Midwest GenderQueer

Tranny Talks: Pop Culture’s Ricochet Response to Trans* Visibility

You all may know me to be a little on the… aggressive side when it comes to calling media and celebrities out on transphobic ignorance. Recently, I’ve been trying to go the more relaxed route, not because I didn’t crave to throw fits about every slur, but since the gigantic influx of transphobic actions in mainstream, I was getting [...]

No Choice; Where Women’s Studies Got it Wrong

Recently I was asked a question on Tumblr about gender performance theory which stirred an intense awakening of old memories and forgotten aggressions from my early days of coming out. When I came out, I didn’t know anyone gay, queer, or trans* and my only feasible connection to people like me was my campus’ Women’s Studies department. Like [...]

Why Almost Everyone is Queer

More than once, and at a growing rate, people ask me about my uses of the words queer and genderqueer, raising concerns that I may be encouraging appropriation of these terms. It is a fascinating topic and I’m always glad to discuss it, but I’ll admit that it pains me a little whenever it is brought up. [...]

Ohio Queer Youth Bullied, Beaten; Who is Fighting Back?

October 17th, in Chillicothe, Ohio a teenage boy was jumped and brutally beaten by his classmates because of his perceived queer sexual orientation. One boy attacked the 15 year old freshman while a second filmed the incident. The video has gone viral, but since I tend to find the promotion of such things without the express consent [...]

Day of Action: Stop Medical Oppression of Trans* Communities

I’ll be the first to admit that I have high standards. A cupcake shop recently opened up in my city, and I finally got to stop by. I took a bite and got a wash of disappointment from the flavorless, cake-mix mound in my hands. I knew it seemed silly to be so upset over [...]

Mind the Gap! – A Drag Uproar takes Ohio!

I am so excited for this weekend and co-producing Mind the Gap! – A Drag Uproar. This international show is going to rock the Midwest like it’s never been rocked before!! If you’re in the area come on out for a full weekend of shows, discussions, and awesomeness.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and Don’t be Trans

History is being made today for the lesbian, gay, bi, and respective non-heterosexual communities the US Military policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) officially is repealed. Everyone is celebrating, and I’m celebrating too, but I have to admit I’m more jaded than joyful. Today as the LGB military is coming out, trans* military is being left out. As an activist rooted in [...]

Queerpocalypse! in Chicago!

Come out for queerness in epic proportions this weekend in Chicago at Queerpocalypse! Two nights, two shows featuring performances of spoken word, comedy, dance, drag, burlesque, and more! I’ll be the one with pink hair, in case you can’t spot me.

Feeling Change: Trans* in Ohio

This past weekend was the 4th Annual TransOhio Transgender and Ally Symposium, the only trans focused event of its kind in Ohio, and one of few, if not the only one, in the Midwest. This was my first year on the conference project as a TransOhio board member and I’m very pleased with what we [...]

Pride, People, and Perseverance

Pride’s over for another year, making this the week of recuperation for many local folks. I always need some downtime after Pride, but this year especially. Maybe it’s a result of long-term exposure to this oppressive city, maybe it’s a growing lack of patience, or maybe I’m just losing my touch a little; for whatever [...]