The Queer Query Cover
Rainbow Days
Table of Contents Trans* Success pgs 3-4
Table of contents
Analyzing Agender pgs 5-6
Intersections Ad pg 7 Rainbow Days Flyer pg 8 Rainbow Days Synopsis pgs 9-10
The Importance of recognizing Trans* Successes A spotlight piece by Luke Savot
It’s almost summer, which means it’s almost June and LGBT Pride Month (which has even been officially declared by the White House), but what does that mean for us trans folks? Pride isn’t only about Absolut vodka and glitter. It is about visibility, celebration and recognition of how far we’ve come. Too often, trans and gender non-conforming identities are missing from the conversation around Pride, but celebrating ourselves should be a priority. Many of us are aware of the stats on homelessness, unemployment, violence, imprisonment, and suicide rates. Exposing the daily and destructive mazes that trans people must navigate to survive and thrive is a necessary part of the demand for trans justice. But that’s just about all we hear in newspapers and the evening news. But the negatives can’t be the whole conversation. Continued exposure to only narratives of hardship could have a negative effect on the emotional impact that people have when hearing about or seeing these experiences. Specifically, for cisgender people. Multiple studies have explored the relationship between repeated exposure (specifically to violence) and desensitization, leading to conclusions suggesting that “exposure to violence in the mass media may result in a desensitization effect in which
viewers experience diminished feelings of concern, empathy, or sympathy toward victims of actual violence.” (An example of desensitization that comes to mind are those commercials featuring montages of sick animals in shelters playing over Sarah McLachlan’s “In the Arms of an Angel” that were once emotional torture and are now more of a pinch.) Desensitization is not the only force potentially keeping folks from feeling emotionally invested in trans people and their experiences. Without celebration and recognition of the multi-faceted identities and positive aspects of trans experiences, trans people are objectified as solely victims. I think about when HIV/AIDS was first being discovered as GRID and the only media coverage was of decrepit, sick people in hospital beds. Their personal stories weren’t told, they weren’t seen as ever having lived lives. What was being lost was unseen to the public (until people took action with the NAMES Project and the AIDS quilt and other projects). I find similarities in how the media addresses trans people, objectifying them – if they are not just about their body parts, then they are another statistic. People don’t connect with trans people because, sadly, trans people aren’t usually presented as alive and happy. Instead, we are seen as isolated, outcasted, and too often as victims of violence.
This is a type of violence toward our community perpetuated by the media. Silence about our positive stories and the good times rarely make headlines. This is no doubt why the recent Time issue featuring Laverne Cox on the cover was such a breath of fresh air. Even in a welcoming environment such as my home (yes, I’m lucky), I think it was difficult for my mom to imagine me as successful and happy living as a trans man, not because of anything I had done, but because that was her only understanding of what it is to be transgender. Being transgender is not synonymous with being miserable. There are successful, happy, proud trans people all over the place. We all have different stories. We have different races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, beliefs, sexual orientations, coming out stories, interests, hobbies, talents, dreams and aspirations. In no way am I negating the importance of raising awareness about the horrible ways that trans people are treated. But we need to take a quick breather every now and then. Trans people should be celebrated. People should know where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, what we’ve accomplished thus far. We should take the time to honor the people who’ve paved the way for us, those who continue to, and ourselves. We need to continue finding ways to love ourselves, support each other, and have our stories told. Without sensationalization or objectification. The whole, real, good, bad,
and in-between. Granted, many of our stories will continue to illustrate experiences that are defined by violence, incarceration, and transphobia. That is often our lives. But they will also reveal us as full people, who are defined by so much more than our relationships to our bodies. Exposing the realities of those who are struggling is powerful for overcoming oppressive systems. But loving ourselves is powerful too. It ignites understanding and compassion, it demands respect, and it invites others to see us as real people. It humanizes us. We are here, we are complex, we are deserving of rights and dignity. We need to take the time to take pride in who we are and celebrate the wholeness of our being, including but not limited to our trans identities.
Analyzing Agender A spotlight piece by Emily Philibert
Sometimes it feels like a confession, something whispered behind closed doors at support meetings and hidden the rest of the time. However, I wear my lack of gender on my sleeve, making it aware to all those around me as much as I can while feeling safe in whatever place my confession is coming forth at. I am Agender. A precise definition of Agender is difficult to find. In most computer spell-checks it will not be recognized. For myself, Agender simply means an absence of gender. I don’t have one. I don’t want one. I don’t fit into the gender binary, or really anywhere on the spectrum at all. For me, my gender is a blank slate. I may present feminine one day, but I
am not a girl. I may present masculine one day, but I am not a boy. For myself, personally, I prefer gender neutral They/Them pronouns, instead of the masculine He/Him or the feminine She/Her pronouns. This helps lessen any dysphoria I might end up experiencing (and have experienced) using other pronouns. For me, the identity of Agender and the use of gender neutral pronouns just fits, like an identity created just for me, or possibly the other way around.
Identifying as a member of the Agender community, and the Trans* community as a whole has opened me up to a multitude of others who identify within the same or similar communities. Being gender non binary is more common than many people tend to think. There are countless ways to identify as Trans* or gender non binary (which aren’t necessarily the same). There’s Agender, Demigender, Bigender, Polygender, Genderless, Nonbinary Butch, Pangender, Epicene, Genderfuck, Genderfluid, Intergender, Transmasculine, Transfeminine, Two Spirit, and many many more. Coming to the realization that I wasn’t the only person who felt outside of “male” and “female” or “man” and “woman” was incredibly validating and reassuring for me. I realized that I am allowed to identify however feels right for me. I am allowed to be who I am, unapologetically. Luckily, there is a large online community of Trans* and gender non binary folks providing a multitude of resources for folks both within and outside of the community. Websites such as HellYeahAgender.tumblr.com, Neutrois.com, genderspectrum.org, Nonbinary.org, genderqueerid.com, and more. Many of these websites have resources pages filled with valuable information as well as links to other
resources that may be found useful by others. Bowling Green State University also has a rather large community of Trans* and gender non binary folks and resources for these folks and their allies. TAG, the Trans Awareness Group is a very safe space for folks to explore and talk about their gender identities; Vision, the LGBTQAIA organization on campus is another safe space to meet and talk to others who may identify similarly to oneself along the lines of gender; and the LGBT Resource Center has a great library on a range of LGBTQ+ topics and other resources. I am very thankful that I came to the realization of my gender identity at Bowling Green State University. There are so many great resources and so many great people here that helped make my journey as smooth as possible. Coming to terms with one’s own gender identity can be tough, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, and I encourage everyone to explore their own gender and take advantage the resources around them. “
The LGBT Resource Center Presents
I.N.T.E.R.S.E.C.T.I.O.N.S A Support Group for BGSU Students
When
Thursdays 5:30pm
Where
Math Science 318B
The LGBT Resource center host a support group each week for students to come talk about anything they want with their fellow students. Its a time to learn, express youself, and listen to others. Along with the resource center staff their is also a liason from the conseling center present at each meeting. It is a safe space and all are welcome.
Rainbow Days April 13th-18th
Monday 2nd Annual Queer Art Show Breaking the Mold: celebrating queer art and artists 8pm-10pm BTSU 201 Sponsore by Vision
Tuesday
Beyond Bisexuality 101 with Robyn Ochs 8pm-10pm BTSU 228 Sponsored by Vision
“Can You See Me Now?” A Performance Study of Femme Invisibility 12pm-1pm Hanna Hall 107 Sponsored by The Women’s Center
Body Diversity with Kristen Weaver 6pm-7:30pm Math Science 318B Sponsored by Vision and The LGBT Resource Center
Queer Homelessness and Sex Work 1:30pm 107 Hanna Hall Sponsored by The Women’s Center
Wednesday
Lavender Graduation A celebration of queer students and their allies 5pm-6:30pm BTSU 201 Sponsored by The LGBT Resource Center
Thursday
DREAM Program Open House 1:30pm Carter Park Sponsored by The DREAM Program
Sponsored by Delta Lambda Phi
Collaboration or Competition Working as People of Color BTSU 316 7:30pm-8:30pm Sponsored by Black Student Union and H.U.E
Friday
Oye Loca A narration of Cuban Queer Culture 3-5pm B.A. 101 Sponsored by Latino Student Union and Vision
Delta Lambda Phi Drag Show “Polished” 7pm-10pm BTSU Ballroom
GradPride Panel: The Graduate School Experience April 17, 4-5pm, Math Science 236 Sponsored by GradPride
Saturday LGBT Karaoke A Fun Singing Event 6:30pm-7:30pm Kreischer Arts Village Sponsored by The LGBT Resource Center
Envisioning Wonderland Visions Annual Queer Prom Harshman Community Room 9pm-11pm Sponsored by Vision
Not so Straight Skate 9:00pm-11:30pm BGSU Ice Arena Sponsored by SMART and The LGBT Resource Center
Rainbow Days Synopsis Monday 2nd Annual Queer Art Show -
To kick off the rainbow days events of the week Vision will be hosting their 2nd annual queer art show in the student union in room 201. This is a great time to see some of the art that focuses on being queer or was created by queer artists. There will also be a silent auction for pieces that are for sale by the artists. They are still currently looking for art to be displayed at the event, if interested in having your art displayed email dpatton @bgsu.edu or wingerg @bgsu.edu
Tuesday Beyond Bisexuality 101 with Robyn Ochs - Tuesday will be a great day to learn about bisexuality from a prominent speaker, Robyn Ochs. What does it mean to identify as bisexual (or pansexual or fluid)? What are some of the challenges to recognizing and understanding the middle sexualities — an often overlooked segment of the LGBTQ community? However you identify, come to this lively and interactive program if you could use some tools for challenging ignorance and biphobia.
Wednesday
Can You See Me Now? - Wednesday starts off with a Brown Bag series hosted by the women’s center. Presenter Suscheck will be giving a performance study on Femme Invisibility
Tiffany
Lavender Graduation - Each year the LGBT Resource Center hosts a graduation ceremony for students graduating in the
calendar year who identify or an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Come out and celebrate those who are graduating achievements! Delta Lambda Phi Drag Show
Thursday Body Diversity with Kristen Weaver - We are all people and come in different shapes and sizes. What are some things that we may not think about when it comes to this? Come learn about how the world can be perceived by people of different body types with Kristen Weaver
Collaboration vs. Competition - Why do we compete when we have similar goals? Is this a productive way to complete our goals? HUE
and Black Student Union will be talking about why we compete as people of color and queer people of color and discussing how people feel about this observation as a whole on this campus.
Friday Brown Bag: Queer Homelessness and Sex Work - Once again for rainbow days the women’s center will be opening their doors for a presentation of Queer
Youth and their correlation to homelessness and sex work. This will be a presentation from IQ facilitator Anna Voinovich and Vision vice president Dakota Patton.
Oye Loca - The Latino Student Union will be hosting a presentation of Susana Peña’s book Oye Loca. Susana is the
Director of the school of cultural and critical studies. Oye Loca is about a Gay Male from Cuba coming to Miami. There will be a Q&A section after the presentation
GradPride Panel - Are you interested in Graduate School? Well GradPride will be talking about their experiences,
beginning with preparation, application, and the processes of attendance, sometimes with the added complication of an LGBTQ+ identity.
Queer Prom - Vision will be hosting their annual dance queer prom Friday night. This year’s theme will be Alice in
Wonderland! Come out and take a journey through a wonderful child’s tale and dance with other students. Vision notes that this a safe space to wear what makes you comfortable and express yourself in a manner you see fit.
Saturday Dream Program Potluck - The DREAM program, which is a mentorship program for LGBTQ+ identified students, is hosting
a potluck in Carter Park. It is open to all and will also be an open house for people to learn about and get involved with the DREAM Program.
LGBT Karaoke - The LGBT resource center will be hosting a karaoke night for students to unwind and sing their hearts
out (If you want.) The event will take place in the arts village and be a wonderful time to meet new people.
Not So Straight Skate - In collaboration with the SMART program the LGBT Resource center hosts the Not so Straight Skate.
This is an event where students get to go to the ice arena and enjoy themselves ice skating and hanging out with friends