I really appreciate Nightspot editors posting a thought out response and taking an initiative in opening this dialogue.

It’s disheartening to see Kyle’s response letter though. To me it’s like trying to use the mask of drag and performance to validate cultural appropriation. And while I haven’t seen the production, I’m also confused at it’s aim to tell a sex worker story, particularly from a cultural vantage point that wasn’t personally experienced by its creators. It’s another issue with many complexities, stories and faces.

I dunno Kyle, I’m a male-identified femmenista who plays with makeup sometimes too and in my mind it doesn’t give me a “do whatever I want” card. Appropriating an image comes from a point of privilege that needs to be recognized. Keep dressing up and exploring your femme side I say, but think about where it’s coming from and what it’s portraying when you’re putting on your lipstick and wig. Because shocking people with stereotypes is _not_ ever a fabulous thing!

sparkbop-welcome to chicago! too many smart, talented and fun queers move away and so i’m always so happy to meet brand new ones. if you love dance parties, you should come to fka at big chicks the first thursday of every month (i don’t even get paid to say that)!

“perhaps the writer chose the word “hysterical” knowing the linguistic history-therefore making an obvious comment on the treatment/view of women through degrading language, throughout history-but i some how doubt that”

i highly doubt it too, but great point. that was deep. i’m glad you found think pink and i really appreciate your comment. be sure to purchase my “proud to be PC t-shirt”, coming soon.

in regard to this issue…

i think it’s funny that even the language used to describe this (obviously) inappropriate production has a sexist and historically negative slant. Perhaps the writer chose the word “hysterical” knowing the linguistic history-therefore making an obvious comment on the treatment/view of women through degrading language, throughout history-but I some how doubt that, and more likely just thought that it meant high-hilarity.

and in response to the comment about being “too pc”, i don’t (personally) think respecting other cultures and striving to be culturally appropriate is being “pc”, i think it’s being respectful and empathetic.

wearing geisha make up and having sushi falling out of your wig is pretty much the same thing as wearing blackface–except not as widely jarring to the general public. unfortunately, the general public too often includes gay people.

i think all people should educate themselves about these issues, but as queer (or gay, lesbian, trans, however you identify.) people i think we have an added responsibility to recognize the struggles that other races/cultures/genders have to deal with- especially within our American, straight, white, male dominated society.

i am not enraged or angered by this type of performance being written, performed, and glorified (by being written about in a nightlife publication)–i’m disappointed in people in our community for not seeing common struggles and deducing a whole culture and history to tacky “comedy” with no qualms.

i’m sure that is way too longwinded for most–but like you’ve all said, this sort of thing happens way too much. just as you were saying, the cunt.

hopefully discussing issues like this in these types of forums will help people (including myself) work through these topics and educate each other and change the gay community.

but i, like you amy miller, believe i’m one of the funniest people i know..i also happen to love dance parties and other totally goofy things. but it’s amazing that we all can be serious and thoughtful without being dry or boring. but i’m sure there are people that would find this whole discussion “too pc” and call us all dry lesbians (or queers or whatevers).

on a related note, does anyone else think the term “P.C.” was invented by Very Bad People to keep us from being critical, thoughtful, and responsible for not perpetuating oppression? just wondering.

i am constantly awed when my queer bubble is burst and i see/hear/read something racist/classist/weightiest/ect/ect/ect come from another gay person. and i have to constantly remind myself that just because a person is gay, that does not make them queer/political/thoughtful/interesting/introspective/ect/ect/ect. i think that we take for granted our queer identity and assume other gays are just as queer as us. alas, i think we’re a small population afterall.

but then again, i’m just a fat femme lesbo with two cats at home waiting to eat the scraps that (rarely) fall from my plate.

-the cunt

–stinky pinky