Word of the Gay: "Gayties"

"Gayties" is a word combining gay and eighties and describes the fashion, music and culture of what some consider a very queer decade.

Open Forum: Metrosexuality - The Unlikely Ally for Gay Liberation?

"Metrosexual" is a term given for straight men who are very concerned with their appearance and maintain stereotypes generally associated with gay men. This 21st century man cares about his look, feel, and scent and will go to extremes to make sure he meets his own standards. This can include grooming such as facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, as well as high end fashion and cologne. Some men do it for themselves, because they just like to pamper themselves and others feel it will attract women.

The gay community has a varied stance on the subject matter. On one hand metrosexuals are being accused of appropriating from gay culture, on the other hand gays feel like they can't stand out and know who is one of them anymore. The possible upside to metrosexuality is that these stereotypes are falling wayside and there is no such thing as a "gay look" anymore. If so many people look "gay" or are perceived to be regardless of their actual sexual orientation, than real gay people who enjoy pampering themselves and who may be effeminate are no longer outcasts but just another large segment of the male population.

Also, in responding consider the impact on lesbian and bisexual women, as well as implications for the transgender community. While the term metrosexual really has traditionally applied to "straight men who act gay" there are many straight women who cut their hair short, act rugged and are blurring the lines between heterosexual women and stereotypical lesbian attributes.

What do you think? Yay or nay to metrosexuality, and what is the impact for queer culture?

Web Spotlight: Lee Waters

Lee Waters is a folk musician who often makes great songs about queer culture and issues. You can even get in touch with him if you have an idea or would like to request music for your blog, or an event you are hosting!

Web Spotlight: GLBTQ Encyclopedia

The GLBTQ Encyclopedia is a virtual museum with historical information about queer people and culture. The website documents stories in the arts, literature, social sciences and more that are relevant to the community.

Winq - The First Global Queer Magazine

Winq is treading international waters and is becoming the first ever global queer magazine. Initially kicking off in the Netherlands, Winq magazine is now on a mission to go around the world bringing stories of queer culture every season.

I picked up a copy and was very excited at the notion of a "global queer" magazine. I think it was a very fascinating issue, although it is mostly gay-centric, it is fairly heavy on queer theory compared to most LGBTQ publications. There was some mention of lesbians, transgender, and bisexuals but overall it is mostly geared towards gay and bisexual men.

That being said, I think there is a lot of promise in a magazine that is trying to position itself as the "global queer culture" voice. The first publication (Fall 2008) had an interesting article on activist David Mixner and the battle for American LGBT rights. The issue also discussed how queer culture is spreading globally, describing the recognition as becoming a "McHomo" of sorts. While other fascinating articles examined whether human-robot relationships are in store in the future, and examined queer life in countries and communities around the world.

There are many more articles, pictures, and ads within this particular publication, so check your local bookstore for a copy of Winq.

Web Spotlight: Cultural War Effort

One of our readers has designed a new blog to inspire LGBTIQQA "soldiers on the home front" (and our allies) to do our part to help win the cultural war for our full and equal civil rights. The blog has a mission of achieving equality and success for the community. One of the first calls to action is QVS - Queer Voluntary Service that we can do on behalf of the community.

http://culturalwareffort.blogspot.com/

GLBT History Month - Celebrating Queer History, Culture, and People

Happy GLBT History Month, a time to honor queer history, culture and people! This video wraps up all the icons represented this year in honor of the month.