Dear Out Takes,They wrote back, very graciously:
though I know this is a "Reel Queer Festival", I'm not sure who is welcome at the "Lesbian Gala Event." Is this an event for lesbians, for women loving women, for queer people of all genders? To be honest, as a bisexual woman, going to something called a "Lesbian Event" feels disrespectful and invisibilising. In the past, I've just chosen not to go to that night.
This year I'd like to ask whether I'm intended to be welcome. If not, that's fine, and I'd ask that you run nights specifically for other queer groups in future years - "BiNight", say.
If so, then can you please change the name to reflect who is actually welcome?
Thank you
Hi, thanks for your message. The name 'Lesbian Gala' primarily reflects the theme of the Gala night film, as well as the fact that the Gala concept was founded by the Armstrong and Arthur Trust for Lesbians. It is not meant to reflect who is welcome - each year queer-identified women and people of other genders attend the Gala, as well as some straight allies, and we hope to provide a welcoming environment for all.
We are constantly looking for ways to include broader content, and adapt our festival to suit our audience. So we need to hear about films being made that people want to see, and we need the input of people like you who have ideas! We're only a small voluntary committee, and we'd love to get new members on board. If you'd like to help us make changes, please consider joining the committee!This isn't something I have the time to take up, so I said I would pass on the invitation. If there are other queer people who would like to be part of the "Reel Queer Film Fest," get in touch with Out Takes - and let's set up events which are named to make sure we all know we're welcome, and show films which reflect the diversity of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities.
There's a line-up of great films to check out if you're in Auckland or Wellington over the next week or so.
10 comments:
Much rather have a hole inserted in head thank you very much!
Anonymous, thanks for your brave input. Beautiful.
Lesbians wanting to hold on to our culture, identity and herstory can hardly been seen as discriminating against others or you personally. You were told why the function was named as it was, yet you choose to take offence when clearly no offence was ever intended. To me you are the one discriminating against lesbians for holding on to our identity and past. Queer theory just hasnt tickled some of our fancies. Hope thats ok with you. Just my opinion
Hi second Anonymous,
nope, no offence here, just genuinely checking whether the name of an event is about who is welcome, in the wider context of a queer festival. And keen to take up the opportunity to broaden the festival's appeal, as offered, and to continue having conversations about why naming is important.
I don't necessarily agree that lesbians cannot discriminate against others when holding onto their "culture, identity and herstory" because some of that culture, identity and herstory is deeply discriminatory against others. Such as describing events as "lesbian" when bisexual women are present, participating, contributing and intended to be welcome.
If you'd like to continue having this conversation, and I'm keen, can you please follow our comments policy and use a consistent handle/name. Thanks, LJ
I cannot take credit for the frst anonymous comment and hope 'second anonymous' gives you the handle you need.
I am not saying lesbians cannot discriminate. I am saying in this instance it was clearly established that they DID NOT discriminate. You have an invitation but 'no time' (other than here and in your own blog) to front up and personally contribute? The question begs... How important is this issue to you REALLY? Seems to me, its a high priority. After all you ARE blogging about it and claiming while you are at it that the lesbian community discriminates against you because they run lesbian events where all women are welcome. What do you want, red carpet and a banner?
Second Anonymous - while I accept Out Takes explanation for why they have named an event open to everyone a "Lesbian" Gala, I have a different view. I continue to believe that expecting "lesbian" or "lesbian and gay" to be a catch all for all queer people is not good enough for those of us who do not identify with these identities. Whether this kind of invisibilising is intended as discriminatory or not, that is its consequence.
As to the time I have available, suffice to say film is not my strength, but writing and challenging discrimination - whether intended or not - is something I care deeply about. I'm pretty sure I get to decide how I spend my time.
Yep, I'd love a banner: "Women-Loving-Women Night" say, that would be marvellous.
'Women loving women' night sounds good to me. Why dont you organise it instead of publicly criticising a group of very good women who dont organise functions the way you want (yet who have invited you personally to contribute)?. Oh thats right! You dont have the time...
OMG!!! Wahhhh I'm a bisexual, what about meeeeee? I'm kind of embarassed to share the same sexual orientation as you right now. If it's called a lesbian event, they're not going to boot you out coz you ain't a "gold star" or coz you're a fence sraddler. What a dumb-ass frickin letter.
Anonymous - the reason why they are criticising is because most of the bloggers on here are a bunch of armchair activists who never organise anything decent themselves.
This is just another typical letter from the hand mirror, which does nothing but whinge, whine and criticise. I would strongly advise ignoring it.
Second Anonymous - have organised events open to all women, and to women-loving-women, on many, many, many occasions, and will continue to do so. When I invited you to discuss this with me, it was the issues around identity and inclusion I was keen to talk about. Unless you can respect this please don't comment again.
Final Anonymous at 2.02pm, you get to stay up even though you're not using a consistent handle because you have amused me by winning today's prize for the most obnoxious commentator - and it's been close.
Anything more from you which continues to add nothing to the discussion will be deleted.
Now where is my armchair, must be somewhere around here....
Thanks for your comment. I feel my points have been clear. I disagree that you have been discriminated against - either intentionally or unintentionally.
At the risk of being moderated off the boards - sometimes we need to look deep within to discover why we feel like we are always on the outside or different. Its not a nice way to be in this world and its not always about discrimination. Have a nice week.
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