June 2011
21 posts
The Bad Gay Gives Into Pride -- new post on the bbh blog! →
bklynboihood.com
By: @momannwill
I own one piece of rainbow accoutrement.
Okay, two. The rainbow belt I own, I’ve never really worn. In 2007 I went through about a 2-week phase of donning flags on my keychain or on a ring before I felt silly. I’ll give it to myself though…at least I got over my aversion to wearing flags publicly to begin with.
For many years I liked being quietly gay. That is, carrying on in my relationships with women as I pleased but not really talking about it, except in the very small and intimate circles that I had built for myself in which I could feel normal. My quiet gayness led me into situations I hated (like straight clubs), into good-ol’-boys clubs (like groups of closeted Christians) and into conversations with “allies” that reminded me a lot of those familiar “you’re Black but you’re different so let me ask you this on behalf of Black people…” moments from freshman year (read: life). I was quietly gay.
Like real quiet.
Like silent.
Like, found myself on a few days trying to not look too butch. Or kept telling myself ‘its cool if they don’t want to come to queer parties’ while they easily expected me to show up to theirs. Like being out at work but only saying “we” when I was referring to my girlfriend and I. Anonymous gay. Quiet gay. Silent gay.
In that era of myself a rainbow felt too loud. It felt too bold. Too telling, too political, too attention grabbing. Too personal.
Let us light a damn candle for growth and the passage of time.
That quiet gay is long gone in so many ways. First of all, I’m not interested in playing my sexuality safe or anonymous or quiet. I am what I fucking am. All day, everyday.
One of my responsibilities that come with being a member of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network’s National Advisory Council is to raise $1200, not just for the organization but for the cause: working with students and educators across the U.S to make sure that safe spaces are created and sustained where LGBTQ students are respected for their identities and have equal opportunities for a healthy learning environment and leadership positions. I have made a commitment to donating $200 of my own money towards this goal, so I need help to get the rest! One of my super awesome mentors has donated $30, so that leaves me with $970 to go. I have the fundraiser set up on a Facebook App: Causes. You can click on this link to check it out along with my birthday wish (which is to be able to raise $1000 before my birthday). The money that I’ll be raising will go towards the production of Safe Space Kits, funding GLSEN chapters in community initiatives, giving students a chance to carry the revolution, research, legislative work, and lots of other things that contribute towards creating better school climates for students so that getting an education isn’t just about making it out alive.
Now, I’m not going to just ask you for money. I am making a promise that if you donate (in any fair and reasonable amount for you and I, both) I will make you a card, draw you a picture, make you a bracelet, record myself doing something ridiculous (as long as I’m clothed), I will cut some of my hair and send it to you. I mean, I will do whatever (as long as I am comfortable with it). Whatever it is! Consider it as you buying a service from me. A service that probably isn’t very useful, but will hopefully make you smile. You just have to let me know that you made some sort of donation and I will take your word because I think that trust is worth it, for the most part.
Bklyn Boihood Calling Models for Second Groundbreaking Calendar
Brooklyn, New York - May 31, 2011 – Bklyn Boihood has begun its search for the 2011-2012 models for its second groundbreaking calendar.
In 2010, the Brooklyn-based collective made a huge impact with their calendar shoot that featured over 15 bois (butches/ag’s/studs/doms/et al) being celebrated for their beauty and presence in our LGBT community and beyond.
“The calendar was an experience that transformed people—the response was overwhelming,” recalls, Bklyn Boihood co-founder Ryann Holmes. “This year is about expanding our reach. The 2012 calendar is going to be even more powerful, we want to create a safe space for LGBTQ people of color.”
Featured in places like The Stud Magazine, Autostraddle.com, velvetpark.com for their growing reputation and impact, Bklyn Boihood’s mission is to provide visibility and promote the empowerment of masculine of center bois, lesbians, queers, trans-identified, studs, doms, butches and AGs of color.
To apply to be a model for Bklyn Boihood’s iconic 2012 calendar please visit their website: www.bklynboihood.com.
NEW EXTENDED DEADLINE: June 10, 2011 - Midnight
Contact: M. Willis - mwillis@bklynboihood.com - (646) 389-5746 www.bklynboihood.com
