Epideromancy "feminine"? (was Re: [UA] UA unintenionally sexist? (LONG!))

[Patrick O'Duffy]

> Patrick--
>
> I know that people in the lgbt community often use this word. My
> objection was rooted in the idea that using this word reinforces binaries
> that aren't necessarily necessary in gay culture. The whole butch/femme
> idea really pisses some people off, because they feel like it mimics
> straight culture and reinforces the dominance/submission hierarchies
> found within.

Some people don't like it, yes; others certainly do identify as such.  I agree with
you in many ways, actually; I don't think L/G culture should confirm to straight
ideas.  But the word still gets used - just as many gay guys call themselves
'faggots' because they find it empowering.

> p.s. The person in question was using it to describe a gay male and by
> saying that he was "butch" actually wasn't that this guy was overly
> masculine, but that he wasn't "flamey."

Strange choice of words, then.  I usually go with 'blokey poof'.

> p.p.s. Is UA homophobic? ;)

I don't personally think so - but then again, I'm not gay.

--
Patrick O'Duffy, Brisbane, Australia

Some days it's like some bastard nailed a ticket for the bus tour
down to fucking Hell to the front of my brain.

 - Spider Jerusalem, TRANSMETROPOLITAN #26



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