THE QUEER STREET JOURNAL

GLBT SW 3301

Articles

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Symbols of the GLBT

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Queering the Conference. . 5

Being A Good Ally. . . . . . . . 5

There Is No T In Lobby
Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

GLBT Youth Homelessness:

Stats 101: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Queers on Bicycles . . . . . . . 7

Is Your Employer A Friend

of the GLBT Community . . 9

Pursuing Leather . . . . . . . . . . 10

Gay Men’s Health Crisis . . . . . 11

Health Disparities in the

GLBT Community . . . . . . . . . .12

We Were Just Born This

Way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Queering the Movement . . . .15

The Tale of Thomas(ine). . . . .15

Queer Street Journal May 2011 1

 Dear Readers,

The content of our Zine addresses social movements in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender history. Over the course of our semester, we have been learning about
topics and themes related to the contents of this magazine in two ways: 1) through
service in out glbt communities and 2) through a more critical analysis of academic
writing on topics ranging from general history of gblt individuals to specific barriers to
organizing such groups of people.

Despite the somewhat academic background we as writers have on topics in GLBT

history, our goal is not to inform our readers of the historical or current theories in
social sexual analysis. We are also not trying to brainwash or force you into the center
role of a raging liberal GLBT activist. This Zine is not about GLBT people. Instead, our
goal is to highlight and share our everyday student experiences with glbt issues. Our
articles address everything from practicality-finding glbt friendly churches in your
community, interesting facts about the history of GLBT symbols, and bigger picture
evaluations of queer justice and inclusion. Whether you’re head of the GLBT studies
department, or incoming freshman, we invite you to learn the most interesting and
informative ideas from our semester.

Cheers,

GLBT SW 3301

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 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

Symbols of the GLBT Community

Lambda

Lambda is the 11th letter in the Greek alphabet. The Gay Activists Alliance of New York chose it as
their symbol in 1970 after breaking away from Gay Liberation Front to focus more specifically on
gay and lesbian issues. It was officially declared the international symbol for gay and lesbian rights
by the International Gay Rights Congress in 1974. Lambda quickly became a way for members of
the gay community to identify each other, and it was popular because it was thought that it could
easily be mistaken for a college fraternity symbol and would be ignored by dominant society. There
are many guesses at its meaning, but a member of the Gay Activists Alliance once said that it was
chosen because lambda is the symbol for a catalyst in chemistry.

Rainbow Flag

Eight Striped Version Seven Striped Version Current Version

The Rainbow Flag was originally created as a GLBT symbol in San Francisco by Gilbert Baker in 1978 because local
activists were calling for a symbol for the gay community. The original design had 8 stripes: pink for sexuality, red for
life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.

The Rainbow Flag began being used as a general symbol of the gay community after the assassination of San Francisco
Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk in November 1978. It was the perfect symbol for the
entire gay community to unite under in protest of the tragedy. The reason that the flag went from 8 stripes to 7 is that
a local retailer, Paramount Flag Co., which was located in a large gay neighborhood had a large surplus of 7 striped
rainbow flags for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. The colors were red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, and violet. When Baker then asked the company to make rainbow flags for the community, the pink stripe was
dropped because it was not available for commercial production.

The current flag has six stripes because Baker and Paramount agreed to drop the pink and turquoise stripes and replace
the indigo stripe with royal blue, so that the flag could be divided evenly into two parts. Thus making the flag that
everyone uses today a little less colorful, but widely available.

Many different groups have developed flags for their cause because they are eye catching and easily displayed.

Victory Over AIDS Flag

The Victory Over AIDS Flag is a traditional rainbow flag modified to have a black stripe on
the bottom. The black stripe is to commemorate everyone who we have lost to the AIDS
virus, since the GLBT community is one of the hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 3

Leather Pride Flag

The Leather Pride Flag was designed by Tony DeBlase in 1989 for the 20th
anniversary of Stonewall, and was first displayed at the International Mister Leather Contest
that year. It is the symbol for the leather community, including everyone who enjoys leather,
sadomasochism, bondage, domination, uniforms, rubber, and other sexual fetishes. DeBlase
chose to leave the interpretation of the colors and symbols up to the viewer.

Transgender Pride Flag

The Transgender Pride Flag was made in 1999. It embodies all aspects of trans identity,
going from male to female (blue to pink), from female to male (pink to blue), or just being
somewhere in between (white).

Bear Pride Flag

A Bear is a GLBT man who typically has a hairy face and body, and is often heavy-set or
muscular. They often present a hypermasculine image, and are commonly involved in subgroups
within the GLBT community.

This Bear Pride Flag was developed in 1995 by Spags, a bear bar in Seattle. The stripes
represent all the bears between the earth and sky: blue for sky; white, black and brown for polar
bears, black bears and brown bears; green for the earth. The yellow paw print is the sun, and
represents the spirit and brotherhood of all bears. This is not an official symbol, but it is widely
used.

This Bear Pride Flag was made by Craig Byrnes of the Chesapeake Bay Bear Club, and was first
displayed in 1995 at the club’s “Bears of Summer” event. It represents the International Bear
Brotherhood, with the different colors symbolizing the fur colors and nationalities of bears
throughout the world.

Triangle
Bisexual Triangles
The Pink Triangle was used by the Nazis during WWII to identify homosexuals in concentration camps. All
“undesirables” had to wear a colored triangle on their breast pocket, with each color identifying a different
group. In the 1970’s it was embraced by the gay community as a symbol of pride, to reclaim the symbol of
hate.

The Black Triangle was used by the Nazis to identify individuals with “antisocial behavior”. Lesbians,
feminists, prostitutes, and those who did not conform to the Nazi female ideal were included in this group,
since the Pink Triangle was only used for homosexual men. In recent years the lesbian community has
reclaimed it as a symbol of pride and sisterhood.

The Bisexual Triangles were made because bisexuals rarely get recognition in GLBT movements. Though the
origin is unclear, the blue may be for attraction to men, the pink for women, and the purple as the middle
ground bisexuals occupy. Alternately, the pink may be for homosexuals, the blue for heterosexuals, and the
purple for bisexuals.

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 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

Queering the Conference or school, remember the conversations and the work
you’ve done. The conversations I have had at conferences
Timothy
are forever beneficial for job interviews, classroom
discussions, and fighting social constructs. If you have
As I move closer to finding a lifetime career, I find myself
engaged yourself, hold yourself to the new person you
increasingly intrigued by professional development
can become.
opportunities. Attending leadership and other learning
conferences as a student or young professional, we are
asked to challenge our minds through conversation and
contemplation. How can we, as the future leaders of Being A Good Ally
Queer, Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual movements,
most benefit from our few days or hours at a conference? Ally: someone with a position of social power working to
Here we shall take into consideration the history and interrupt oppression they do not personally experience
modern significance of professional gatherings or (from the GLBTA programs office at UMN TC. For more
development conferences for promoting our needs and information, check out http://www.glbta.umn.edu/
strengthening ourselves beyond the limits of our collective programming/allytrainings/)
aspirations.
As a heterosexual, cis gendered, half Caucasian, middle
Listen and understand others. In order for us to be active class, on-my-way-to-completely-college -educated
participants in our diverse society it is necessary to hear female, I realize that thought many social spaces I
others. Our histories are stretched across numerous regularly visit are not specifically for me, I am “naturally”
accounts of exclusion and fission. Audre Lorde, a feminist welcome in them without question. I am used to sharing
prevalent at the pinnacle of the civil rights movement identities with the majority of people I’m with, specifically
when race lines blurred the unity of the women’s liberation heterosexuality. A joke about an attractive male is
movement, said “Meeting across differences always directed at me by a fellow cis gendered female stranger,
requires mutual stretching, and until you can hear me as and I can laugh along. I can easily walk into the nearest
a Black Lesbian feminist, our strengths will not be truly bathroom marked by a stick figure wearing a dress
available to each other.” No matter where we fall in the without a second thought. I rarely consider my identity
GLBTA spectrum, we must be willing to fully engage others when I visit my day to day places, and I think a high
with the experiences of those who make up the world percentage of the campus population can do the same.
around us. By allying ourselves to all persons, we can hope
to gain partnership for an accepting society that invests However, there are places where I do become aware of
itself in human life rather than private politics. my identity, specifically my identity as heterosexual and
my developing position as an. Volunteering with the
Stand up, come out, speak your truth. When we first Trans Youth Support Network, as well as being part of a
converge at conferences, it is difficult to determine the classroom where jokes are constantly made about straight
benefits that lay before us. By sharing and partaking fully people (in a completely loving and funny way), this
in events and caucuses, we are able to transcend societal semester was one of the best reality checks I’ve had since
barriers of ignorance and disrespect. Be the face of our I started my college education. Not every space is about
movement and present yourself earnestly as a member of my identity, nor does every space assume its visitors are
our community, because the words you speak shed light on heterosexual. I do not feel that being an ally to the GLBT
the needs we seek. community means I’m excluded from the movement, it
just means my voice is useful in helping achieve the goals
Self-reflect and care for yourself. None of us has all already put forth by central members. Discomfort is not
of the answers, seen enough of the world to handle the right way to describe how I feel in these settings, but
everyone question about GLBT experience, or the ability to it’s not the same feeling of unconscious comfort I feel in
challenge every point of condescension. Your ability to act my usual heteronormative spaces. As I realize this may be
courageously as a professional in our community and your a feeling members of the GLBT community experience,
work correlates directly with your self-worth. Consider I feel my experience working with the GLBT community
the words of America’s reigning drag queen RuPaul: “If is a lesson for myself: a lesson of being a helpful, non-
you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love overbearing ally.
somebody else?” Take time out of your day to breathe
and challenge your concepts by letting your mind speak to Tips to being a helpful Ally
itself.
• You are helping others with their social experiences.
Take it home with you. When you return to your work This is not about your experience.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 5

• Consider intersectionalities of systems of oppression time only the L and the G are represented. This lack of
that others, but not you, may have. For example, if you trans visibility continue throughout the day specifically at
are Caucasian, remember that people of color will have the noon rally. Only one speaker, second to last, specifically
different experiences from you which will clash differently spoke about trans individuals and ironically, stated in their
with their sexualities than your race and your sexuality. remarks that they did not want to be seen as the token T in
LGBT
• Remember, you aren’t the mother Teresa of the GLBT
movement. If you are an ally because you want to help What made the whole experience even more disheartening
those poor, oppressed, and helpless homosexuals, you was the fact that OutFront was lobbying a republican
should probably re-evaluate your ideas and consider controlled house and senate that will not pass a single
instead your views on social inequities. piece of legislation over the next year and a half that
extends any rights to LGBT individuals. Most likely, despite
• As a (poor) college student, think in terms of systemic OutFront’s efforts, they will pass a bill that allows voters
change-it’s probably in your better interest to call out a to decide if an amendment should be made to the state
sexual joke or vote on a GLBT friendly referendum than constitution that bans same-sex marriage. So if we threw
give money to a shelter for homeless glbt youth. trans individuals under the bus to win a fight we never had
a chance to win in the first place, what are we going to do
when we actually have a chance to accomplish something?
It is the same old story: T is always the first to be dropped
from LGBT when it is advantageous to do so. I am so
There Is No T In Lobby Day fucking tired of organizations using the acronym LGBT
when there is little trans representation.
I was very excited when I first
began the service learning
part of our class at OutFront GLBT Youth Homelessness: Stats 101
Minnesota. I had worked
with a few campaigns and Homelessness is a growing
organizations in the past and problem in Minnesota and
was always frustrated with across the United States.
the lack of attention given to According to Wilder Research,
trans issues. I was optimistic to within Minnesota, 2,500 youth
be doing my service learning are homeless each night and
with the state’s largest LGBT 10,000 youth will experience
organization, thinking that homelessness in a given
trans folks would represented. year. 1.6 million youth will
The fact that Lobby Day was experience at least one night
rapidly approaching was another reason for my optimism. of homelessness in a given
I thought that this would be an opportunity for the whole year. 70% of homeless youth
LGBT community to come together and express our have had dealings with the
concerns with the state legislature. system (foster care, treatment
center, group homes, detention centers) and 22% have
I first realized that Lobby Day would not be trans inclusive left social service placement in the last year. The numbers
when I looked over the informational packet for the day. are high and quite unsettling, but the fact that the rate is
It stated that during our legislative meetings we should growing is even more so. Since 2006 youth homelessness
focus the discussion mainly on marriage equality and has grown 46%. A disproportionate number of youth who
safe schools. There was one mention of trans issues, but are homeless are youth of color, who have experienced
the rest of the pack focused solely on those two issues. sexual, physical or/and emotional violence.
I felt like OutFront added the phrase trans issues to
the end of the list in order to justify their use of LGBT These are all unsettling statistics and construct an all
community. Rather than discuss work place discrimination to depressing reality, but what does this have to do
in the workplace, hate crimes, gender neutral restrooms, with the LGBTQ community? How does that effect your
or access to quality, affordable health care all that was identification as a member of this queer community? A
written in the entire packet was “trans issues”. I am large amount of the youth found within these statistics are
not saying that marriage equality and safe schools identify as LGBTQ. Roughly 10% of the total population
are not important issues. What I am saying is that it is identifies as GLBTQ. A conservative estimate, in any given
disingenuous to use LGBT when the vast majority of the city, 20-40% (320,000 – 400,000 youth) of homeless

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 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

youth identify as GLBTQ. Minnesota is said to be on the action as well. Homelessness is a major issue within
lower end of that estimate at 11%- 17%. Roughly 1 in 5 youth society on a macro level, and most definitely on a micro
identify as GLBTQ and of that number 1 in 3 identify as level as well. GLBT youth homelessness is an issue
Transgender. Out of these youth, 58% have been sexually within and of the GLBT community as well. Community
assaulted and 44% (compared to 26% cisgendered straight based programs are popping up across the country.
counterparts) are solicited for sexual favors in exchange Minneapolis also has its own program: GLBT Host Home
for shelter. Queer homeless youth are 7.4 times as likely to Program. The GLBT Host Home Program came to be
experience sexual violence compared to their cisgender out of a community dialogue and is a prime example of a
straight counterparts. Most of these youth are youth of community coming together and formulating a response
color. In a state with a predominately white population, and reaction to the disparaging representation of GLBT
roughly 4% African American and 1% Native America, it youth within homeless youth. Institutions are slowly
makes this reality all that more disparaging and upsetting. holding conversations to cater more successfully to LGBT
identified youth.
There are many reasons youth experience homelessness:
abuse, unstable home life, substance abuse etc. Identifying This is how youth homelessness is an issue for the GLBTQ
as LGBT adds one more to the list: sexual orientation community.
and gender expression. Transgender youth of color make
up a significant portion of GLBT youth experiencing
homelessness. One of the main reasons youth identifying
Queers on Bicycles
as GLBT to experience homelessness used to be due to
Surely there must be an intersection between queers
their sexual orientation and gender expression. Though it is
and bicyclists with The Advocate naming Minneapolis the
still a factor and an issue, other reasons are more prevalent.
gayest city in America in 2011 and Bicycling Magazine
But as the economy continues to suffer, it is more common
ranking Minneapolis as most bicycle-friendly city in
to be an issue of lack of resources and familial issues. In a
America in 2010. Since the historical arrival of the
study done in 2006, 25% (which is significantly lower than
first successful bicycle in 1879, the bicycle has been
studies done in previous years) of homeless queer youth in
no stranger to powerful and influential movements
the U.S identified sexual orientation/gender expression as
and organizations in America. Bicycles have been
their main reason for running away or getting kicked out
instrumental in Army warfare, fashion reform, road reform,
of their homes. In Minnesota, 25% of our GLBT homeless
feminism, elections, courier service, transportation, and of
youth list sexual orientation/gender expression as their
course, the LGBTQIA community. Basically, bicycling has
main reason. In the Midwest it is roughly 39%. Though
maintained a close relationship with power, occupation,
sexual orientation/ gender expression is no longer as
sexuality, and community—all things LGBTQIA folk
dominant within the issue, it still is a huge reason that
encounter daily.
shelters, social work resources (i.e. foster care) and other
systemic institutions fail the GLBT youth. Furthermore,
The first marginalized group in America to use the bicycle
GLBT identified youth are more likely to experience
for a cause were women. Susan B. Anthony claimed that
domestic violence within their home, substance abuse,
the single-most effective contribution to the feminist
attempt suicide and experience harassment within their
movement is the bicycle. As women took dominion over
school and community. This reality alone solidifies and
the bicycle, manufacturers lowered the top-tube of the
enroots causes within sexual orientation and gender
bicycle frame to create a step-through design. This made
expression.
it easier for women to bicycle while wearing long dresses.
Despite the new design, a lady cyclist was sure to catch
What can be done? As a community, we need to
the hem of her petticoat in the bicycle chain. A glimpse
acknowledge the accountability we hold and the
of the ankle emerged first as women trimmed their long
responsibility we need to take. The system is failing these
skirts to increase rider-mobility. Eventually, the bicycle
youth and as a collective we need to come together and
caused women to put on their first pair of trousers. Aside
try and rework the system. We need to ensure places
from fashion reform, a massive group of domestically
and spaces, like foster care, shelters and detention
shackled women suddenly had autonomy as they
centers are more queer friendly and provide a more
independently pedaled all across town. Protestors were
comprehensive space of understanding and acceptance.
fast to turn the women’s bicycle movement into an attack
Furthermore, as a community, we need to acknowledge
on sexuality. Historians Jane Curry and Marjorie Bingham
the resources we individually may hold, the capital we
wrote that resisters spouted that female bicyclists
may have, on an individual level, and figure out how to
would become unfertile, bow-legged, experience spinal
share our resources with those who are in need of a
curvature, deformed hands and feet, and bicycle face.
safe space to collect their own. Systemic change and
Their liberation cost them the title of masculine, indecent,
reworking is important, but so is a grass root effort and
home wreckers.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 7

Conflicts of power emerged during the Bicycle Boom of the 1880s. It was at this time, that bicyclists established the
first bicycle coalition. The League of American Wheelmen reached 70,000 members at its height. The major priority
was demanding roads be better designed and better maintained for the common bicyclist. Bicyclists fought for the city
to be a space that sufficiently accommodated them. The bicyclists made up a great deal of swing voters and warned
politicians that they would only vote for politicians that guaranteed proper road reform. Bicyclists could spread political
messages much faster than pedestrians on foot, and could also reach outlying rural communities that would normally
be excluded from political conversations. A great deal of American road reform happened because of bicycle strategy.
Bicyclists quickly could build community and with strength of numbers, they immediately understood and exercised their
political pull.

Movements and organizations still straddle the bicycle saddle today. Bicycles are still as cheap as ever. In fact, places
like Sibley Bike Depot offer six-month long bicycle loans to people who cannot afford bicycles—150 people last year,
and a goal of 200 in 2011. Bicycles naturally offer independence to any cause. They are easy to repair, propelled by
the person, and virtually free to use. Most important, the amount of bicyclists in the city is still great, and constantly
influences laws, statutes, and politics. The types of laws established entitle bicyclists to the same rights as automobile
drivers. Minnesota statute 169.22 is the statute that legally provides this free, open, vibrant urban landscape. An
organized bicycle ride is an opportunity to publicly assemble, celebrate, and exercise. While riding a bicycle, the city
becomes the perfect canvas for sexual and gender expression.

Rolling down a Twin City street somewhere, is a coalition of queer and ally bicyclists. Whether wrenching, riding,
racing, or simply congregating, bicycles empower people to take dominion over the urban spaces, physically as well as
politically. So when does bicycling get queer in the Twin Cities? Probably much more than most people realize. Here is
a taste (by no means an exhaustive list) of queer related bicycling in the Twin Cities.
The Queer Bike Gang was created in part to break away from the bar culture that LGBTQ people rely on to connect
to other queers. We seek to create a healthy and economical alternative where queers can connect. Many of us also
consider riding our bikes to be a reflection of our political beliefs on a culture of consumption and the environment, to
name a few. But most of us just join to have fun.”

QBG gets together for rides about once a month and often incorporate social activities or volunteer work. In the past
year we have had outings to Northstar Roller Girls bouts, tons of beaches, and community biking events including
ArtCrank, Brake for Breakfast and the Bike Film Festival. We also make periodic trips to deliver QBG branded safer sex
kits, courtesy of Minnesota AIDS Project.

Grease Rag Ride and Wrench’s mission is “is to encourage and empower women/ trans/ femme (WTF) cyclists in a
collaborative and fun learning environment through rides, discussions, shop nights and educational seminars in a safer
space.” The first and third Thursday of every month, women, trans, and femme riders hold a bicycle ride. After the ride,
bicyclists are encouraged to work on their bicycles after business hours at Sunrise Cyclery in Uptown, creating a safe,
comfortable space for women, trans, and femme riders to work on their bikes with full and free access to a professional
bicycle shop.

Sibley Bike Depot’s Women and Trans Night. Open shop with female mechanics for women and transgender on
Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sibley Bike Depot has also been known to offer classes to women and transgendered
riders on bicycle commuting, safety, mechanics, etc. Sibley Bike Shop always has volunteer opportunities for people to
build donated bicycles. This shop truly believes in empowerment and community through bicycling and want to get as
many people on a bicycle as possible.

Dames on Frames calls itself a feminist bike zine, and it strives to articulate the places in which feminism and bike culture
overlap. It raises interesting points, like why are only a third of all bike commuters in Bogotá women? Why don't male
doctors suggest using cornstarch to sooth bike rash instead of advocating not riding at all? Why does "skill" rank as a
higher deterrent for women riders than for male riders?

Cirque du SoGay is Queer Bike Gang (QBG)'s annual bicycle tour of the hottest Queer establishments in the Twin Cities.
Cirque du SoGay was created to celebrate Queer culture while connecting people to LGBTQ resources in the community,
and is followed by an awards ceremony, performances, and a big gay dance party.

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 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

Underwear Rides are clear disrupters of heteronormative behavior and sexual expression. Not only do bicyclists forgo
the privacy of the enclosed car, but they proudly fill the streets on bicycle wearing nothing but underwear. These
happen at least once throughout the summer.

Minneapolis Bike Love is a bicycle website and forum that will pretty much provide any answer to any question you may
have about bicycles or LGBTQIA issues in the Twin Cities. It is this forum that bicyclists can find rides listed, such as an
Underwear Ride or political events that are affecting the bicycle community. Be sure to visit the Women/Trans/Femme
thread for all sorts of topics.

Bike Porn is actually from Portland, but Minneapolis bicyclists are especially welcoming to these traveling highly erotic
bicycle pornographies. Unfortunately, the tour is in Europe right now, but will surely return to the Twin Cities.

Is Your Employer a Friend of the GLBT Community?

Did you know that it is possible to work for a GLBT friendly company? Many corporations and businesses
have diversity offices and policies in place that make the workplace a safe and friendly environment. Some
companies even give money to non-profits and community organizations where their employees volunteer as
well as sponsor local events like Pride or the AIDS Walk.

Have you ever wondered why? Simple: they do it for you. It may seem that donations and involvement is
about press, and it is to a certain extent, but it is also about engaging and caring about their employees. This
business practice is all about making good business decisions, a company that invests in GLBT policies like
non-discrimination policies, domestic partner benefits and community involvement will attract and retain the
best talent out there. Employees who believe their employer values them are more loyal and usually more
productive.
How do you know if your employer is GLBT Friendly? Ask them! The answers are there and usually easy to
find. Check out your employer’s webpage – you can find everything you need to know about diversity and
community involvement. Almost every corporate website has an “About Us” page. Check it out; here you will
find a community giving information, diversity practices and information about Employee Resource Groups.

Still not sure about a Company’s GLBT Policies? Check out the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality
Index (CEI). Most of us are aware of the Human Rights Campaign or at least recognize their equality symbol
but very few people are aware of the Corporate Equality Index. The Corporate Equality Index is a survey that
companies voluntarily respond to and it is usually sent to companies on one of the Forbes lists; see the HRC
website for these lists. The CEI is published annually in the fall and is available online at www.hrc.org. The
CEI rates companies on a scale of 100 and is based on responses to questions about such items as a Non-
Discrimination Policy, Spousal and Partner Benefits, and Transgender Inclusive Benefits. The CEI has changed
the survey a few times to reflect current needs and push companies to continue to respond to current climate
with the next change happening in 2012.

Still not sure why it matters? As you can see there are many options to determine if your current or future
employer is GLBT Friendly. Consider using this information when you are completing a future job search.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 9

 Pursuing Leather

The black leather of my pants hugs the shape of my silicone dick where it stays resting to the left of my
inner thigh. My thighs are tender and warm to touch. The only thing hard about me is my black cock and my
leather mentality. The smell of leather is hot and gets hotter when I stroke my cock from the tip to the base. I stop
after one light touch. Tonight is my claimed night out and I’d like to fuck. Who am I to tease? A woman can touch
herself, please herself, make love to herself, or fuck herself, but for how long must she endeavor this journey alone?
I’ve run that track over and over again and I think this horse will be shot before running that track one more time.
Tonight, I put away my femme nature and take on my yang over my yin.

I dress my upper body in a faded baby blue jean button up that is embellished with embroidered roses. My
leather vest allows my tits to go unnoticed until the very moment that my vest opens up to expose two pointy tips.
No bra and no panties. I am a huntress with my spear waiting to dominate my prey. My cunt tingles with the very
thought of the touch, the taste, the smell, and the sounds.

I will not be shy tonight. Nine inches of hard rubber strapped to me will not allow it. Tonight I play
a character that allows me to expose myself as vulnerable, yet holding a wild power to release any inhibition.
Pursuing leather is pursuing a deeper part of me that moans in a depth I have yet to know. I’m not a virgin to
leather, but commanding a dick is new realm I have yet to explore.

My mind becomes unsettled as I think about the bus ride over to the gay bar. I want to grab my pink furry
long coat for comfort. But, the coat would only draw me back to my femme self and disclaim that character I have
taken. I head out the door sans coat and make my way onto a crowded bus, cock as my compass.

There is nowhere to sit, but standing is preferred. I’ve never sat down with a boner. Five more stops till I
get there my mind plays vivid scenarios of what could happen upon my arrival. A skinny blonde woman gets into
the bus and stands in front of me in the aisle. The crowd pushes her my way into my compass needle like she is
magnetic north. She smiles. I can smell her perfume -- daisies. She has a sweet natural glow to her.

She whispers apologies into my ear as her hand accidentally grazes my hard cock. I could feel my cunt
tense. She faces back toward the front of the bus and I stare at her tight ass in her mini skirt. She looks over
her shoulder and then back to the front. I wonder if she was trying to gain my attention. Did she feel my cock
underneath my tight leather pants?

She answered my thought as she turned back around grabbing my cock, while pressing her body closer to
mine and speaking directly to my eyes, “When are you getting off?” intensifying her grip.

Taken off my guard, “Er, well,” I stammered, “I, um, maybe wanted to get off in two stops to um, go to the…”
I said as she cut me off. My reply was neither smooth nor impressive. Fuck! Not at all in character. Be aggressive. I
bite my lip.

“Wrong, I think you’re getting off here.” She said as the bus stopped. She started to make her way toward
the door. I followed instinctively.

“I see you didn’t make the mistake of not getting off. Do you want to get off again?” She winked.

I decided that now would be the time for me to take the lead. “I am going to take you over there, and make
you cum again and again. Would you like that?” I ask pointing to the dimly lighted alleyway.

She follows obediently. But, takes the lead again and unzips my leather pants and grabs the cock in my
pants.

“Oh, do you want to feel what you’re doing to me? Or do you want me to tell you?” she asks and her breath

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is hot in my ear.

I take command letting the cock be my driving force. “Turn around. Bend over. Give me your ass. Hands
on the brick. Behave or I will be forced to tie you up.” I couldn’t help my grin from creeping in.

“Yes, mistress.” She pulls her skirt up past her curvy hips. “Mistress, pardon me for asking but would you
like me to suck your cock before I bend over?” She asked with her hand still grasping firm on my cock.

“Wait,” I command grabbing her hair, pulling her to me, and kissing her long and deep. My lips run to
her ear, her neck, and I let my hand slide down the smoothness of her bare white thighs, which drip wet from the
mouth of her pussy. I can smell a mixture of musk, wet pussy, daisies, and the city. I reach for the cock and am
amazed it is dripping wet with my pussy juice, and slip it into her aching cunt. Her moans are drowned out by the
speeding cars honking and bus passing by. She cries for more. And, I give her more and, upon the request that I
take her home, I give her more the rest of the night.

Gay Men’s Health Crisis

Nathan Hesse

In 1981 a strange outbreak took place. This outbreak, first noticed

in New York among the gay male population, would soon become
known as the Gay Men's Health Crisis, and later by the title GRID
(Gay Related Immune Disorder). The disease was taking seemingly
healthy men and rendering them dead. In 1982 the disorder was
brought to the attention of the CDC when heterosexual women and
intravenous drug users were also being infected. Seemingly over
night what we now know as HIV in its early stages and AIDS in its
advanced stages swept the nation. This epidemic created an almost
instant social response. Homosexual men and women, along side
their transgender community members as well as allies and persons
of color banded together to fight for each other and, also to fight
for those who were no longer able to fight for themselves. These people came together to disseminate education on
the prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as to call for a response from our government, as the means for saving the lives of
people were not possible at the personal or even local level. The earliest things asked for were funding for prevention
education as well as affordable medication, followed shortly thereafter by a movement for anti-discrimination laws
based on serostatus (HIV status). The first major group to be formed was the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC); the
group was founded in 1981 by six gay men bound and determined to fight this epidemic. Larry Kramer was one of these
men, Kramer would later leave GMHC, and go on to found ACT UP, a more radical direct action group that was not
willing to sit idly by: they were going to be loud and be heard, and they were very successful in their mission. These
groups spawned many others across the nation and as prevention messages began to make their way into the hands of
the general public, there was a decline in new infection rates. Over the subsequent years, with advanced research, better
education, and new drugs the decline in new infections held steady. Recently, however, there has been a drastic increase
in new infections; this is due mainly to a lack of prevention education, caused by a government that was more than
willing to allow abstinence only education coupled with a major economic depression, HIV and STI (Sexually Transmitted
Infection) education are not receiving the funding required to educate the people. In Minnesota alone in 2009 there
where an alarming 279 new infections reported, a 40% increase from 2004. These disparities come from a lack of ability
to properly educate our youth on the dangers of unsafe behaviors and practices. People united in 1981, from different
sexual orientations, races, and religions to fight for the rights and health of their friends, families, and communities. The
HIV/AIDS social movement was created out of necessity and has been one of few to successfully draw people together
to unite in a single cause that in some way benefits them all. We again
need to unite as one to change the world we live in, for, as with the HIV/
AIDS pandemic, and all causes, we are stronger as one.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 11

Health Disparities in the GLBT is much confusion and stigma surrounding them. On most
forms I have filled out in doctor’s offices there are only two
Community boxes to check: male or female. Unfortunately some people
Alana McDevitt have trouble defining themselves in those limited terms. And
when it comes to doing a physical it can be confusing or
When I think of health care I think of hospitals, clinics, off-putting for doctors who are not familiar with transgen-
nurses and over-educated medical professionals. I dered individuals, making it unpleasant for them to go to
don’t use over educated loosely either. I have worked the doctor for fear of scrutiny. Also the push for babies born
in a veterinary clinic most of my life and grew up with with ambiguous genitalia to get it “fixed” early has come
family members in various medical professions. They can under fire as of late. There have been many cases of children
be difficult to talk to and it seems they can’t relate to growing up feeling out of place, or just strange because of
others, or are just too arrogant to want to. This can pose the sex they were assigned. Fortunately many doctors, with
a problem for people who do not have a Ph.D., a strong a push from the psychological field, have moved past reas-
medical background or medical jargon. signing sex until the child has more of an opinion but there
are still instances of surgeries done too early and children or
Health disparities and inequalities is a major issue in this young adults feeling like they don’t belong in their own skin.
country today. Without health insurance most medical care
is too expensive or unobtainable for people. Add skin color, I wish I could say all of my visits to the doctor, even for the
religion or sexual orientation that is different from that of routine check-up, were pleasant but it is not always the
the doctor, that can make the barrier between the doctor case. I have felt judged or scrutinized for my education level
and patient even greater. There have been numerous or sexual past, but fortunately I have found a doctor I am
survey studies done on patient-doctor interactions, and comfortable with. My advice and hope for you reading this
it has been found that doctors spend less time consulting today, is that you make an effort to find a doctor’s office
African American patients if the doctor is white, than if the you are comfortable in and a staff that accepts you. I use a
doctor is black as. This is also true for the GLBT patients. nurse practitioner: just as much experience and knowledge
These surveys found that many people of the GLBT as a doctor just more down to earth because she had to
community at times did not feel comfortable revealing work with patients one-on-one longer than a doctor. Talk to
their sexual past, problems they were having and getting your friends and family and go to the doctor! GLBT rights
physical exams. Some people also reported feeling that can start with the medical community, and hopefully trickle
their sexual orientation got them less than adequate care down into the rest of the country.
or that they were treated poorly because of it.

Dr. Anne Dohrenwend of Flint, MI wrote “A Grand

Challenge to Academic Medicine: Speak Out on Gay
Rights” written for Academic Medicine, addressing this
challenge of academic medicine and the GLBT community.
She feels that people going through medical school are
not getting the right training on how to address this
minority group. There is a lack of action in the medical
community that she argues, is due to homophobia and
incorrect training and understanding of GLBT issues,
which is important when you are treating the mental and
physical well being of patients. She highlights ten ways the
academic community can support gay rights and how it
will impact the rest of the country in getting laws passed
and a greater understanding of this groups’ needs. In her
first sentence she says it point blank: “There are times
when politics and health are so intertwined that to forgo
politics is to neglect health.” This then, she explains, is a
human rights violation as this group (along with many
minorities and underprivileged) is not getting adequate
health care, and at times, none at all.

Another fight for the GLBT community lies more heavily

on the T. For the transgendered/intersex community there

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We Were Just Born This Way

"Hey, I just saw your Facebook page, saying you are minoring in GLBT studies. What a
joke!"

"No, it is not a joke. I declared it as my minor."

"What?! I thought you were Christian."

"Yes, I am Christian. Does it matter?"

Can any of you imagine the conversation above is happening at least once a day to me? I am not even kidding. I have
been asked like million times how come I 'CAN' study GLBT studies. ‘Can’ (to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill
to) was not a typo. Apparently I was not supposed to or able to study GLBT studies according to people around me.
Why? Because I am not smart enough? Because I am not identified as homosexual? No, it is because I am Christian.
Since I am Christian, I do not have a right to study what I want to study.

I was born and raised as Christian by one of the most conservative parents. All I have learned about homosexuality was
it is a sin and immoral. I am not going to lie. That was the way I thought of homosexuality as well. Homosexuality was
an invisible fear that threatened me, so I prayed for people who identified as homosexual, hoping they would be cured
sometime in the future. It sounds silly, but I was desperate even though I was young. Thinking back, I only saw what I
could see.

Okay, former homophobic-ish Christian lady, how did you end up studying GLBT studies? Long story shorts, coming to
the United States was my turning point in terms of thoughts about homosexuality. When I first got to the United States,
everything freaked me out. I went to New York City, and I saw a lot of people holding hands and kissing. Yes, I meant
same sex people. To be honest, it a little disgusted me then I thought ‘I am in the United States for real.’ To pray or save
for people on the street in New York City, I started going to one of Churches. Many of the people in the church agreed
with what I thought about homosexuality and how often it freaks me out on the street. I finally felt like I was in the right
place. While I was studying the bible with people in my age group, I met the most amazing person in the world. He was
born and raised as Christian just like me, and we had a lot in common. Yes, as anyone can guess, we started dating under
the God’s words.

I thanked God everyday to bring him to my life, and everything seemed perfect even after I came to Minnesota. I
thought the happiness would last forever. Yes, stupid Disney movies. Guess what happened? The special person told
me one night he is actually bisexual. I thought he was joking until he started crying and claiming how harsh it is to be
bisexual and Christian at the same time. “Yes, it must be hard, no, I think it’s better to not live anymore because you
betrayed Jesus”, I said. I knew It was very mean to say, but it hurt me a lot to lose my boyfriend and the Jesus follower
at once.

I had been thinking to myself how he could be bisexual when he claimed as Christian. It did not make any sense to me.
I really tried to understand him since everyone is different, but when it comes to my religion (and his religion), I could
not stand it. Actually it really pissed me off. So, I decided to stop seeing him, but he asked me to listen to him just for a
moment. Do you think it is romantic? No! it was horrible since I didn't even want to see his face. Anyways like most of TV
dramas go, we actually met up again, and he started talking how he really feels.

"Have you ever felt like you don't belong anywhere? Have you ever felt like you are really a bad person even though
you don't do anything wrong? Have you ever cried when you pray for Jesus because you are scared of what he thinks
about you? Have you ever thought the lord is not there for you anymore because you have differences? Have you ever
thought you are going to hell when you die even though you pray for him every day? Or have you ever been freaking
out thinking your parents are going to turn their backs when they know who you really are? That's how I feel everyday.
That's why I hide myself. That's why I do not want to come out. That's why my life is such a misery", he said.

Can you guys guess how it went? I cried with him because that was how I exactly feel being a racially minority in the
United States. I always complained how much I am depressed when I got discriminated against my race, but I had never

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 13

thought of other discriminations. If I didn't want to be judged or margined out based on my skin color, why would I
judge people based on their sexuality? Why? Because of my religion? Hah, I only saw what I could see. I was a frog in a
wall. I felt so sorry for what I could not see and realized I needed to study GLBT society to understand my loved one and
eventually understand other people who are different from me. If someone says it's too dramatic, then I have to agree
with that person. However, it was not about drama. It was a real life to him and myself as well.

Since I declared GLBT studies as my minor, it has been really hard to go to the church where I always go on sundays.
People gave me dirty looks, saying "You will be sick and betray Jesus someday." I have nothing against other people's
view towards homosexuality. Yes, It is totally understandable, but just studying GLBT society and having a bisexual
boyfriend means I am not REAL Christian anymore? What a joke. I talked to one of people in the church, asking some
advice what I can do with my situation. That person I could lean on anytime I needed to said to be forgiven I just need
to break up with my boyfriend, stop studying homosexuality, and ask forgiveness to God. Wow, really? should I really do
that to be real Christian as I was before?

Back to the story of my boyfriend, he told everyone around him that he is bisexual like three months ago. I said I am
really proud of him and he is the most brave person I have ever known. He claimed that he feels so much better and
wants to be who he is. But, also he didn't forget to mention that Jesus is still his everything. "I may not be queer enough
or Christian enough, but hey this is me and I was just born this way", he said smiling. Yes, maybe he and I had different
sexual orientations, I knew we could work on it because we both follow Jesus like we can do anything. And very next
day he said he would love himself no matter what people think, he killed himself.

-no 1 is talking to me. every1 talks shit about me. ppl force me not to come to church. my parents don't wana see me or
talk to me. y am i living? watt did i do wrong? i love you but im going to hell. im going to hell.

This was the last text I got from him which I still have in my cellphone. He said he was going to hell. He said he was going
to hell. The guy who has never done anything wrong but following Jesus and deciding to be himself at the end said he
was going to hell. What a world. What a stupid joke. What's christianity? What is it? Why does someone have to feel
guilty being who he is based on his religious view and most of people's perspective? Why? I know I have been Christian
since I was in my mom's womb, but if doing what I want to do and being who I am are against christianity, I would not
believe what I have believed. But my question is who can define what christianity is? You know what, I know the answer
already. It's No one, but Jesus himself.

After tragedy that happened to my boyfriend, people in my church said Jesus helped me not to go to hell, kicking
my boy's ass out of the world. I laughed at them and said "If someone's death shows you guys Jesus' love, then your
God and my God are different." I don't go to church anymore. I have to say I don't go to that church where people
discriminate others against sexuality. Thanks to my special person, I realized how stupid I was. Homosexuality is not a sin
or disease. It is just like I was born as Asian and I was born as straight. Don't get me wrong. Jesus is still my everything
and I am proud of being Christian. However, I do not want to pray for people who are homosexual anymore because now
I know it's nothing to be forgiven or saved.

The reason why I wrote a long article, talking about my experience is that it is really needed to have queer friendly
churches. I believe there are many of people who claim homosexual yet Christian at the same time. They need to go to
church without any prejudice and dirty looks. I am still thinking if there was any church my special person could go to,
then things could have turned out differently. Some people say homosexuality is against the Bible. But, the thing is it
can be varied based on who interpreted it. Ahem, I am not going to argue with what the Bible says. But, if Jesus loves
everyone and he says we need to love our neighbor, then why don't you follow that first instead of hating someone who
has different sexual orientation? Every Christian wants a safe and reliable place to pray and communicate with others.
Homosexual, heterosexual, white, black, whoever it is, everyone needs a right to pray for God.

It can be very complicated, but it can also be that simple if you think we all are here for same purpose. Easy like one two
three.

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 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

Queering the Movement After what is admittedly a simplistic explanation, I have

to take us one step further. It is important to take all
Jackson Dell Otto these issues and examples with a grain of salt, because
real life isn't that simple. The nuances and complexities
You may be of these social movements remind us that most things
wondering, aren't black or white; they exist somewhere on a
right now at this continuum. While some organizations and individuals
very instant, align themselves with the labels of queer politics
why we're all or GLBT politics, the two are not entirely mutually
talking about exclusive.
'queer this' and
'queer that.' The rest of the articles in this The Queer Street Journal
Especially given detail some of the issues surrounding our social
the context of movements. Challenge yourself to identify themes and
our course, titled opinions that might be identified as queer, GLBT, or
'GLBT Social somewhere in the middle.
Movements in the U.S.' why wouldn't we be talking about
GLBT communities and politics, or even LGBT ones? Long
story short, they mean different things; they have different
histories, connotations, implications, and power. The Tale of Thomas(ine)
The mainstream GLBT movement (as it is often referred Come on, everybody. Say it with me: “I am he as you
to by its critics) is based on assimilationist techniques. It are he as you are me and we are all together.” No, no,
emphasizes all things normal(izing). The most common it’s supposed to be in a droning voice. If you put too
example used to demonstrate this idea is the Human Rights much inflection into that, um, phrase (?) then you’ll
Campaign's (HRC) (www.hrc.org) focus on repealing get all confused, and it will never make sense. Now,
Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) and fighting for marriage that I think of it, though, does it really make sense? Is
equality. These goals advocate the assimilation of GLBT everyone the same? Are genders changing here? Meh,
communities, couples, and individuals into normative it was the ‘60s, this stuff happened all the time. I mean,
American citizenry. They do not call for a re-evaluation of gender-bending, queer stuff started then, right? Okay,
the system that has, for so long, operated on principles of okay, let’s give Oscar Wilde a little credit. 1890s rock
exclusion. on! But before all of that happened, there’s a strange,
little story I want to tell you all about.
It may be helpful to think of queer politics as a response
to and a critique of the mainstream GLBT movement. It’s April 1629. A person named T. Hall is brought before
However, 'queer' takes many forms. It is a formidable field the General Court in Virginia colony. Hall has not been
of academic study, calling for the troubling, questioning, convicted of any crime; it’s just that nobody knew
and challenging of previously-assumed givens. It is used what Hall’s gender was. A Mr. John Tyos had purchased
by many as a sexual and/or gender identity, emphasizing Thomas Hall’s indentureship, but then two years later
the fluidity and breadth of the possibilities of expression. swore that Thomas was, in fact, Thomasine. Then a Mr.
Most importantly for you and I is the emergence of queer John Atkins purchased Thomasine from Mr. Tyos and
politics, sometime within the last two decades. The premise then swore that Thomasine was, in fact, Thomas. What
of queer politics rests on the antithesis of assimilation: the hell?
revolution. Queers call for a radical restructuring of
US politics and society. As part of this revolutionary Thomasine Hall was born circa 1602 “at or neere”
framework, queers work outside of the dominant system Newcastle upon Tyne in England. When she was
of discourses and justice. They also call for recognizing the twelve, she moved to London to live with her aunt.
intersecting natures of identities, asking us to consider race, Then around 1625, Thomas Hall became a soldier.
socioeconomic status, ability, etc. in addition to gender Thomasine showed up again in 1627 as a seamstress in
and sexuality. Additionally, as a response to the HRC's Plymouth. And then, later that year, Thomas Hall caught
(among other GLBT organizations) central goals, queers a ship to Virginia. Now, here’s where it gets confusing.
call for focussing on more immediate issues. For example, Thomas Hall apparently starting dressing like a woman
the Queers for Economic Justice's 'home' section of their while still considered male. A man asked Hall why he
webpage (ww.q4ej.org) currently centers the prevalence of wore women’s clothing. To which Hall replied, “I goe
queer homelessness and homophobic violence. in weomans aparell to gett a bitt for my Catt.” Yeah,
I know, I needed a historian to explain that one too.

Queer Street Journal - May 2011 15

 QUEER STREET JOURNAL

Apparently, some historians read it straight (hehe): dressing as a woman made it easier to beg for morsels for Hall’s cat.
Some historians think that Hall was trying to get closer to women to get some. Historian Mary Beth Norton thinks that
the sentence is a play on the French slang phrase - “pour avoir une bite pour mon chat,” which means to get a penis for
my C U Next Tuesday. To make his/her response mysterious, Hall substituted bite for bit and chat for cat.

Hall was stripped and searched by a group of women who declared that Hall was male. Then Hall was questioned
by a Mr. Basse who declared that Hall was female after Hall described his/her anatomy with ambiguous physical
characteristics and refused to choose a gender identity. Then Hall was searched three more times outside of the court;
John Atkins, Hall’s master, then ordered Hall to put on men’s clothes. That could have been the end of it, but a rumor
started that Hall “did ly with a maid of Mr Richard Bennetts called greate Besse.” If Hall were female, then this would be
a normal show of female friendship; if Hall were male, this would be a fornication case. The matter was then brought to
the General Court.

The General Court accepted Hall’s self-definition and declared that Hall was “a man and a woeman, that all the
Inhabitants there may take notice thereof and that hee shall goe Clothed in mans apparell, only his head to bee attired in
a Coyfe (a lady cap) and Corsecloth with an Apron before him.” Mary Beth Norton offers one explanation of the court’s
ruling: that Hall was actually a male who appeared to have female anatomy until puberty, but that it was gender (Hall’s
learned, female skills), not Hall’s sex, that was more important in the court’s decision.

Or, Hall was simply intersex. In the seventeenth century, when hermaphrodites were more of a legend than an
identifiable person, Hall was able to bend his/her gender back and forth to take advantage of opportunities that would
not have been possible to someone of just one sex. This case is also important because it shows that queer is not new.
That even if gay/lesbian/transgender/bisexual/intersex/generally queer people didn’t identify as such, that doesn’t mean
that they didn’t exist. They did. They do. And we are everywhere.

P.S. If you want to check out more about Thomas/Thomasine Hall and other gender tales from ye olde tymes, read Mary
Beth Norton’s book Founding Mothers & Fathers: Gendered Power and the Forming of American Society (New York:
Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.) 1996.

QUEER STREET JOURNAL

GLBT SOCIAL WORK 3301

University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nyssa

Design Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi

May 2011
• Queering the Movement
• Is Your Employer A Friend of the GLBT Community?
• Pursuing Leather

QUEER STREET JOURNAL