Feminist ≠ Queer: On the Perceived Relation Between Sexuality and Feminism

May 11, 2008

I was asked Friday if I was gay. This hasn’t been the first time I’ve been asked, of course, and it certainly won’t be last. I’m sure none of you are surprised. From what little you can gather about me, you know, at the very least, that I’m male and I blog. Not only do I blog, though; I blog about feminism. Caring about women’s equality just reeks of homosexuality, doesn’t it?

Now don’t misunderstand me. I really have no problem in having my sexuality questioned. In fact, it’s sometimes nice when the topic comes up (at least in a certain manner, Friday not being one of those). Coming from some people, I realise they understand just as I do that heterosexuality isn’t normal, just normative. So really, I have no problem with it. When coming from certain people, though, usually people who intend to harm, humiliate, or otherwise discomfort the person being asked (and those who quietly assume a person’s sexuality go here, too), that questioning of one’s sexuality is worth examining.

Now, it isn’t my intention to appear self-absorbed here, but I know myself and I think I make an adequate case study, so I’m just going to go ahead and use myself as an example here. I am very much unconventional, as many of you might have guessed. Sure, I present myself very clearly as gendered when it comes to appearance, but my behaviour, I feel, challenges (and sometimes defies) boundaries. Very quickly, here’s a list of things that irk the more conventional: I’m an active feminist, feminist blogger, vegan, women’s studies major. As such, I challenge forms of oppression, I challenge norms. I work in gendered spaces (offices, teaching positions). I also enjoy doing traditionally feminine things, such as cooking and baking. Now, almost every time I meet a new person and have a meaningful conversation with them, my sexuality eventually comes up as a topic for discussion. Maybe you disagree, but I think it’s quite clear: Something is up.

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9 Comments | Right-Wing Ignorance, Sexuality, feminism | Permalink
Posted by Derek

Harry Ainlay Hates Vaginas

May 8, 2008

I’m a bit behind the ball on this one, but a local Edmonton high school, Harry Ainlay, took action against a production of the Vagina Monologues that student Bonnie Ings was directing. I spoke with Bonnie and she gave me some insight into what happened.

Apparently, the assistant principals of the school decided not to let the play go on, as the principal, “Mrs. Smith,” was away. Despite the concerns of the staff, it was Smith who eventually decided to let the play go on that evening, on the condition that only those who were 18 or older could see it unless permission was granted by a parent.

Bonnie writes,

It is my belief that the cancellation of the play was directly related to the title and a lack of understanding of the play’s message of female empowerment. The issues in the Vagina Monolgues of rape, physical abuse, genital mutiliation and orgasmic pleasure scared the administration. There were other plays in Harry Ainlay’s One Act festival that dealt with mature subjects such as incest, rape, and murder which in my belief are at least on par with the issues in the Vagina Monologues.

The backlash against the Vagina Monologues is nothing new, of course, and I could come up with possible reasons for some time. A misunderstanding could certainly be the culprit, although that might be giving those responsible for the cancellation too much credit. Anyone who wants to understand the play can take a brief moment to look into it and find out. What I find is likely is that those opposed to the play (and there are many) may be directly opposed to the messages within the play. What? Women have their own sexuality as well? We should address issues like violence against women and rape rather than remaining silent? Unfathomable, I know.

Anyway, I want to say props to Bonnie for putting on the play in the first place. I don’t think it’s inappropriate for a high school audience at all, but I don’t know anyone I went to high school with who considered directing it, or who even really knew what it was.

2 Comments | Right-Wing Ignorance, Sexuality, Violence Against Women, feminism | Permalink
Posted by Derek