Genderqueer Chicago

Literature: A Safe Space Discussion

2012-01-22T22:32:00.004-06:00

What kind of literature and media is out there regarding those of the gender variant sort? Anything you'd suggest? Looking for suggestions or warnings from others on what to read or watch? We could talk about anything from bloggers, to gender theory, to erotica. It's all out there, let's share the information.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
7:00-8:15PM

Access Living (2nd floor)

115 W. Chicago Ave

Genderqueer Chicago is as safe a space as we can make it. To help with this, we have some working agreements that we would like all who come to meetings to keep in mind while within our safe space meetings. Please check out our working agreements here.

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout atgenderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

Trans and GenderQueer Open Mic

2012-01-22T16:35:00.003-06:00

Center on Halsted and GqC are proud to present...

T and GQ OUT mic

February 16th, 7:30 PM

Center on Halsted Youth Space (2nd floor, behind computer lab)

3656 N. Halsted (at Waveland)

T Out Mic is pairing with GenderQueer Chicago to host an all together awesome open mic and spoken word event open to all. We encourage all gender variant folks, their friends, and allies, to bring a talent, thought, or rant to share. Each performer gets 5 minutes to do their thing and we may have time for encores.

All GQC events are no-cost, cta accessible, and wheelchair accessible.

Transport: EL: Redline to Addison. Bus: #8 Halsted. Street Parking.

See you there!

a path where a location should be

2012-01-19T20:50:00.000-06:00

i'm pretty proud of this piece, check it out!

Body Modification: A Safer Space Discussion

2012-01-15T15:35:00.003-06:00

As a group, we seem to tend towards a pierced-and-tattooed bunch;

which of your body mods have special meanings to you? What new ones
might you be planning, are they to mark anything special? For those
who don't have or want any, is there a reason, or are you just not
interested? Or perhaps you once had one that you didn't like and later
removed... Come and spill your ink-covered, hole-riddled secrets.

Wednesday, January 18th

7:00-8:15pm
Gerber/Hart (1127 West Granville Avenue)
Genderqueer Chicago is as safe a space as we can make it. To help with this, we have some working agreements that we would like all who come to meetings to keep in mind while within our safe space meetings. Please check out our working agreements here.

Assumptions: A safer space discussion

2012-01-08T16:10:00.003-06:00

Assumptions are all around us, either in the culture around us or internalized by us. Many of us know that these categories aren't universally descriptive, but that may not stop us from making assumptions and even playing into assumptions to make our way in the world. Are you aware of any of your assumptions? What assumptions do you make? Why? Are you able to check yourself? How do you react when someone points out your assumptions? Are there moments when you feel certain assumptions are useful? Is that problematic? How, if at all, would you shift your assumptions? Come talk about this very interesting building block of culture.

Wednesday, January 11th

I am

2012-01-04T14:55:00.002-06:00

Submitted by sometimescoherent

--

I tell people I’m genderqueer, but I also tell people I’m trans*. I get people saying I can’t be both or just silently raising an eyebrow. I’m trying to gather my thoughts on what it is “to be” these things and explain what they mean to me and so it’s a bit stream of consciousness.

In my gender journey I first identified as genderqueer, but would not say I have moved on or it was a placeholder identity. Bisexual was a placeholder identity. Never really attached and tossed away just as quickly as it was found. But no, genderqueer sticks. It’s an identity for me in some respects, but more than that it is a part of my story.

Genderqueer opened up so much for me. It was a lightbulb, an electric bolt, and also a brick to the face. It hurt for a bit, I struggled with the shock, but it was, in the end, enlightening. Genderqueer allowed me to question so much and come into my trans* identity with much more force and confidence. Though it made it by no means easy or perfect, but it gave me perspective. It shattered the images of what a trans person was and replaced it with a vast blank canvas.

I don’t want it to sound like genderqueer was just a tool or a road I used. It is those things of course. But rather, genderqueer is me. It is my possibility unrestrained.

I’m trans, I’m taking hormones, I often struggle with painful dysphoria, and surgery has crossed my mind on more than one occasion. These things are my truth. Genderqueer is also my truth. And I’ll admit I have had and continue to have my own struggle reconciling these two truths. It’s an ongoing process, much like myself. So often what I desire, from friends, family, partners, and from myself is a source of conflict and anxiety. I hope those around me understand, but I know I’m difficult and unstable. I break down crying with almost no discernible reason to those around me and eat a entire box of cookies. I dig my nails deep into my skin to give myself a proper distraction, a pain that is familiar and nameable. So I distract myself. I struggle with these truths and sometimes they overwhelm me.

All these truths, as awkward as they may be, add up. Though I’m not sure exactly to what. Genderqueer sticks because it gives me comfort in not knowing the answer. Above all it tells me there really is no one answer and that it’s fine. But, I can value the pursuit of that answer all the same. If genderqueer is anything to me, it is a method. It is how I cope.

So I’ll always “be” genderqueer, no matter how I identify or express myself. If I want to use binary pronouns, if I want to “pass,” if I want to have surgery, it does not take away from that journey. I am gender queer. I am gender weird, because gender is weird. It is a route we all wander and it does not matter where we may end up. That is if we ever can end.

Bathrooms: A Safe Space Discussion

2012-01-02T16:38:00.004-06:00

Bathrooms, bathrooms, bathrooms! They can cause a lot of anxiety for folks for obvious and sometimes not so obvious reasons. How do public bathrooms make you feel? Are there things that you do to help ease anxiety caused by bathrooms? Feel free to share your bathroom stories at our next safe space meeting!

Wednesday, January 4th

7:00-8:15pm
Gerber/Hart (1127 West Granville Avenue)

Genderqueer Chicago is as safe a space as we can make it. To help with this, we have some working agreements that we would like all who come to meetings to keep in mind while within our safe space meetings. Please check out our working agreements here.

pronouns are not a preference

2012-01-01T22:20:00.000-06:00

i've been thinking about a trend within queer and trans-aware circles of asking someone hir pronoun preference. Although i do think it incredibly respectful to ask someone's pronouns, the language of "preference" here is intensely problematic. There is nothing preferred about my pronouns.

My pronouns are "she/her/hers," or if i give you explicit permission, "it." That's all. There's nothing preferred about these pronouns. They're simply the way(s) in which my gender can be accurately and respectfully referred to within the grammatical space of pronoun usage.

The all too frequent way of posing the question, "What pronouns do you prefer?" or "What are your preferred pronouns?," carries an agonizingly problematic social weight. Defining someone else's pronouns as "preference" preserves the privilege of the person making the reference to use the pronouns of their choosing. It reifies the capacity of the speaker to gender the referent.

Unfortunately, people in our society are not often allowed to self-determine their gender. Typically gender is assigned at birth, and enforced rigidly, even violently. This trend is made more starkly apparent in the stories and experiences of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folk. Our genders are consistently questioned, or harassed, or belittled, or simply disbelieved. The trend of gender as being something that is done to a person, rather than by a person, is indicative of the nature of gendered oppression in our culture.

What's more, to consider a queer or trans persons' pronouns as preferential distinguishes them as inherently different than the normative framework in which cis pronouns operate. This differentiation creates separate linguistic planes; planar separation here is intrinsically linked to an existent gendered hierarchy.

Admittedly, i expect this to be my experience when i’m interacting with relatively unaware non-queer folk. It’s a sad fact of life given our current society. Now, this is not to say that this cannot change or that we shouldn’t work toward an increase in awareness and gender sensitivity in our culture. But, the world won’t be perfect when i wake up in the morning.

What’s more troubling to me is that the issue is carried into queer circles. Frankly, i hold these people to a higher standard. There’s an increased exposure, and it follows that certain hierarchical trends shouldn’t continue. But they so often do.

This language of preference is one way in which that process takes place. Imagine asking about someone’s preference regarding something non-gendered. Say, for example, you’re going out to pick up pizza and you ask, “What topping do you prefer?” Say then, that the person responds “olives,” and then the pizza place doesn’t have olives. Not to be too presumptuous, but you’d probably bring back a non-olive pizza. This may be accompanied by a tacit apology or deflection, but at the end of the day, it would most likely be ok to not have olives on the pizza. This is true because that’s a preference.

Gender doesn’t operate in this way. My sense of self is not your option. By asking someone what pronoun they prefer, what’s being implied is “I will try to respect your identity but I may fuck up.” There’s a sort of deflection here. Allowing one self to conceive of acknowledging a pronoun as anything less than absolutely necessary is completely disrespectful to a person’s identity. Someone else’s identity is no one’s option save hir own. Period. To not own the responsibility of respecting a person’s pronoun is an oppressive operation of privilege, and needs to be checked if we’re ever to gain a liberated sense of gender.

So, what are we left with? How does one express respect? Why not simply ask, “What are your pronouns?,” or “What pronouns do you use?” These methods both acknowledge the fact that someone else’s pronouns are not truly known until they’re explicitly stated. This is good, because it checks the possibility of assumption. What’s more, in these phrasings, the burden is appropriately placed. The person’s pronouns are cast as theirs, as necessary.

This is a point where I am thankful for English grammar, and this is a rarity, because “pronouns” is plural in the above phrasing. This can refer to a single set of pronouns (ex. Ze/hir/hirs), because a pronoun set contains multiple pronouns. It also allows for a person to claim more than one set of pronouns; it allows for a complication of identity at the discretion of the person answering the question.

After the above question is answered, and the responsibility placed where it belongs, it’s necessary to respect said answer. i can’t count the number of times i’ve heard queer folk say something to the effect of “I just 'they' everyone because it’s safer.” i’ve experienced this myself, and it feels so incredibly disrespectful. It either means that a queer person has willfully disregarded hir capacity and responsibility to inquire about how to respect, or has ignored the fact that a pronoun has already been made explicit. In either case, the importance of self-determination is cast aside as unimportant.

Don’t get me wrong, i’m all for using neutral pronouns when they are appropriate. However, these can be as ignorant of one’s gender as using an incorrect binary pronoun. When someone calls me “they,” they aren’t acknowledging either my femininity or my sense of self as a queerly gendered creature.

Sadly, queer space is often the only space in which i even stand a chance of not being rendered significantly invisible. This trend of universalizing “they” relinquishes the responsibility to accurately refer to someone and makes queer space unwelcoming and un-affirming in the same way that non-queer space is.

So let’s get it right. Let’s get it right in our community, and then let’s spread it. Queer folk are under constant fire from the outside world, we shouldn’t face the same problems within our own circles. What’s more, we’re constantly expanding our sphere of influence merely by existing. Whether we want to or not, we’re setting precedents for the future of gender in our world. Let’s not continue the old, patriarchal framework in which gender is not defined by the Subject. Let’s shift this dynamic in our community now so that we can then expand self-determination in broader culture as well. But, disregarding politics, let’s work to respect each other for the sake of respect itself.

Sunshine, Lolipops, and Rainbows: a safer space discussion

2011-12-26T12:46:00.005-06:00

Plenty of things get us down in the dumps and this time of year is no exception. So let's have a discussion on what makes you happy, what you do to cope with the world around or what you do to retreat from it entirely. Feel free to talk, laugh, cry, and share whatever works for you in a safe and judgment free environment.

Wednesday, December 28th
7:00-8:15pm
Gerber/Hart (1127 West Granville Avenue)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

Overhearing gender-enforcement: holiday edition

2011-12-25T12:55:00.006-06:00

Submitted by sometimescoherent:

So I’m over at a friends house for the xmas (even though I’m an atheist) and my friend and her parents are skypeing with her brother, who is now married and has two kids. The kids have been assigned as a “boy” and a “girl,” Elijah and Nevaeh respectively. For the most part it was just banter with kids as they were opening gifts and then I heard this: “Elijah put that down! You are not a girl!”

And it went downhill from there.

By this time my friend was sitting next to me and we both looked at each other. It became apparent that the above comment was prompted by Elijah picking up Nevaeh’s dress/shoes. This apparently is horrible. We started both loudly saying let the kid play with the dress!

Then: Mother: “Go do boy things.” Dad: “Go play with your truck.”

This prompted more shouting from us in the vein of there are no girl and boy things, play is gender neutral, etc. This went on for a bit and I left the room to go to the bathroom. I heard my friend telling her brother that I use gender-neutral pronouns and prefer “they/them.”

Then when I came back the brother (the dad of the two kids) said that they is not singular and then started trolling. At one point earlier on my friend said don’t give this side of the room an aneurysm (because of the first couple of comments). The brother asked if it was a “girl aneurysm or a boy aneurysm” with an almost audible trollface.jpg

She replied that it’s a gender-neutral thing.

(Insert even more trolling about how everything is either a boy thing or a girl thing)

It’s not like I can change much. My friend is plotting to rectify this situation with future presents… A dress up kit, science kits, and other ideas to drive the point home: DON’T FUCKING GENDER POLICE YOUR KIDS! Le sigh. Well there is hard cider!

Moderator note: This submission is an account of someone's personal experience, feelings, and coping mechanisms from the author's point of view. No one means of coping is advocated by GqC.

Open Topic Safe Space Meeting

2011-12-18T21:24:00.005-06:00

Join us this Wednesday for an OPEN TOPIC safe space discussion at a new location Stone Soup (4637 N Ashland, Chicago, IL).

Stone Soup is an intentional community in Chicago, Illinois, designed to affordably house activists and other social justice advocates.

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

NEW LOCATION: Stone Soup (4637 N Ashland, Chicago, IL)

Safer space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

she/it

2011-12-18T00:22:00.000-06:00

by ellie

i've had some time to reflect on my recent positive experience with the word "it" used as a pronoun for me. i've done a lot of thinking and talking about this, trying to make sense of it.

First off, the context was really important; hopefully this fact is obvious. i was in a conversation with some (self-identified) middle-aged cisgender lesbians. they'd approached me and asked me about the possibility of non-binary genders. They asked me, a decisively visibly queer person, in an incredibly respectful and interested way. One of them said, " When we first saw you, we weren't sure if you were a boy or a girl... and I liked that; I didn't care. I told my partner, 'He's attractive. She's attractive. It's attractive."

As i was correcting her out of habit, i realized that in that moment "it" felt right. "It" felt right in a way i'd never felt before. i know that the queer people closest to me get my unique and personal conception of my gender but, beyond that tiny circle of folks, i feel that some part of myself is rendered invisible. i'm either a man to people, which is way the fuck off, or "just a woman," or even "just a trans-woman."

So, in that moment, "it" felt right. Again, it was the respectfulness that made this work for me; and i've totally gone off at people for using it disrespectfully. i was initially uncomfortable with this realization because of past experiences and other queer folks' stories of "it" being used violently or to dehumanize. But this was not that type of malicious usage at all. Her use of both "he" and "she" before her use of "it" implies that she respected my humanity before engaging my Otherness.

Obviously "it" is non-gendered. i like that. i like that "it" doesn't impose a gendered reading on me. Unlike "ze/hir" or "they," which imply gender neutrality, the word "it" leaves room for my gender. "It" doesn't force me to be "between" or "outside;" it is merely non-gendered.

Also, excitingly, "it" isn't even a pronoun at all. i've been trying to re-define my understanding of gender; trying to step outside the binary. A i feel like i don't fall "between genders on a spectrum," although this is absolutely spectacular for folks who do. i am something different altogether. This is not to say that i don't have or do gender. i do. Frankly, i'm heavily gendered. It's just a unique understanding of gender.

Because of this, using a pre-existing framework for discussing or describing my gender doesn't work; especially in this linguistic context. "It" isn't a pronoun, so unlike gender neutral pronouns, "it" doesn't try to squeeze me into a social construct that i simply don't fit in. Let's face it, these gender neutral pronouns, because of the way they are used, call on us to utilize an established understanding of gender to then understand an individual's relationship to the larger gendered structure. Again, this is fine and dandy for a lot of folks, and that's great, i just can't be and don't want to be understood in that way.

"It" is also commonly used to describe non-human creatures. People often refer to pets as "it," for example - and this never seems to bother anyone at all. Somehow non-humans are largely exempt from our culture's impositional gender construction. i want this exemption to extend to my queer-creature self.

My partner shared a thought with me along these lines that i like a lot. They said they liked that "it" didn't place people above other animals. i like that sentiment very much. This is a holistic and cleansing outlook. This is an outlook that allows me to perceive my gender not only as reshaping myself, but as reshaping my relationship to the world, and hopefully, in reshaping that world in the process.

"It" also doesn't have to refer to a living entity at all. "It" can be an event or an object or anything else. "It" is non-judgmental. "It" is fluid. "It" is universal. i particularly like the idea of being an event - or a series of events. i like that i can just be what i am, for a moment in time, without lugging around a cumbersome identity. i can move with a freedom as an "it" that i can't as a "she," a "he," or even a "ze." i can move with a freedom beyond pronouns and beyond gender.

i also think that it's so perfectly appropriate that "it" can feel, for me, both like the most respectful and understanding reference to myself and also one of the most hurtful and ignorant. Gender is a locus of both beauty and pain, so why not a pronoun to match?

i do, for now, want to continue to honor my femininity and the aspects of myself that do happen to align with the social construction of gender. Also, as separate as i often feel from the society in which i live, i am and want to be a member (in some ways at least). i want to retain that membership by using a recognized pronoun as well. So i don't think that i will be "it" all the time. i think i'll be a "she/it" (yes, in that order). And i'll only be an "she/it" with people who get what that means, which, frankly means that i'll still mostly be a "she," and i am great with that. And even to queer people that get it, i'll be a "she in public for both safety and reasons of precedent; god forbid folks who don't understandstart to think that's ok.

i'm sure i will keep thinking about and writing about this one for quite some time. i've also been reminding myself not to get too caught up in pronouns - they are, at the end of the day pronouns and not identity as a whole. one could very easily neglect key aspects of self by focusing only on pronouns. i do think, though, that pronouns can provide a lens through which to view (aspects) of identity. My shifting comfort levels with different pronouns strongly implies a shifting sense of self. A sense of self that is ever more comfortable and continuously my very own.

Read more at invisiblyqueer.blogspot.com

UPDATE on LOCATION: Narrative: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-12-14T12:20:00.000-06:00

UPDATE: This meeting is at Access Living, not Gerber/ Hart. Please spread the word! (and sorry..)

We all tell our stories in one way or another. I'm curious about people's methods for doing so. Is it conscious? Do you embellish? Do you leave parts out? Are you totally forthright. Come tell your stories about telling your stories.

Wednesday, December 14th
7:00-8:15pm

ACCESS LIVING 115 W. Chicago

LGBT Community Fund Survey

2011-12-10T22:45:00.002-06:00

The LGBT community fund is continuing to gather information on the needs of the LGBT community and specifically want to hear from voices of those least represented such as people of color, South and West Siders, and people earning lower incomes.

Below on links to on-line surveys:
English - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGBT_Community_Needs_Assessment_Survey
Spanish - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGBT_Community_Needs_Assessment_En_Espanol

Humor: A Safer Space Discussion

2011-12-05T01:15:00.006-06:00

This topic was suggested to GqC via email. Got a topic you've been dying to discuss with the GqC family? Submit it to us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

There is a tradition of camp and certain kinds of humor in various queer communities. How do you use humor to get through, or just to enjoy yourself? How does that, if at all, relate to your gender(s)? Do you reclaim humor if your gender(s) become a source of ridicule? Has humor become a source of strength/survival for you?

Wednesday, December 7th
7:00-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

What's on your mind?

2011-11-30T16:22:00.007-06:00

Got a topic you've been dying to talk about with the Genderqueer Chicago family? Email it to us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com! We're always looking for new topics!

We're also open to guest facilitators! Email us at the address above if you're interested and one of our fierce organizers will set you up (and be there to co-facilitate/back you up if you'd like)!

Back in the Day: A Trans-Cend Story

2011-11-28T08:06:00.005-06:00

A Trans-Cend Story was originally posted to the GqC blog on November 9th, 2009. Have a similar story you'd like to share? Email it to genderqueerchicago@gmail.com and we'll share it on the blog! Please include a name and publishing title!

By J. Gifford

If there is a binary, I fall between it. Racially, I am half-white, half-Chinese. Culturally, I never identified with either despite being raised by my Chinese grandparents- a certain political leader effectively silenced any desires for my family to delve into traditions and memories associated with the Cultural Revolution, and let’s just say that my white-half is more of a wandering capitalist breed than the firm Anglo-Saxon protestant breed they claim to be. In terms of my gender, I’m a boi who binds.

Explaining all of this to my steadfast American grandparents was a rare opportunity to endure a thorough aesthetic critique. My facial piercings became symbols of the antichrist; my Mohawk was pure savagery. We had a common country, a common language, and perhaps even a common childhood experience in suburban America. The thought of broaching the same subject with my Chinese grandparents, whose home lay in communist China, whose English comprehension is humorously questionable (I often check-mate my Grandpa in “cheese”), and whose unspoken traditions promoted the same binaries I fell between, was daunting. I avoided it.

Not seeing my Chinese grandparents for a while, I decided to send them a recent picture of myself through an email. The following is part of the email I received back from my Grandpa:

“The photos are so cute and we love them, the single one of you is very good and like a BOY! Grandma says that you run to fast to come to the world that miss the important signals for a male that must to have, it just a kidding!”

The misspelled words and wonderfully mis-executed idioms speak volumes. Clearly there is a common bond between us that goes beyond mere blood relations. Yes, I am a genderqueer trannyboy, but they are “trans” too… against all odds, they transcended language, culture, and history to transcend the gender binary with me.

Shoes: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-11-27T22:40:00.003-06:00

OMG Shoes. Due to overwhelming enthusiasm regarding this suggested topic we will be having a meeting specifically about shoes. See you there.

Wednesday, November 9th
7:00-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Trans Issues Focus Group this TUESDAY!

2011-11-24T12:26:00.006-06:00

The LGBT Community Fund of the Chicago Community Trust is sponsoring a focus group on transgender issues at Gerber/Hart Library on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00PM.

Refreshments will be served and every participant will receive a certificate good for one free regularly-priced book at Gerber/Hart Library's Holidaze Book Sale, which begins on Friday, December 2nd.

If you're interested in participating in this focus group, please RSVP by emailingjessica@mortengroup.com by noon on Monday, November 28th.

Thankful Family Dinner this Wednesday!

2011-11-19T17:24:00.004-06:00

Family is as family does, and on Wednesday, November 23rd, the Genderqueer Chicago family will join together for a potluck extravaganza! Our usual Safe Space Meeting will be an informal gathering over food!

Join us for our Thankful Family Dinner
The Gerber/Hart Library (1127 W. Granville)
7:00-8:15PM

We'll share stories, food, and thanks. This is potluck, so if you can bring something do. If not, that's okay, too! Come regardless. Bring your friend or your love(s) or well, bring who you want.

This event will be held at the Gerber/Hart Library. For food questions, e-mail genderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

Dinner is held in a space that is CTA/ wheelchair accessible.

Trans & GQ actors wanted!! (Chicago)

2011-11-18T21:20:00.000-06:00

from Madsen Minax

I'm a trans identified artist/filmmaker currently seeking trans and gender non-conforming actors for a short experimental film project. Interests explored in the project include nonlinear transformation, dystopias, alternative kinship structures, puberties, homoerotics, nostalgia and voice. The usual suspects.

The script is composed of appropriated excerpts from Hollywood films, primarily coming of age stories, and will be compiled together in a collage-type format. Upon completion this work will screen at film festivals, and possibly some universities throughout the US and abroad.

Henceforth this production has operated with an all queer crew, and folks who are passionate about the ideas at hand.

Though the narrative is highly experimental, there is memorization required. Not likely to be more than 2 script pages per performer. There is no cash payment available, but I am open to discussion of trades of services.

On set experience, and adventure promised. No acting experience necessary, just desire to be involved. :)

The shoots will take place over one weekend in mid December 2011 and will require some travel to be determined. Your cost of food, transport and lodging (if required) will be covered.

There are 5 principle roles open. We will also need some secondary and some extras. There will be some sort of low-key audition of sorts TBD the last week of November 2011.

* Trans people of color, different abilities and young people especially welcome.

Please write to madsenwashere (at) gmail.com

www.madsenminax.com

www.riotactsfilm.com

Blog link: A Responce to Glitter Bombing of Dan Savage

2011-11-18T16:34:00.003-06:00

North by Northwestern article covering trans* students.

2011-11-18T16:29:00.000-06:00

T GQ Out Mic: CANCELLED!

2011-11-17T10:12:00.006-06:00

Due to the passing of Lois Bates earlier today, the T GQ Out Mic scheduled for 7PM at Center on Halsted has been cancelled. The space will remain open for those who wish to still come out, though the T GQ Out Mic event will not be happening.

Lois Bates was the Transgender Health Manager at Howard Brown Health Center and a longtime LGBT/ HIV advocate in the community. She was considered by many to be the "mother" of Chicago's transgender community.

November 17th, 7PM

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted (at Waveland)

All GQC events are no-cost, cta accessible, and wheelchair accessible.

Transport: EL: Redline to Addison. Bus: #8 Halsted. Street Parking.

See you there!

Fluidity: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-11-13T09:23:00.004-06:00

"My gender expression and sense of self has changed (several times) throughout my life... maybe yours has too. Let's talk about what those processes have been like. I'm interested in how you felt, what inspired the change, how others reacted to it, etc. These shifts could be a transition, a redefinition, or a creation of something wholly new. Bring yourself and your thoughts."

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Got Talent? Actors Wanted!

2011-11-11T17:00:00.005-06:00

Madsen Minax, one of the fabulous people who brought you Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Musical Performance, is seeking actors for a new film. Think you've got what it takes? Here's a message from the filmmaker:

Hey all,

I'm a trans identified artist/filmmaker currently seeking trans and gender non-conforming actors for a short experimental film project. Interests explored in the project include nonlinear transformation, dystopias, alternative kinship structures, puberties, homoerotics, nostalgia and voice. The usual suspects.

The script is composed of appropriated excerpts from Hollywood films, primarily coming of age stories, and will be compiled together in a collage-type format. Upon completion this work will screen at film festivals, and possibly some universities throughout the US and abroad.

Henceforth this production has operated with an all queer crew, and folks who are passionate about the ideas at hand.

Though the narrative is highly experimental, there is memorization required. Not likely to be more than 2 script pages per performer. There is no cash payment available, but I am open to discussion of trades of services.

On set experience, and adventure promised. No acting experience necessary, just desire to be involved. :)

The shoots will take place over one weekend in mid December 2011 and will require some travel to be determined. Your cost of food, transport and lodging (if required) will be covered.

There are 5 principle roles open. We will also need some secondary and some extras. There will be some sort of low-key audition of sorts TBD the last week of November 2011.

* Trans people of color, different abilities and young people especially welcome.

Please write to madsenwashere (at) gmail.com

www.madsenminax.com

www.riotactsfilm.com

What's in a Name? A Safer Space Discussion

2011-11-07T12:19:00.004-06:00

Names are something that most folks can't avoid. We're assigned one at birth, people give us nicknames, some folks chose their own, and some folks prefer not to go by a name at all. How has your experiences with names been? Do you go by the name you were given or do you go by a different name or names, or do you not go by a name at all? Have issues come up in regards to your name and your gender/gender expression? Join us this week for a safer space discussion on names.

Wednesday, November 9th
7:00-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, and all people interested in talking about gender are welcome. Researchers and reporters are forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but can e-mail organizers at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

T GQ Out Mic: NEXT THURSDAY!

2011-11-07T10:35:00.006-06:00

November 17th, 7:30pm

Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted [at Waveland])

All GQC events are no-cost, cta accessible, and wheelchair accessible.

Transport: EL: Redline to Addison. Bus: #8 Halsted. Street Parking.

See you there!

Reeling Ticket Giveaway!

2011-11-02T14:44:00.010-05:00

Genderqueer Chicago is co-presenting three films at Reeling this year! The films are Community Action Center, Tomboy, and Names, Planes, and... James Dean and we have some tickets to give out for each of them! Email us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com with your name for tickets (first come, first served and one per person as they are super limited).

Community Action Center - A.K. Burns and A.L. Steiner’s visually lush, hedonistic sociosexual video incorporates the erotics of a community where the personal is both political and sexual. The artists worked with performers to create complex gender and performance pieces that are both real and fantastical, set to a soundtrack of music and original compositions. This project was heavily inspired by 1970’s porn-romance-liberation films, which served as distinct portraits of the urban inhabitants, landscapes, and the body politic of a particular time and place. The work explores feminist fashion, sexual aesthetics, and an expansive view of what is defined as “sex.” 9:30PM on Friday, November 4th at Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.) 69 minutes.

Tomboy - Laure, a ten-year-old tomboy, has just moved to a new neighborhood with her parents and little sister. She decides almost offhandedly to introduce herself to the neighborhood kids as Mikael and delves into a summer of gender subterfuge. The film vividly portrays Laure’s ambivalence towards her gender identity and the subdued glee she feels when accepted as one of the boys. Mikael becomes close to Lisa, a girl in their apartment complex, and a mutual crush develops. With the first day of school – and the discovery of her secret – rapidly approaching, Laure becomes increasingly anxious to keep hold of the happiness she finds in being Mikael. 4:30PM on Saturday, November 5th at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.). 84 minutes.

Names, Planes, and... James Dean - Young people begin to question their identities and adults explore the intimate complications of theirs. These short films tackle gender identity, fully and sensitively addressing its complexity. 7:15PM on Sunday, November 6th at Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.) 81 minutes.

- Noa

Trans*portation: A safer space discussion

2011-10-31T11:24:00.004-05:00

Queers, transfolk, gender-benders, self-identified freaks, ...and at least one or two "normal" people take public transit or ride bikes to get from here to there. Weird looks, inaccessible transit, violence, or being mis-gendered because its cold outside and you are Chicago-style layered are a few of the issues that may arise.

How do you transit in this world and navigate the advantages and pitfalls? Do you travel in groups? What do you do when this is not possible? Are you one of those people who can't stand sitting backwards on the train?

Join us for a talk about whatever you want about being on the move.

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

T GQ Open Mic: November 17, 2011

2011-10-30T14:32:00.002-05:00

Thursday, November 17th, 7:30pm

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted [at Waveland]

Transport: EL: Redline to Addison. Bus: #8 Halsted. Street Parking.

Reeling Film Festival

2011-10-26T16:38:00.008-05:00

Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival celebrates its 30^th anniversary as the second-oldest LGBT film festival in the world, showcasing innovative gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the world. This year, films are featured at six different Chicago area theatres. The festival runs Thursday, November 3 through Saturday, November 12, 2011 and will include 65 screenings, including some gendertastic films (film titles link out to its info page)! The rest of the film schedule can be found here.

Community Action Center - The artists worked with performers to create complex gender and performance pieces that are both real and fantastical, set to a soundtrack of music and original compositions.

Tomboy - The film vividly portrays Laure’s (age 10) ambivalence towards her gender identity and the subdued glee she feels when accepted as one of the boys.

(A)Sexual - The film combines verite footage and animation with fearless humor and pop culture imagery as it grapples with the question, how can someone have a sexual orientation if they don’t want sex? This one is not necissarily gender-related to my knowledge, but I still think it'll be pretty interesting.

Names, Planes, and... James Dean - Young people begin to question their identities and adults explore the intimate complications of theirs. These short films tackle gender identity, fully and sensitively addressing its complexity.

Gigola - Gigola, Gigola, Gigola – who wouldn’t love to be in her (men’s) shoes? She’s butch, sexy, has the pimp world at her feet, money in her pocket, and the ladies lining up.

Romeos - Romeos is the story of 20-year-old Lukas (formerly Miri) a pre-op transman whose carefully controlled life turns topsy-turvy when he is assigned to the girl’s dormitory for his compulsory term of civil service.

Photos of Angie - This haunting documentary tells the story of Angie Zapata, a transgender teen who was murdered in rural Greeley, Colorado in 2008.

Pariah - African-American teenager Alike juggles multiple identities to avoid rejection from her friends and family, vacillating between being a proud butch among her openly gay friends and being the feminine, obedient girl that her strict Christian upbringing dictates that she be.

- Noa

Want to facilitate a meeting?

2011-10-25T16:24:00.004-05:00

Been coming to Genderqueer Chicago meetings for a while now and have thought about facilitating a meeting? Great! You don't need to be an organizer to facilitate a meeting. Just drop us an email with a topic we'll get you set up! And if you're a bit nervous to fly solo, the organizers are more than happy to help you by co-facilitating and helping to come up with topics!

If facilitating isn't your style but you still have a discussion topic idea, feel free to send it to us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

We want to hear from YOU!

2011-10-25T16:16:00.005-05:00

Have something detailed that you want to share about your gender experiences but don't feel you have enough time to share them in a discussion meeting? Why not submit it to the blog! We're always, always, always looking for more input from folks! Please email all blog posts to genderqueerchicago@gmail.com including a publishing name and title (if applicable).

Genderqueer 101

2011-10-25T15:41:00.004-05:00

Genderqueer Chicago and Center on Halsted are collaborating together to present a Genderqueer 101 information session! Currently we are looking for a couple of folks to organize and present for this event. The goal is to help spread a basic understanding of what genderqueer is for he general public through Center on Halsted's 3656 Trans Ave program.

If you are interested in organizing for this event, please email GqC at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com!

Open Topic: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-10-24T16:34:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, October 26
7:00-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, and all people interested in talking about gender are welcome. Researchers and reporters are forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but can e-mail organizers at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

About Face Theatre Workshops Begin THIS SATURDAY!

2011-10-20T13:02:00.003-05:00

About Face Theatre is looking for an ensemble to help put together WHAT'S THE T, premiering the summer of 2012.

The first workshop will be held on:

Saturday, October 22nd

1:00pm - 3:00pm

72 E. 11th St, Room 511

(couple blocks from the Roosevelt Red line)

Snacks are provided. CTA cards or Metro Cards available for those who

need help with transportation. The workshops are 100% free!

((The workshops are going to continue for the next 8 Saturdays. Same

time, same place. 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3,

12/10))

All folks are welcome! No performance experience necessary!

Inspired by the drama of the recent events in Boystown-- stabbings,

marches, counter-marches, community meetings, and tons of media

attention-- WHAT'S THE T is a fast-paced, hilarious, community-driven

story that examines the divisions and connections within queer

experiences on the north side of Chicago and on the south side of

Chicago, focusing on trans experiences.

In these workshops, we'll develop the script, learn social justice

tools, learn theatre skills including acting movement, drag

performance, flash-mobbing, story collection and playwriting, all to

co-create this new play.

Come join the ensemble -- you know you want to. We definitely need a

lot more voices to help out with this project.

Chicago LGBT Community Needs Assessment

2011-10-17T11:06:00.002-05:00

Please consider filling out this survey designed to assess the needs of queer individuals in the Chicago area.

Brain Care: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-10-17T10:30:00.002-05:00

Even though we in Chicago are fortunate enough to have options that do not require someone else's rubber stamp, many of us chose to visit a therapist anyway. If you do, how did you find them? Have they helped? Do they understand and accept gender-variance? Perhaps you've had a bad experience that turned you away from a therapist, or off of therapy in general, or you never felt like you needed one in the first place. Or maybe you've taken matters into your own hands. Join us for a safe space discussion of how we take care of our brains.

Wednesday, October 17, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Trans Oral History Project

2011-10-09T12:13:00.003-05:00

GqC is so excited about this residency going up THIS WEDNESDAY at UIC. Come check out the unveiling Wednesday or stop by for one of the workshops going on throughout October & November. More info on the facebook event page.

Unveiling and Opening

Wednesday, October 12

4:00-7:00pm

UIC Gender and Sexuality Center 1007 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL

Chican@, Gendervariance, and Diabetes

2011-10-09T12:02:00.002-05:00

Check out this article written by one of our blog readers. It highlights intersecting identities and offers insight into being Chican@, genderqueer, bisexual, and diabetic.

Resources - A Safe Space Discussion

2011-10-09T11:35:00.003-05:00

We're in a major city, so we must have state of the art resources right? How is Chicago doing providing services to gender-variant people? What have we done right? What do we still need?

Let's discuss what resources we have available, what we recommend, and what we still want to see happen.

Wednesday, October 12
7:00-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, and all people interested in talking about gender are welcome. Researchers and reporters are forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but can e-mail organizers at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

Choose Your Own Pronoun!

2011-10-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

Check out this blog about Ann Arbor teens choosing their preferred gender pronouns!

Community

2011-10-02T13:35:00.003-05:00

Whether we acknowledge it or not, we're all members of various communities. Let's reflect on what those are, how we interact in those various spaces, which communities we're involved in by choice and which by necessity, what we'd like from certain communities that we don't receive, how our community experiences and perceptions have changed throughout our lives, and anything else community related. As a note, this definitely includes but is absolutely not limited to queer communities.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Gender Nightmares! - This Weds.

2011-09-26T09:22:00.003-05:00

With fall rolling around and all things spooky coming out, we're thinking about what terrifies us...

What's your biggest gender fear?

Join us for a safe space meeting on Gender Nightmares!

Weds. (Sept. 28)
Access Living- 115 W. Chicago
7:00p.m. -8:15 sharp

GqC is open to anyone wishing to talk or think about gender, with the exception of researchers and reporters, who can e-mail genderqueerchicago@gmail.com with inquiries.

Akon's New Genderqueer Artist - Jeffree Star

2011-09-25T19:05:00.002-05:00

So, I've been following Jeffree Star's music for a while now, that being about two years. My stance on JStar's lyrics is still a bit mixed, but I appreciate not only JStar's presence in the music scene, but also the fact that JStar has managed to grab the attention of a well-known label started by artist Akon, Konvict Muzik. Mostly because Jeffree Star is in no way gender-conforming.

I agree with Prophet on this comment (which I found here: http://www.carltonjordan.com/2011/09/25/akons-genderqueer-new-artist-jeffree-star-leaks-2-songs/): "It’s just a shame that the stronger lyrics have been traded in for a less-distinctive sound, leaving Jeffree to lose his unique identity amongst Akon’s generic production."

One of my favorite Star lyrics is from a remix JStar did of the Black Eyed Peas' Boom Boom Pow. It goes as follows:

You're a queer when I turn you on,
into the future faggotron,
Harder, quicker, mother****er,
makes the boys extra longer.

That verse came a long while before Akon decided to sign JStar to his label, and since then JStar has become... "Less stronger," to quote Prophet.

I'm really excited to see Star thrive in the music scene; this is where JStar's meant to be, and I can only hope that Star continues to flaunt their* gender-variance should they* make it "big."

* I use "they/them" because I have no way of knowing how Jeffree Star identifies, which I love. I've seen Star referred to as he and she, and because I don't want to validate some sources more than others, I will use "they/them" until JStar comes out with and official statement in regards to their gender identity.

- Noa

Health & Healthcare: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-09-19T00:51:00.002-05:00

Though lots of other folks and institutions may want controlling interests, thankfully we are in charge of and responsible for our own bodies and health. Maintaining good health and managing health issues are an incredibly personal decisions. Choosing a trustworthy, respectful healthcare provider can be a challenge. What are your mainstays for good self-care and daily health maintenance? What experiences have you had with healthcare providers? Join us for a safe space discussion of how we define and maintain our health.

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Queerly Mass'd

2011-09-16T21:59:00.002-05:00

This is a space for queer folks and allies to meet and find a cycling community. We love a spectrum of genders, ages, identities, and bikes and welcome you to ride! Wear your glitter, cycling drag, or whatever makes you feel fabulous and fierce.

Pace will be leisurely, and the ride will be 5-10 miles. We aren't setting a route ahead of time, but won't venture too far North or South.

Let's help build a bike scene we want to see in Chicago! Suggestions? Concerns? Want to help? We'd love to hear from you.

MEET UP: Friday, Sept 23, 6PM AT NW CORNER OF DIVISION & CALIFORNIA
RIDE: 6:30PM

Bingo to Benefit Queer Youth in Need of Homes

2011-09-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

What: Drag queens, $5 margaritas, and Bingo

When: 9pm, Monday, Sept. 26th

Where: Hamburger Mary's, 5400 N Clark

Why: The LGBTQ Host Home Program at UCAN is an innovative community-based approach to moving Chicago's LGBTQ youth beyond life on the streets. Host Home Volunteers step forward and open their homes to a 18-24 year old for a year. Both receive on-going supportive services necessary for the youth to focus on pursing education and vocational opportunities as they work towards a permanent transition from homelessness to independence.

Name Change Mobilization

2011-09-12T21:37:00.002-05:00

From the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP):

We are very excited to announce the September Name Change Mobilization event! During this event, attorneys and trained volunteers will help transgender and gender non-conforming folks file petitions to change their names legally at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago. Volunteers will then provide follow-up support services to accompany folks to their court dates and help them navigate the subsequent name change processes at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Office, Department of Vital Records, etc. Our goal is simple: we want to help as many people as possible legally change their names as part of our long-term goal of gender self-determination for all, free of government limitation.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The court has changed the process for FEE WAIVERS. If you or someone you know needs a fee waiver you will need to come before 11am as the court is only accepting petitions for fee waivers between the hours of 10:30 am and 12 noon. Please bring documents proving your income status such as Tax returns, SSI letter, FAFSA financial aid award, link card, Public Aid documents, etc. If you do not have any documentation of your financial status we can discuss alternative methods of proving income.

Here are the details for the September mobilization:

When: September 30th

Time: 9am - 1pm (due to the hours to file Fee Waivers we will no longer be at the Daley Center past 1 pm)

Where: The Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, rm 1202 (12th Floor)

Do not fear! If you cannot attend this month's Mobilization, this is an ongoing project of TJLP and will reoccur on the last Friday of every month with the next mobilization on October 28th. We send many thanks to those with the financial means to donate to TJLP and help make this event possible!

If you have questions regarding the Name Change Mobilization or know of anyone that would like to participate by either getting their name legally changed or by volunteering to help folks change their names legally, please let us know! Our contact information for the event is namechange@tjlp.org, 773-272-1822 (phone/text).

Genderfunnies: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-09-11T00:30:00.006-05:00

Our experiences with gender can range from adventurous to disastrous to absolutely hilarious. Lighten up and share your "genderfunnies" at our upcoming safe space meeting!

Wednesday, September 14th
7-8:15pm
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, and all people interested in talking about gender are welcome. Researchers and reporters are forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but can e-mail organizers atgenderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

Gun Hill Road: Opening in Chicago Next Week

2011-09-08T12:37:00.002-05:00

Gun Hill Road opens in Chicago on Friday, September 16th at Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark). Watch the trailer below or check out the film's official website for more information.

Gun Hill Road, writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green's first feature film is an intricate, dramatic portrait of a family divided told with sensitivity, gentle humor, and a deep understanding of the environment that shapes its people. After three years in prison, Enrique (Esai Morales, La Bamba) returns home to the Bronx to find the world he knew has changed. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), struggles to hide an emotional affair, and his teenage son, Michael (Harmony Santana), explores a sexual transformation well beyond Enrique's grasp and understanding. Unable to accept his child, Enrique clings to his masculine ideals while Angela attempts to hold the family together by protecting Michael. Still under the watchful eye of his parole officer (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), Enrique must become the father he needs to be or, once again, risk losing his family and freedom. Can a father's fierce love for his family overcome his street-hardened ideas about manhood and end the vicious cycle controlling his life?

VISIBILITY: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-09-05T17:44:00.004-05:00

We've all had experiences with visibility in one way or another. Consider how visible you are in and because of your gender and what your relationship to that visibility is. That could mean that your gender is incredibly visible and you don't want it to be, or that it isn't and you wish it were more visible. Has your gender's visibility changed as you have? Has your differing level of visibility changed your relationship to the concept itself? Do you have differing levels of visibility at different points, and is this something that you control consciously? Join us for a safe space discussion on how we present and how we're read and what that means to us.

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Want to facilitate a meeting?

2011-09-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

Maybe you've been going to Genderqueer Chicago meetings for a while now and you know the drill: you've memorized the working agreements and you have all kinds of ideas for new topics we can discuss. Even if you don't feel ready for full-time organizing, you can still be a guest facilitator at one of our upcoming safe space meetings!

If you're interested in being a guest facilitator, email us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com with a meeting topic and we'll figure out which meeting you'll facilitate. If you're nervous, don't worry--the organizing team will back you up!

Gaga Goes Manly. Audience Flips Out.

2011-08-29T20:18:00.004-05:00

After Lady Gaga performed in drag at the Video Music Awards this past weekend, Fox News claims that Gaga took her male alter-ego "to the limit" by using the men's restroom.

The article also reports that some folks weren't too happy with Gaga's gender-bending in general. According to music producer Edward Paige thought that Gaga "might have pushed the audience too far...Does MTV or its throngs of little girls’ fans want a diva that looks like Ralph Macchio doing a Lenny Bruce routine? I doubt it.”

Um...I do!

Tell us what you think!

--M

Allow this trans child access to a safe bathroom!

2011-08-29T19:49:00.002-05:00

Parents in Georgia had to remove their child from elementary school after the child was denied the ability to use the bathroom. To add insult to injury the superintendent, who the parents met with about the bathroom issue, called Child Protection Services. Yes, because being affirming of your child's gender identity is harmful but denying them access to a place to pee is not. /sarcasm

C'mon folks we all have to pee! Let's call this for what is is: trans-biogoted and gender binary essentialist bullshit.

There is a petition on behalf of the parents. Hopefully this is just the start of a successful fight. Safe bathroom access is something everyone should have.

-b

Pronouns. Pronouns? Pronouns!

2011-08-29T00:41:00.002-05:00

We tried this topic in May but got so into highs and lows we never got to it so....

GqC is unique in that we go to great lengths to inquire about and respect others' preferred pronouns. What do pronouns mean to us? Why do we prefer or lack a preference for certain pronouns?

Consider the Genderfork.com tweets below as conversation starters for this Wednesday.

My brother has started calling me his "sisbro". Every step he takes gives me hope.

I prefer "she" and "her" but also "Mister" and "Sir."

If I looked more like a girl, I wouldn't mind so much with the male pronouns.

I want to make changes to myself to feel more comfortable... But I think I will feel less comfortable with how people react.

Wednesday, August 31st
7-8:15pm (we start and end on time)
Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, and all folks interested in talking about gender are welcome. Researchers and reporters are forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but can e-mail organizers atgenderqueerchicago@gmail.com.

New Partners Group Forming

2011-08-24T10:55:00.003-05:00

A new group for partners of trans-identified folks is forming in Chicago.
The group is not affiliated with GqC. It is an informal peer-led group that meets in coffee shops.

For more information, questions, comments, concerns, and/or happy confirmations, interested individuals may visit: http://tamorchicago.com/

DREAMS: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-08-21T09:03:00.004-05:00

What are your dreams and aspirations? What guides you towards them or distracts you from them? Often times our dreams are more prevalent then others - why? And how do we stay focused on what we really want, making our dreams a reality? Join us this Wednesday for a safe space discussion on dreams!

Wednesday, August 24th
7pm- 8:15
Access Living (115 w. Chicago)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

FIELD DAY: RESCHEDULED!

2011-08-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

Due to an unfavorable weather prediction for tomorrow (40% chance of storms all afternoon/evening), Field Day is being moved to Sunday (August 21st), 2PM - 6PM. We will still be meeting in Humboldt Park at North and California.

Humbolt Park at North and California

Sunday, Aug. 21 2:00pm- 6:00pm

Genderqueer Chicago is hosting a Field Day with outdoor games and a potluck at Humboldt Park on Sunday, August 21th!

Activities for all ages and abilities!

Planned activities include:

-Potluck
- Dodgeball
- Paper Airplanes
- Duck Duck Goose
- Kickball
- Tug o' War
- Face Painting
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Bubbles
- Frisbee
- Water Balloon Toss
- Volleyball
-Crafts
-Snacks
-Music
-Lovely people

Feel free to bring activities of your own that we may have left out. Also, friends are welcome! Feel free to bring something for the potluck if you're able to. If not, no worries!

Genderqueer Chicago is an open community group.

The intersection is one mile South of the California Blue Line stop or one mile west of the Damen Blue Line stop (there are buses on both North and California).

Tentative Schedule:
Waterballoon toss: 2:15
Dodgeball: 2:30
Duck duck goose: 3:15
kickball: 3:45
Tug o' war: 4:45
Vollegball 5:00

All day: face painting, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, frisbee, paper airplanes

This event is also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=125456657550020

What's Attractive?: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-08-14T22:09:00.003-05:00

What types of things do you find attractive? What makes you feel attractive, and how is this related to your gender expression? Has anyone ever tried to force their standards on you? Join us for a safe space discussion.

Wednesday August 17, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1127 W. Granville)

Meetings are welcoming and inclusive of people of all identities and abilities. Researchers and reporters are asked not to attend in their professional capacities but may contact genderqueerchicago@gmail.com for more information.

Field Day: Come and Play!

2011-08-14T09:29:00.007-05:00

Join us for a day of fun and sun (we hope)!

Humbolt Park at North and California Saturday, Aug. 20 2:00pm- 6:00pm

Genderqueer Chicago is hosting a Field Day with outdoor games and a potluck at Humboldt Park on Saturday, August 20th!

Activities for all ages and abilities!

Planned activities include:

-Potluck
- Dodgeball
- Paper Airplanes
- Duck Duck Goose
- Kickball
- Tug o' War
- Face Painting
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Bubbles
- Frisbee
- Water Balloon Toss
- Volleyball
-Crafts
-Snacks
-Music
-Lovely people

Feel free to bring activities of your own that we may have left out. Also, friends are welcome! Feel free to bring something for the potluck if you're able to. If not, no worries!

Genderqueer Chicago is an open community group.

The intersection is one mile South of the California Blue Line stop or one mile west of the Damen Blue Line stop (there are buses on both North and California).

Tentative Schedule:
Waterballoon toss: 2:15
Dodgeball: 2:30
Duck duck goose: 3:15
kickball: 3:45
Tug o' war: 4:45
Vollegball 5:00

All day: face painting, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, frisbee, paper airplanes

In the case of rain, please check the blog for updates/ information on the day of the event.

This event is also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=125456657550020

Pronoun Play: A Game

2011-08-12T17:39:00.004-05:00

Ask a close friend or friends to call you by different pronouns for the day. Talk about how it made you feel. Ask them how it felt for them. Explore what impact pronouns have on your life.

-seastar

Safer Space meeting: Open Topic

2011-08-07T21:34:00.004-05:00

This Wednesday come and talk about whatever you want, sex, gender, knitting, your grandmother's cookie recipe... Let's hear what you want to talk about.

Wednesday, August 10th
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)
7pm.

Boys vs. Girls

2011-08-04T14:40:00.002-05:00

The RedEye recently featured a survey about (hetero) dating conducted by Cosmo and AskMen.com.

Who pays on a date? Is weight-gain a fair reason to break up with your sweetheart? The questions are absolutely (not) RIVETING!

Check out one reporter's clever response.

Culture & Gender: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-07-31T14:33:00.002-05:00

The cultures we are influenced by entangle and collide with our understandings and expressions of gender. How have the cultures you were raised in impacted your understandings of gender? How do the cultures you identify with influence what gender means to you?

Wednesday, August 3^rd, 2011

7:00-8:15pm

Gerber/Hart Library (1127 W. Granville)

Field Day: We Need Your Help!!

2011-07-28T15:08:00.003-05:00

Remember our superFANTASTIC field day last year?

Help Genderqueer Chicago plan this year's field day, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 20th! Volunteer to lead an activity, help us spread the word by making and/distributing fliers, or just share your ideas! Email us at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com if you want to get involved!

Fashion and bodies - A safe space meeting!

2011-07-26T18:43:00.003-05:00

This Weds at

Access Living
Yes,
Access Living.

No seriously, it's at
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)
7pm. Sharp

Join us for a safe space meeting on fashion, bodies, and body modification, and and and, well whatever it is you want to talk about!

Nosy reporters and researchers are not invited (but can shoot us an inquiry at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com).

P.S. Sorry for the late post. Blame K.Sauce.

A Series of Questions

2011-07-26T14:16:00.003-05:00

Photo-artist L Weingarten has created a new project, A Series of Questions, which focuses on the questions trans* and gender non-conforming people get.

Statement from the artist:

This ongoing body of work explores the power dynamics inherent in the questions asked of transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and gender-variant people.

Many documentary photographic projects that deal with trans issues exploit the genders of their subjects, pointing to an "otherness" or inappropriately exoticizing their bodies. A Series of Questions seeks instead to make visible the transphobia and gender-baiting that can become part of everyday interactions and lives, forming a fuller picture of the various lived experiences. In so doing, this work contrasts with the dehumanizing approaches that predominate the images made of transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and gender-variant people, which often focus solely on their gender or trans status, or use them to further a specific point about social construction and gender.

The subjects hold signs depicting questions that each has had posed to them personally— some by strangers, others by loved ones, friends, or colleagues. Presented on white wooden boards, the questions are turned on the viewer, shifting the dynamics under which they were originally asked, and prompting the viewer to cast a reflective, self-critical eye upon themself, revealing how invasive this frame of reference can be.

As a greater number of subjects and questions are accumulated, a relentless conversation of questioning emerges. Attention is directed not on the backgrounds of the transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or gender-variant subjects, but on the dynamics at work in these conversations. I am interested in uncovering the typology of these questions, discovering what categories of questions emerge as the script of power dynamics and interrogation is flipped.

-b

Denny's lets you pee

2011-07-19T11:11:00.002-05:00

In what might be a test case for other companies, one transgender customer sued Denny's for the right to use the bathroom. Now, if you're going to a Denny's in Maine, you're allowed to pee there.

Is it just me, or is it starting to feel a little funny that people have to sue for the right to go to the bathroom?

http://www.sunjournal.com/city/story/1058316 Story here.
P.S. I hate that reporters always find it necessary to use people's birth names.

-K.

Social Anxiety: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-07-17T10:51:00.004-05:00

Whether you're meeting a group of people for the first time, spending time with relatives, or hanging out with friends you've known for years, being a genderfunny person can create some social obstacles. In what kinds of spaces do you deal with social anxiety? How do you overcome it?

As requested last week, join us for a safe space discussion about social anxiety and (hopefully) leave feeling a little less lonely.

Wednesday, July 20th
7pm- 8:15
Access Living (115 w. Chicago)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

GqC Clothing Swap Re-cap

2011-07-16T12:05:00.002-05:00

We want to thank everyone who came out to the GqC clothing swap for making it such a successful event. We would also like to thank Mess Hall in Rogers Park for being such amazing hosts!

The amount of clothes was staggering and most people, myself included, took away some amazing re-purposed finds! Also Howard Brown benefited from the event as all the clothes which were not taken were donated to the Brown Elephant. There were a lot of clothes to haul, all for a good cause.

Lots of people came out: some to donate clothes, some to get some clothes for themselves, some just to hang out and listen to music (I was the DJ and was taking requests) and have good conversation! We will definitely plan future clothing swaps so if you missed this one just come to the next. If you have ideas for future clothing swaps (or any other events), especially ones with hosting places not on the north side, drop us an email, genderqueerchicago at gmail dot com.

Thanks everyone!

-b

Don't Forget--Beach Meetup TOMORROW!

2011-07-15T11:37:00.000-05:00

Join Genderqueer Chicago and Every Body Chicago for a beach meetup at Hollywood Beach TOMORROW (off the Bryn Mawr red line stop). Bring friends! Bring snacks! Be ready for some summer fun!

Saturday, July 16
12pm-3pm
Hollywood Beach
(meet near the red brick building)

Justin Vivan Bond: Binary-Smashing Revolutionary

2011-07-15T11:17:00.003-05:00

In a 2009 interview with the Advocate, performer Justin Vivian Bond asked to be described as a trans-fabulous performance-activist." Intrigued yet?

For some wonderful cabaret tunes by a fiercely gender-nonconforming artist ("Mx" Justin Vivian Bond), visit JVB's website.

-M

Safe Space Meeting: Relationships

2011-07-11T11:51:00.002-05:00

How do our relationships effect our outlook on gender? How does our gender impact our relationships? Whether romantic, platonic, a friendship or a professional relationship, our genders are impacted by others. Join us this Wednesday to talk about how!

Wednesday, July 13th
7pm- 8:15
Access Living (115 w. Chicago)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

Safer Space meeting: Names!

2011-07-05T12:32:00.003-05:00

Names! Love em' or hate em' we all deal with them on a day to day basis and we relate to them in different ways. Some names we go by were given to us, some were chosen by us, some were a negotiation between the two, and some just happened one day and stuck to us! Join us for a safer space discussion on names and how you relate to yours and to others.

Wednesday, July 6th
7pm- 8:15
Access Living (115 w. Chicago)

Safe space meetings are strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. Meetings are open to anyone else wanting to talk and think about gender! For more info, give us a shout at genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

GqC Clothing Swap!

2011-06-30T17:29:00.002-05:00

Come bring your old clothes, leave with new (old) clothes! Join us for some music and fun. If you don't have clothes to bring, come anyway.

Friday, July 8 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Mess Hall

6932 North Glenwood Ave.

Chicago, IL

Leftover clothing will be donated the Brown Elephant.

Space is wheelchair and CTA accessible.

For more information, e-mail genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

Yes, there is a meeting tomorrow!

2011-06-28T14:10:00.002-05:00

In the all the weekend's nuttiness, we just failed to post it.

Join us at the Gerber/Hart Library (1127 W. Granville)
Tomorrow from 7 p.m.-8:15 sharp

An open topic discussion!

GqC is free and open to all who want to talk and think about gender (unless you're a researcher/ reporter in which case you need to e-mail genderqueerchicago@gmail.com instead).

The End of Gender?

2011-06-24T09:34:00.004-05:00

In a world of gender-nonconforming fashion models and highly-publicized gender neutral parenting, NPR asks if we're heading towards "the end of gender" in this recent article. What do you think?

Dyke March/Pride Sign Making party!

2011-06-23T14:33:00.003-05:00

Want to make a sign of your own to wave around in a march this weekend? Keep out the sun in style and come join GqC for a sign making party this Friday!

People are invited to join us at:
6954 N. Greenview Ave Apt #509
It's right off the Morse Red Line stop.

Call me (Brynn) at (708) 655-2732 to be let in.

Hope to see you there!

-b

Funfusion

2011-06-22T09:09:00.000-05:00

by Knox Daley

They keep saying I'm confused, sometimes out loud to my face, and sometimes just in their brains, but it's still just as clear.
Not quite knowing what name to use, or whether my new-found appreciation for sky-high platform pumps means I stop thinking of myself as a tough guy (nope),
they hesitate to use either of the names I've told them I like, and revert to the one I've told them I don't.
"I thought you were all done with the trans business" -
sorry, doll, I can't just put in my notice and swagger over to straight cisgender society,
they won't have me, and I won't have them either.
If I am confused, I like the confusion.

Sometimes I can tell when the exact things I like most about myself, are the things other people think are mistakes-
as though I accidentally cut my hair this short,
I accidentally tattooed all over my skin,
I accidentally wore a mini skirt with hairy legs,
I accidentally speak loud and low, barking orders like a man,
or giggling and blushing and batting like a woman,
listen:
I'm just doing things like me.

I hate it most when the look in the face of my queer comrades says
"You're doing it wrong" -
that hurts because there's no such thing as wrong, not for us,
not when we're laughing and dancing and expressing our passions in novel ways,
they can tell us we're confused all they want,
we're still having fun.
Would you have it any other way? (nope)

GqC with Gerber/Hart this Sunday at Pride

2011-06-22T09:05:00.003-05:00

For the second year, Gerber/Hart has graciously invited Genderqueer Chicago be with them in the Pride Parade.

All GqC-ers and friends are welcome. Here are the details:

Gerber/Hart is contingent #42 (out of 240). We congregate on the west side of Clark Street. The contingent in front of us is the Chicago Public Library, and the contingent in back of us is Rush Pride. Line-up should be near the Walgreens.

The library will not have a float or car.

We will start congregating anytime after 11:00 AM.

Please note: the parade can be long and strenuous! Please come prepared (water, sunscreen, etc.)

Also, if you are someone who wants to bring a sign, please e-mail GqC and let us know (so that we don't bring too many extras!). We might have a sign-making party, depending on interest...

Chemical X

2011-06-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

by Mikey

When I was younger 

Mother told me a rhyme

About all the things

That defined me.

She said sugar and spice

And everything nice

Was exactly where I belonged.

But I think something happened

On the way there

And whatever it is changed me so

Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup

Have a similar tale

That “extra ingredient”

CHEMICAL X

I’m just not the same

Even I knew it

Why couldn’t I be like everyone else?

Years have gone by

And I’ve come to realize

I’m not the only one

It isn’t just me

Confused with my body

My mind a trainwreck

Of hormones and thoughts

Everyone has

Their own special chemical

That ‘Chemical X’

It makes us who we are

No matter your gender

No matter your race

Be proud that you have

Your own soul ingredient

You are who you are

And no one can take that

No one can alter

Your ‘Chemical X’

So to all of you out there

Who just “don’t belong”

Take your ingredient

Don’t ever let go

And you can be the most wonderful recipe the world has ever seen.

Gerber/ Hart Needs Volunteers!

2011-06-19T13:26:00.002-05:00

For two years, the Gerber/Hart Library (1127 w. Granville) has supported GqC when few others have. They have provided the group with a free space, sometimes at the last minute for meetings. They have advertised our events, given our attendees free books, and donated food and materials to us when they have been able.

Now, the Gerber/Hart needs us!

Here's the info:

Chicago’s LGBT Library and Archives needs help with the Proud to Run race on Saturday, June 25. Gerber/Hart is a beneficiary of the event, and needs to provide volunteers to staff the race.

The tasks: Staff water stations, direct runners, clean-up.

The place: Lincoln Park/Montrose Harbor. T

he time: Between 6:00 and 7:15 AM for the first two tasks; 9:00 AM for clean-up.

The perks: Entry into a drawing for $100, $50 and $25 gift cards. All Gerber/Hart volunteers receive a $5 GH booksale certificate and fabulous Proud to Run tee on the day of the race.

More perks: Those who volunteer for Proud to Run through GH and recruit at least two friends will be entered into a drawing for a $25 cash gift card.

Got a bike? You can ride to the 10k course.

To volunteer: Send an email to info@gerberhart.org or call 773-381-8030.

Want to run or walk?: Register at www.proudtorun.org.

This is an incredibly fun event, and the t-shirts are real runners shirts! Plus, if 5 people from GqC sign up as Proud to Run volunteers, all five will be entered into a drawing to win a free ticket to the Gerber/ Hart Gala (it's a pretty fancy time).

Pride or ...? Safe Space Discussion this Weds.

2011-06-19T13:17:00.002-05:00

While many LGBT people climb aboard floats and raise the rainbow flags in June, others are less comfortable in the midst of the celebration. Pride month can be a complicated time for people working through gender stuff.

Join us for a safe space discussion on how all the different ways we relate to the concept of "Pride."

Wednesday, June 22

7pm- 8:15
Access Living (115 w. Chicago)

Inherently Deceptive: Heterosexist views of gender bending

2011-06-17T11:42:00.011-05:00

Androgynous fashion model Andrej Pejic was "awarded" a spot on FHM's list of "the 100 sexiest women in the world." Andrej's page, which was full of dehumanizing, homobigoted, and transbigoted comments, was then removed from the list.

Relevant articles is here [styleite.com] and here [fashionotes.com]
[TRIGGER WARNING: Articles contain the bigoted FHM writeup]

What got me the most angry (just the most mind you) was the theme of deception. How has Andrej, who models both men's and women's fashion deceiving anyone? Andrej just seems to be being Andrej, and that's fantastic no matter what!

I'm unclear on how Andrej identifies, but in all the articles I can find Andrej is refereed to with he/him pronouns and I'm unsure as to whether Andrej identifies in some way as trans*. Lea T, a transgender fashion model, was also mentioned in the writeup and implicated as being similarly deceptive. So it seems that gender-variant people can't win; if they disclose their history or not, they are inherently deceptive regardless. We're a threat to the heteronormative order. At least that's the message I got from FHM's writeup.

FHM's response makes things worse not better.

FHM's "apology" is only that they placed Andrej Pejic on the list. This may be worth apologizing for if Andrej did not want to be placed on a list specifically for for women. However, that is unclear and it may be that Andrej did not mind being included on the list. I don't have that information. However, FHM's apology was realistically more directed at FHM's readers for confusing their binary world view.

FHM did not apologize for the degrading comments they made in their own writeup.

Thanks FHM, for missing the point. Entirely.

-b

Beach Meetup TOMORROW!

2011-06-17T08:53:00.001-05:00

Join Genderqueer Chicago and Every Body Chicago for a beach meetup at Foster Avenue Beach. Bring friends! Bring snacks! Be ready for some summer fun! It looks like it might storm tomorrow, so come prepared with an umbrella and hope for sunshine!

Saturday, June 18

12pm-3pm

Foster Avenue Beach

5200 N. Lake Shore Drive

Every Body Chicago welcomes "anyone and everyone who is fat, thin, furry, inked up, pierced, disabled, gender variant, LGBTQIA, straight, questioning in any way, etc. to come together and build a community that is based on mutual respect and body positivity." Learn more about Every Body Chicago here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Every-Body-Chicago/197226053635805

Genderqueer Chicago is a grassroots, peer-led group that works to create safe spaces for all of us to talk about, think about, explore, and express gender. We hold free weekly meetings and events and maintain a community blog. Visit our blog at http://genderqueerchicago.blogspot.com/to learn more.

This event is free and open to the public. Foster Avenue beach has a wheelchair-accessible beach walk.

Good Morning, Son

2011-06-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

(originally posted on the genderqueer tumblr by actyourrage)

“Excuse me, sir,” says the middle-aged woman in the bookstore
who is trying to get the book I am standing in front of.

Three letters, s-i-r, a simple statement of my perceived masculinity,
puts a smile on my face, which looks its most girlish when I smile,
so I duck down and move so she won’t realize her beautiful mistake
and call me “hon” instead.

“Good morning, son,” are the words I long to hear from my long-suffering mother
Who doesn’t yet know she only has one daughter, not two,
And who is still unaware of the birth of her son, sixteen years overdue.

Mother,
Can you hear me aching as you tell me how pretty I am?
Would the word handsome burn your tongue?
Would you still love me if you knew the truth,
That when the doctors pronounced to you, “It’s a girl!”
That both they and God had blindly guessed wrong?
That a mere glance at my genitalia had not betrayed the fact
That I was not as I seemed, that I was more than met the eye?
Would you cast me off as a stranger if I tried to show you,
Look, mother, this is who I am.

I dress in the morning with my back toward the mirror,
Struggle my binder over my still-widening hips
And don’t look down at my chest until it is smashed into submission
By the thirty dollars of confidence I can call my own.
No more, no less.

I try to hunch my shoulders into invisibility as I slink through the store
Furtively glancing at the boy’s button-ups, aching to try just one on
Imagining how my body would look in clothes not meant to accentuate curves,
That curse word of femininity that I am burdened with.

Whenever I am forced to put on a dress,
Paint my nails, paint my face with colors I was not born with,
I am painting over a mask, do you understand,
I was born playing dress-up and what you call drag, I call identity.

This is not about sex, about the vagina I don’t think about or the penis I don’t want
This isn’t about the chest you are not allowed to touch when we kiss
This isn’t about the lips that you kiss and whether I am your girlfriend or your boyfriend
Or whether you would want to be just friends if I ever got the courage to tell you the truth.

This is about who I am and who I have always been
This is about gay versus bisexual versus boy versus girl and
How I don’t fit in any of these boxes that have been created for me to fit neatly into

You cannot fit my colors into a shape, or a pattern, or a word
So fit me into a song, sing me loud as the roots of the magnolia tree
That lived in front of my grandmother’s house.
We used to hide inside its branches and wait for storms to pass
Wait with me for the storm to pass, if this storm will ever pass.

I am more than the word girl or boy, I will never grow up to be man or woman
These things were not written in the stars I wished on
And I refuse to let another judgment pass on what I am not enough of.
Not strong enough to be a man, not delicate enough to be a woman,
Not loud enough to be a boy, not sweet enough to be a girl
But I am soft enough to love and open enough to be loved

I am strong enough to throw your names and qualifiers back,
To transgress the boy-girl rules tying me to the ground where I can be stepped on,
I am transcending everything I know to become something I wish to learn
I am transforming from my mother’s daughter to my mother’s son

And maybe someday she will be able to call me handsome
And buy me a suit for prom
And greet me with the word I ache for.

I am her son, I am her sun, I am burning brightly in the morning sky to wake all of us up
From the delusion that any of us are simple enough to be categorized like this
I am burning white hot to remind us to let our hearts burn for each other
And I will scoff at boy, scoff at girl, and maybe even find the courage
To scoff at transgendered, that tentative title I have only recently found the courage to consider

Because I am her son, I am my own sun, we are all suns
And we all will burn through our titles of male and female, our chains of pink and blue
We will transcend the walls of gender we have created to tie our hearts to the tracks

And my mother will raise her face to the sky
And feel my love for her in the light I shine and greet me with,
“Good morning, son.”

The Paseo Boricua Pageant Coronation this Friday!

2011-06-14T18:11:00.002-05:00

Generally, we won't advertise events that cost money unless they are especially relevant to gender-variant folks. This is one such instance where the event is relevant and the funds go back to supporting transfolks. For more information on the pageant and Vida/SIDA, check out http://prcc-chgo.org/category/vidasida/

Switch

2011-06-14T10:06:00.001-05:00

This photo series by JJ Levine, Switch, is amazing. Several pairs of people pose as a couple, one dressed “masculine” and the other “feminine”, and then switch outfits. Some persons are hardly recognizable from one picture to the next.

Family: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-06-13T10:33:00.002-05:00

There are lots of different types of family, including the one you're born with and the ones you create yourself. Family relationships can be difficult for anyone to navigate. What is your definition of family? How do you and your family (either the one you were born with or one you created yourself) interact?

Join us for a safer space discussion on Weds. June 15
The Gerber/Hart Library (1127 W. Granville)
7pm-8:15

We start and end on time.

Genderqueer Chicago is an inclusive community, open to anyone who wants to talk or think about gender. Researchers and reporters are strictly forbidden from attending in their professional capacities but may contact genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

Get Ready...for A BEACH PARTY!

2011-06-07T16:00:00.003-05:00

Join Genderqueer Chicago and Every Body Chicago for a beach meetup at Foster Avenue Beach. Bring friends! Bring snacks! Be ready for some summer fun!

Saturday, June 18

12pm-3pm

Foster Avenue Beach

5200 N. Lake Shore Drive

Every Body Chicago welcomes "anyone and everyone who is fat, thin, furry, inked up, pierced, disabled, gender variant, LGBTQIA, straight, questioning in any way, etc. to come together and build a community that is based on mutual respect and body positivity." Learn more about Every Body Chicago here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Every-Body-Chicago/197226053635805

Genderqueer Chicago is a grassroots, peer-led group that works to create safe spaces for all of us to talk about, think about, explore, and express gender. We hold free weekly meetings and events and maintain a community blog. Visit our blog at http://genderqueerchicago.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

This event is free and open to the public. Foster Avenue beach has a wheelchair-accessible beach walk.

Changes - an open discussion this Wednesday!

2011-06-05T12:56:00.003-05:00

It's getting warm out! Whether it be how you dress for the weather, or the longer walks in public, come share what's on your mind. As the season is changing, so are we - as are our interactions with others in the world. Join us this Wednesday for an OPEN TOPIC safe space discussion at Access Living because the times they are a changing.

ACCESS LIVING Conference Room
115 W. Chicago Ave.
Wednesday, June 8th
7pm-8:15pm

Meetings are welcoming and inclusive of people of all identities and abilities. Researchers and reporters are asked not to attend in their professional capacities but may contact genderqueerchicago@gmail.com for more information.

No Glitter Allowed: New Report Looks at Trans People Behind Bars

2011-06-03T16:16:00.001-05:00

Check out this post from the Colorlines blog on a new study about trans people who are incarcerated...

http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/06/pennsylvania_transgender_inmates.html

Who is Little Orphan Trannie?

2011-05-30T16:46:00.009-05:00

Author: Little Orphan Trannie

I've had people tell me that my stage name offends them. This is totally understandable; the word, "tranny" is derogative. Currently, there are many transgender people who are protesting the word and many transgender people who are reclaiming the word.

For me personally, the word "Tranny" is without a doubt offensive in the following ways:

-It's being used to "out" someone as transgender, as in "You can tell that person is a tranny"

-It's being used to fetishize a group, "We're going to the club to hunt for trannies"

-It's being said in a violent or hateful way "You are going to hell tranny"

These selected phrases (and more) have been directed towards me, therefore, I can use the name "Tranny" in reference to MYSELF if I so choose.

As far as non-offensive uses of the word, that all comes down to the context of the situation. However, unless you are a transgender-identified person, I would recommend leaving the word out of your vocabulary.

Even though I identify as transgender, I don't refer to anyone else as a tranny, for the reason that it is disrespectful and I believe it connotes internal transphobia and encourages external transphobia.

My personal motivation for including the word in my stage name is this, I don't want my audience to mistake me for a drag king/queen when I perform. I want my audience to immediately identify me as a transgender performer.

Interestingly enough, what I have encountered when using this name, is that people don't know if I am MTF or FTM. I don't tell them either. I have come up with numerous responses to avoid answering the question depending on the vibe I get from them and what mood I'm in. I've responded with phrases such as:

"Geez, at least buy me a drink before we talk about getting into my pants!"

"It depends... who's asking?"

"Have you always asked intrusive questions?"

"Let me write down a couple of websites and recommended reading materials for you."

"I'm a female to male to female to male...female...male?"

"Gosh, I don't even remember any more!"

"Are you the gender police?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing!"

"Why don't we go back to your place and find out (Wink wink)"

Although my responses run the gamut from snarky to flirtatious, my goal is to make people question the purpose of needing to find out a person's gender.

Personally, when I have a conversation with someone, I don't need to know what kind of genitals they have/used to have/newly acquired ,etc. This information doesn't affect how I relate to them at all and it's really none of my damn business.

Ultimately, I believe that our society has enforced so many social constructs around gender, that people don’t know how to relate to someone who is ambiguous. I have enough compassion in my heart to understand this fact and am generally patient with people. However, I am still sadistic enough to want to make them sweat a little bit ;)

There is an assumption that transgender people hate their bodies. There is an assumption that transgender people who go into sex work have no other options.

I can’t speak for all transgender people. I can only speak for myself when I say that stripping is my method of activism, and I do sleep a little better at night knowing that people are questioning their gender, sexuality, or world view after having a good look at my sweet, sweet ass.

Little Orphan Trannie

Queering people one lapdance at a time

Right On Time: A Safe Space Discussion

2011-05-29T14:13:00.005-05:00

Has gender always been on your mind? When did you start thinking about and exploring your gender identity, and what prompted your questions? Do you feel like an early bird, a late bloomer, or somewhere in between? Join us for a safe space discussion this Wednesday--perhaps we'll discover that we're all right on time.

Wednesday, May 1st
The Gerber/Hart Library (1107 W. Granville)
7pm sharp until 8:15pm

Please Note: Genderqueer Chicago is open to everyone interested in talking/ thinking through personal gender issues. The group is strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. For inquiries, please email genderqueerchicago@gmail.com

Short Shrifted: Clothing and Style Advice for "Short Men"

2011-05-28T12:51:00.006-05:00

I've commiserated with many smaller-bodied folks about finding clothing in the men's department that actually fits. After a few years of scouring thrift stores and browsing the boys' section, I happily stumbled upon Short Shrifted, a clothing and style blog for "short men" that offers advice that's easily applicable to small-framed transfolks seeking masculine style.

The blog posts about finding smaller sizes in men's jeans are particularly useful!

--The Little Transboy

I AM trans. I just don’t try very hard.

2011-05-23T19:45:00.002-05:00

do not re-post without attribution to the author, Andrew Coate.

At 5’2″ and 130 lbs it’s hard for me to look masculine. And some days it’s not worth it. Some days getting up and flattening and tucking and layering and angsting over what clothes will best hide my hips and chest loses out to getting up and putting on whatever is most comfortable, or frankly what looks best. Some days it’s a lot easier to get up, throw something on, accept that that outfit means I’ll be read more often as female, and just walk out the door.

A few months ago I made the decision to stop getting upset or annoyed when I was misgendered in public by, say, somebody at a store or in a restaurant. A couple months after that I stopped being annoyed with friends who “messed up” my pronouns. I get it, honestly. I really have stopped trying as hard as I had been for a couple of years. Sure I’d like a deeper voice, but I’m not as anxious for it as I had been. Sure I’d like a body that fits how I feel a little more, but I have more important, fun and exciting things to save my money for.

So yes, I am trans. But I don’t try very hard.

And yes, I am trans. But I don’t care that much.

Because I live in the middle ground of gender. While most of the world functions either on side A or Side B (that is to say in a binary system – male or female) I am that mysterious other. And I’m no longer telling myself that I am just passing through this middle ground on the way from one side to the other. My camp is no longer temporary. It’s no longer a camp. I’m building a house here on this middle ground, and I get that that confuses people.

Side A and Side B make sense to people. You are male. You are female. You live on Side A which means you do these things, you like these things, and you want to be these things. Some people live in the big cities, some live in the suburbs, and some even come and camp in the middle ground at times, either to later return to their own side, or to cross over to the other side. But most folks don’t live on the middle ground. Some live here intentionally, like me, and others live here because Side A threw them out but Side B won’t take them.

It’s kind of like living on a fault line where things are shifting and shaking and sometimes our house foundations crack because the building codes that work in Side A and Side B don’t really apply to The Middleground. But instead of helping us to develop better housing structures most of the people who live on Side A and Side B either pretend we aren’t here or they tell us that nobody is SUPPOSED to live in The Middleground so we deserve what we are getting anyway.

We have allies on both sides too, of course. Folks who come in with reinforcements to help us shore up our houses and build new ones. And more and more people are coming in to help us out every day, folks who have visited The Middleground and folks who haven’t.

Why on earth would we want to live here, then? It doesn’t sound like much fun. But for those of us who choose to live here it’s about authenticity, and realness, and loving and living who we are as fully as we can. It’s embracing what this great, big, glorious Universe has given us not as a burden or something to be dealt with but as just another part of life to dance around the stars with. And that dance can happen anywhere; side A, side B, the Middleground, or anywhere else you find yourself. Whether you’re visiting, renting, buying, or peeking in from afar, welcome to my life.

Need your name legally changed in Chicago? TJLP CAN HELP!

2011-05-23T11:59:00.002-05:00

We are very excited to announce the MAY Name Change Mobilization event! During this event, attorneys and trained volunteers will help transgender and gender non-conforming folks file petitions tochange their names legally at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago. Volunteers will then provide follow-up support services to accompany folks to their court dates and help them navigate the subsequent name change processes at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Office, Department of Vital Records, etc. Our goal is simple: we want to help as many people as possible legally change their names as part of our long-term goal of gender self-determination for all, free of government limitation. Last month we had our largest turnout to date and filed more name change petitions that ever before! Keep up the fantastic work of spreading the word near and far! The more names changed, the better!

Here are the details for the May mobilization:

When: May 27th

Time: 9am - 3pm

Where: The Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, rm 1202 (12th Floor)

Do not fear! If you cannot attend this month's Mobilization, this is an ongoing project of TJLP and will reoccur on the last Friday of every month with the next mobilization on June 24th. We send many thanks to those with the financial means to donate to TJLP and help make this event possible!

Get excited for this Mobilization!!!

And as always: Fight to win!

Safe Space Meeting: Objects of the past

2011-05-22T17:05:00.006-05:00

As we go through life we leave behind impressions of ourselves in various objects. These can be objects like photographs, writings, or an old pair of sneakers you keep because even though they might not fit you, they can still get you someplace you don't want to forget. These memories need not be happy ones, they might even may seem more distant then the time that separates, they might seem utterly alien to us now. We might look back and smile or just sigh contemplatively. Whatever the reason, many of us keep these object, many of us cherish these objects. Join us for a safer space discussion about the kinds of objects and memories you keep.

This Wednesday, May 25
Access Living (115 W. Chicago)
7pm sharp until 8:15pm

Please Note: Genderqueer Chicago is open to everyone interested in talking/ thinking through personal gender issues. The group is strictly closed to researchers and reporters in their professional capacities. For inquiries, please email genderqueerchicago@gmail.com