Category Archives: LGBTQA

Demands for a Transformed University

On September 9, 2016, a “Rally for a Transformed University” was held at the alma mater on UIUC campus. It corresponded with the release of a list of demands. Led by Black Students For Revolution, the coalition of student organizations … Continue reading

Posted in African Americans, Labor/Economics, LGBTQA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Voices of Color, Women | Comments Off on Demands for a Transformed University

Radicalize Your Love: Consent Culture Not Toxic Masculinity

I made it a project of mine this year to construct a sort of pedagogy, or theory, of radical love. And people have directed me to all kinds of resources that are really great and radical. My friend Kaitlin pointed me … Continue reading

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Taking Applications for “Open Scene,” IMC’s Youth Media Project

The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (UCIMC) and the City of Urbana are happy to launch Open Scene, a project to reimagine downtown Urbana through arts-based dialogues led by youth. Open Scene will be anchored at the UCIMC, a media and … Continue reading

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Orlando Shooter Was A Product of US Hyper-Masculinity

Like so many others, I’ve been at a loss trying to make sense of the heinous act of anti-queer mass murder in Orlando. The following are some of my scattered thoughts on the topic, some of which I originally posted … Continue reading

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How Lawmakers Are Exploiting Public Fear After Orlando to Push More Police Militarization

To date, the Orlando Police Department has disclosed no definitive evidence that its military-style weaponry protected public safety the morning of the horrific massacre at the LGBTQ Pulse club’s Latin night. And the department’s chief has not ruled out that … Continue reading

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Transgender Justice and Prisons

Onni Gust (Onni Gust is originally from London, UK, where she took part in social justice activism and education, particularly on LGBT rights and racism. Onni arrived in Champaign-Urbana in August 2013 and is a post-doctoral fellow at the Illinois … Continue reading

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Jason Collins

“I’m a 34 year old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.” With these simple words, Jason Collins made history as the first actively playing out athlete in the NBA, NHL, MLB or NFL. The overwhelming reaction to Collins’ important … Continue reading

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Frances Friedman’s Passing; A Deep Loss to This Community

On February 28, this community lost a woman who made enormous contributions to the quality of life of so many in Champaign-Urbana.  Originally from Chicago’s West Side, Frances came to Champaign-Urbana and graduated in nursing from Mercy Hospital School of … Continue reading

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Screening of “This is My Journey” Documentary

Community Premiere: “This is My Journey” by director Kate Brickman Tues, Sept 6 at 5:30 pm; Doors open 5 p; documentary 5:30-6:30 pm Q&A with Kate Brickman and documentary subject 6:30-7:30 pm Art Theatre in downtown Champaign A documentary that … Continue reading

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On Civil Unions with Kevin and Brandon Bowersox-Johnson

Residents in Illinois now have the opportunity to apply for and be joined in a civil union, which recognizes a legal commitment between two adults who wish to have the same rights and privileges afforded to married couples. However, this … Continue reading

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“A Side of Prejudice with That?”

When you walk into a fast food restaurant and place your order, there are many things that you expect to get: food, a drink, some napkins, a couple of packets of ketchup and salt. At most places, that pretty much … Continue reading

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Illinois Civil Unions: A Step forward, But Still Only A Step

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao-tzu, Chinese philosopher (604 BC–531 BC) On December 1, 2010, the Illinois Senate passed SB 1716 (the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act), just a day after … Continue reading

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Marriage vs. Civil Unions in the State of Illinois

It’s important we distinguish between the civil unions and marriage. Though many religious institutions in the area provide same-sex couples with recognition before God and their friends and neighbors, a civil union is anything but marriage. Despite what anti-gay activists … Continue reading

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Local Youth Talk Gay Marriage

On November 30, 2010, the Illinois Senate passed SB 1716, “Illinois Religious Freedom and Protection and Civil Union Act.” This law will grant legal recognition of same-sex couples. Governor Quinn has pledged to sign the bill into law in early … Continue reading

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Just Say No to “Gay Marriage”

Those who accept evil without protesting against it are really cooperating with it. —Martin Luther King, Jr. Many people in the United States, it seems, may not have been exposed to, and so don’t realize, the quality of hatred often … Continue reading

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Lesbian Activism and Women’s History in the Cold War Era

ORGANIZING WOMEN’S HISTORIES Which women do we remember when we think about women’s history and which do we forget? What kind of woman has remained invisible when the idea of Women’s History itself becomes institutionalized? Questions like these are not … Continue reading

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