During both my trips to Pride, and the Be-Bar I met QT ATAC, which is organizing a series of queer and trans friendly events in DC. QT ATAC, is a collective of queer and trans folk organizing in DC to help improve the queer and trans community though July by setting up at least one if not several events each day in DC each day. So far they've had some really good events, and they'll definitely have more. If you're thinking of going to their events, which I recommend please note that they have marked on their site which locations are wheelchair accessible, and which are open to allies. Read More »
I just had the awesome privilege of witnessing the last evaaar show of DC local band Secrets between Sailors. These four queer ladies play a lovely, strummable, hummable blend of what they call "Raw Cuddle Core," but we're losing three of the members to the Bay Area. Read More »
The New York Times has an article today, about queer Native Americans coming to urban centers such as New York City due to homophobia in their own communities. The most interesting part of this article is the assessment that homophobia in most Native communities came about as a result of colonization and European contact—and often the religious beliefs that Europeans brought—rather than being indigenous to Native American culture:
“Historically, in many tribes, individuals who entered into same-sex relationships were considered holy and treated with utmost respect and acceptance, said Dr. Gilley [author of “Becoming Two-Spirit: Gay Identity and Social Acceptance in Indian Country”]. ‘Prior to European contact, sexuality was not a determining factor in someone’s identity,’ he said. ‘It was the role in the community. Gender was tied to that role. Who you had sex with was not a concern. The Europeans come, Native American societies are thrust in rapid change, and some societies incorporate European ideals quickly.’
And because the European settlers, influenced in part by their religious beliefs, were largely intolerant of homosexuality, they helped reshape long-held practices among many Indians, Dr. Gilley said.”
Please remember that Campus Progress' terms of use do not allow promoting or endorsing any particular political party or candidate for office. Posts or comments that do this will be deleted.
Posts
!
