Re: Queer and Trans supplement
features » november 2, 2011
The future is far from queer
To claim that we are entering a queer age, or simply moving toward a queer future, is at best an overstatement and at worst ignoring the increasing social and political conservatism in our society. In fact, what we are experiencing is a backlash against queer rights and visibility. Within the queer community, there is an increasing movement towards heteronormativity with the birth of the “po-mo” (the post-gay), the rise of “straight-acting” identified LGBT, and the erasure of trans bodies and identities outside of the gender binary. Over the past decade there has been a decrease in mainstream LGBT television characters on major networks. In mainstream society, laws condemning homosexuality, the fight against marriage equality, increasing homophobic and transphobic bullying resulting in a spike of teen suicides, and the growing strength and visibility of the ex-gay movement, suggest that the future is far from queer.
Furthermore, where was the trans visibility in the Queer and Trans Supplement? Was it the uncaptioned photo of the character of Adam, who was not identified as the young trans man from Degrassi? Or was it name-dropping Chaz Bono with no explanation? Simply peppering the word “trans” throughout the supplement does not make it inclusive or representative.
While it is imperative to recognize and celebrate our successes, how can we move forward as a society if we are unable to critique our shortcomings and address the systemic heterosexism and homophobia that plagues our society?
If the future of queer is here, then it leaves a lot to be desired.
-Evan Vipond
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Re: Academic advisors in short supply
news » november 9, 2011
We’ve been York’d
No kidding. This seems like just another extension of our famous verb—”to York”, ie. “I’ve been York’d”. The fact that Schulich has two advisors for 1,500 students is bad enough, considering that Schulich is where all external funding ends up anyway. What’s worse is the huge LAPS population, serviced by so few advisors that the front desk recently told me: “Oh. Appointments come out on Tuesdays at 12:00. By 12:30 or 1:00, they’re all gone.”
How is that proper management? Where are all of our tuition fees going? Just to figure out which credits you need is like playing a snakes and ladders game that may or may not yield any helpful results. This is just unacceptable. Another clear example is L. Armstrong’s editorial about lack of funding for humanities of York and the small amount of care given to the student experience.
-Arina Kharlamova
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Re: “Streeters: How will you commemorate Remembrance Day?”
news » november 9, 2011
Commemorating Remembrance day
It was a pleasure to read the sincere and supportive responses of students interviewed in regards to their thoughts and reactions to Remembrance Day. As for myself, in thinking back to Prince Charles and Camilla’s visit to Toronto in the fall of 2009, and their participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
– Frank Marchese
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