on Sunday – well, obviously. It’ll be fun. Do you want to come?”

Kim stops herself, realizing that she is rambling. It shouldn’t be that big a deal to ask him this. Gordon has men-

tioned that he’s been to The Dub before and liked it better than a lot of straight clubs. He has no issues with gays in general, and doesn’t seem freaked out in the least by her… her bisexuality, her queerness. That’s what she calls it now, but at one point she would have defined herself as homoflexible or even gay. She sometimes almost feels like he should be concerned by her not being straight.

“Sounds like a plan,” he says, and closes his eyes.

She wonders if he is wondering whether her friend is a heterosexual, whether Kim is attracted to this friend, whether the friend could be an ex or perhaps someone Kim used to have a crush on. This is ridiculous, of course, but he doesn’t know that. If she were in his position, she might want to know these things. Is he wondering if her friend is bisexual, if Kim might be trying to engineer a threesome? Would Gordon even want a threesome? Kim doesn’t know.

She would never do anything like that, of course, but she has to wonder if he’s ever thought about it.

When they go to the club, will he be jealous if she dances with her female friends? What about with her male friends? He has no reason to be jealous, of course, but he has no way of being sure of that.

Gordon is just so damn open-minded and accepting.

Isn’t his masculinity challenged at all by the fact that Kim is into women? She doesn’t want it to be – but she does – but she can’t have it both ways!

Kim pulls herself up onto her elbow to look at Gordon. He is sleeping soundly; there is obviously nothing at all going through his head.

Why isn’t he as confused as she is?

LITERARY - 14

Hidden T.J. Naven I am looking for a place to feel safe in a world that thinks I’m broken.

I’m breaking from all the boundaries and borders that are being shoved at me.

I’m losing touch.

I’ve lost my grip.

I’m pulling away.

I’m hiding in the only place that’s ever been safe...

Deep inside myself. ~ I’ve come to a place that I don’t know, one I’m afraid of.

Building up space around me that I know I don’t really want.

Overwhelmed. Ecstatic. Terrified.

Never stronger, never safer.

Waiting for it to all crash in; for everyone to leave in a mass exodus at the sight of the deepest, darkest parts of me.

I refuse to apologize for who I am.

But, sometimes I run to protect myself.

I’ll never be on the outside of this. Teach me.

Here’s my attempt at an education for you: How much do the pronouns you use to talk about me really matter to you? because they make me feel either horrible or elated.

What difference does it make if TJ stands for one thing or another? because MY name makes me feel safer.

Does my physical appearance/body have any real impact on you? because I look in the mirror and wish for something else.

Not taking back the past, but looking towards the future.

No apologies. No lies.

All of me; rather than something someone else wanted.

I’m a mess. And, I’m together.

This is me. Everything I am, nothing to fear.

Who I am to some is missing, or so they seem to think.

But, I’m the one they’ve always known.. ~ If I ran away for a while, or I’m still missing.

If I’m lost for minutes, days or weeks.

I’m hiding. For fear of being too much, too soon.

But, I love you. And, most likely, I really miss you.

Come find me.

I don’t want to be hidden anymore.

15 - LITERARY

Why do all good things come to an end?

Cory Sousa Flames to dust Lovers to friends How did we get this far?

Without realizing that there was an end?

In the beginning I waited for you until the heavens spoke I waited for you for what felt like the end of the world Then you appeared to me like in a dream And the timing was just right We spent days abroad From traveling the streets To exploring our minds Which, were filled with curiosity I now look at your face, It’s so empty I know this is hard for you But we can’t give up Or our love will die I know you are fading But I want to feel Just like in a movie I know it’s not impossible

LITERARY - 16

Loud

Josh Smyth

Selfish? You decide Cory Sousa Every time I almost cry myself to sleep, Knowing that you are happy with someone else.

Every time you tell me how great he is, A piece of my heart breaks.

After last night, I don’t think I can take much more of it.

I might just have to actually tell you how I feel.

Tell you what I feel.

Tell you everything.

Will I be able to bring myself to do it?

Or will I have to cry myself to sleep Knowing You are happy being with him And knowing You are happy Even if it’s not with me.

Selfish? You Decide.

17 - LITERARY

Denouement C.E. Pierre the enemy is storming the castle. standing on the battlement, we are watching the legions of knights that draw closer by the second. the goblins scattered among them are chanting as they march. at the head of the troop a company of dragons swaggers, so near now that they threaten to set the drawbridge alight. the army divides, revealing a cannon at the back that is aimed directly at us.

Pride parade

Nikki Barker

we can no longer attempt to deny that there is no escape, and yet i fear nothing because you are here and you are holding me; your arms are my fortifications and no matter what happens, i will not come to harm. thousands of years from now, when the archaeologists discover our remains buried underneath the rubble, they will not care if we were male or female. they will analyze us for information about our culture, our history, our way of life, and they will know that we loved from the way our bones are intertwined.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth havingâ&#x20AC;? - V for Vendetta We completely agree. Get revved for the Revolution Dance following Oath of Silence Day

Take the Oath March 12th oathofsilencewlu@gmail.com mylaurier.ca/rainbow