The lesbigay/queer community has witnessed a groundswell of energy and activity. New organizations have emerged and individuals have been coming out to promote queer visibility and acceptance. The majority of the new activities have originated from queer bodies and queer minds. Rarely do heterosexuals institute pro-gay policies without our community's initiation.
No heterosexual has volunteered to award the students, faculty and staff who are activists every day and consistently provide "exceptional service to the lesbigay community." No ally decided to require the library to carry at least one gay or lesbian periodical, nor did an ally ask queer staff members if they wanted domestic partnership benefits. I am not suggesting that all heterosexuals would condemn these proposals. Nor am I implying that heterosexuals are incapable of being proactive participants in the queer/lesbigay community. I am asking from where does our energy come, and how do we expect to replenish it. There are no awards for us. Our community is expected to be martyrs. We are the educators.
I am urging our community to support and celebrate ourselves. We do not have the same privilege to cushion our acts of courage. Many members of our community face obstacles not only as out queers but as people of color, bisexuals, women, and religious people. Our efforts are not just on-the-job activities. These are aspects of our lives which transcend voting for domestic partnership or agreeing to order more library books. We are the ones who will be called dyke and fag on the street. We are the ones whose achievements will be minimized because of our sexual orientations. There aren't any Purple Hearts for getting queer bashed. What kind of awards are we entitled to?
- Catina R. Alexander, Co-chair, LBGC; CC '95