IDENTITY AND ORIENTATION

This week’s class brought an unexpected surprise.  Sandy Allen came to address us and discuss orientation and identity.  It was fascinating because even I had not given that much thought to the differences.  Some of my classmates did have some input, as a few actually knew some transgendered folks.  I have personally known FTM AND MTF trans-people.  

I have a better understanding of how a MTF trans-person can still be attracted to women.  It seems a shame that this segment of the GLBTQ is often marginalized by its own supposed allies.  There is even self-directed homophobia within the ranks.  It’s sad to know that sometimes the oppressed become even more regimented oppressors when given freedom.  Food for thought, indeed. 

Orientation: It matters

I offer this link with hope that it may have a positive impact on at least one person:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/note.php?note_id=113090548754544&id=644203959

MIDTERM PAPER: WHO AM I?

I have pretty much finished the midterm paper.  I spent a good bit of Sunday wrapping it up.  All that's left is to proofread, make any necessary corrections and print.  Wish me luck, as it is due Thursday night along with the next quiz.

BEFORE STONEWALL

Last night in class we watched “Before Stonewall”.  It was about the GLBTQ struggle before that fateful night in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in NYC.  It shows what it was like to be Gay/Lesbian in the early parts of American history, during the great depression and WWII.  It is a story about my people.  It is a story about equality and fairness.  It is about the fact that even today; we are dealing with many of the same issues as then.  Women’s rights, gender equality and a nation that still discriminates on many levels are still relevant.  

I don’t suppose I was surprised that several of my fellow students just couldn’t relate.  Many people these days are used to and expect instant gratification.  Many take for granted that they can just go down to the courthouse and get married and be accorded instant benefits from the first moments of the union.  Benefits include survivorship if one partner precedes the other, tax filing, and many others.  Many of my fellow students never had/have to worry about being arrested, losing work or being beaten/killed for who they are.  Many have never faced discrimination of any type.    

I was not even surprised that some other students were so disrespectful to not watch the presentation, but glue their noses into their phones and/or other devices in order to text, surf or whatever.  I know this because my peripheral vision was assaulted by flashes of light in the dimly lit room.  Really, we can’t do without touching base with the outside world for the small amount of time we are in class?   

ALL ABOARD: WHO’S DRIVING THE SHORT BUS

This past week, we watched the film, “Short Bus”.  It is the second film by John Cameron Mitchell, who also produced/directed/starred in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”.  I like this film better and not just because of the graphic depiction of sex.  The storyline is more realistic in that the main characters are seeking something they find elusive.  The male is looking for feeling and meaning in his life while the female is seeking an orgasm.  Wonder which happens first?  See the film.  

Ironically, the female in question is a couple’s counselor (sex therapist) who has never had an orgasm despite her efforts.  That is, until the end of the film.  Symbolically, the power outage was solved when she captured her first “petite mort”.  The male was a hustler and no longer finds anything stimulating, emotionally or it seems physically, either.  He finally attempts suicide but is saved by a benevolent stalker.  This stalker is allowed to penetrate James, though no one else has ever been offered that particular prize.  Not even James’ partner of five years, Jamie.

I think the reason this film was shown is that it portrays actual sexuality in a non-judgmental way.  It is also a film about relationships, not only with others but with selves, too.  It showed lots of attraction of opposites; fat/skinny, young/old, male/female and others.  This film might appeal to anyone who is not a prude and is open minded to the human sexual condition.  

BULLIES SUCK!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br7nbQSIyhg

I'm so moved by these senseless deaths and the actions that caused them.  I have created 7 designs and placed them on my various storefronts.  I will donate 50% of my commissions on the sales of these items to anti-bullying organizations.


Please help eradicate bullying at every opportunity...