The "Equality" state (module 2)

For this module, we were asked to post something that discusses the concept of "normalcy." I chose to discuss this concept using the Chick-Fil-A that has cursed the Wyoming union. 

The concept of normalcy can be utilized to harm queer people. In a world where being normal is considered a virtue, anyone (in this case queer people) else is deemed as undesirable in comparison. This in turn makes it easier to enforce fascist systems as people will be too scared to be deemed "off."

Soon, it will become the "norm" to see a Chick-Fil-A within seconds of entering the union's front entrance.  This is a harmful norm because Chick-Fil-A is a brand dedicated to funding ongoing efforts to harm queer people. This sign (soon to be area) is doomed to become a monument to the normalization of queerphobia, fascism, and subpar restaurants in UW. 

This restaurant is being used to send a message: "you are not wanted here." So much for The "Equality" State.

 

I’ve played Wolfenstein,

A fantasy above all,

Where there’s hope that nazis will fall,

I wander Endless corridors,

Where Fascists litter floors second only to the tiles.

 

I enter the Union,

Avoid the food court,

They don’t want me,

Avoid eye contact,

They don’t want me.

 

A sign,

“Only two genders,”

Surrounded by apologetics about shooting your problems,

I know to leave,

But where aren’t they.

 

I read the news,

“it’s free speech,”

I know what they mean,

Each letter was typed with one arm raised.

 

I go to my class, my one respite,

To understand the history of our plight,

“Just leave the kids be, free from your filthy gender ideology,”

I am not wanted here.

 

I enter the Union,

Where fascists litter the floor second only to tile,

Not with blood, but hatred,

I am not allowed hope,

For protection, love, or pity.

 

Family

In shadows cast by the family's stern decree,

A soul, queer and vibrant, sought to be free.

Rejected, abandoned, by blood disowned,

Yet within, a spirit resiliently owned.

Through tear-streaked nights, they found their way,

To a world where acceptance held sway.

A community forged with colors unseen,

Embracing the beauty that had long been.

The shackles of judgment, they cast aside,

With open hearts, no need to hide.

A dance of acceptance, a song of grace,

In this newfound refuge, they found their place.

                  -fv

Explore 5 Haiku- Katie Harmon

 

Vogue, work, shade, queen, ball

Etymology unknown

By me, and so many

(Reflecting on how surprised I was to learn that these popular phrases originated decades ago in the Ball scene)

 

Katie Harmon, she/her, Queer Theory, Fall 2023

Negotiating Intersections

 I did this artwork to visually explore the points where queer theory intersects with other frameworks, such as gender studies, post-colonial theory, indigenous studies, and disability studies. In this painting, each color merges and mingles with the next. The blending of these colors represents the intricate process of negotiation, where diverse theoretical perspectives harmonize, clash, and coexist. This dynamic interplay mirrors the intersections of individuals and their multifaceted identities, revealing the richness of human experience. By blending and merging, these colors remind me of the strength found at the crossroads of diverse identities and perspectives. - Dahara de SIlva-

A Dream of Belonging

 

A Dream of Belonging

The freedom of expression,

to something so natural.

I feel like myself,

even if I don't know who that person is.

Explore 2 Haiku- Katie Harmon

 “Normal”/“Abnormal”

Stigmaphile or stigmaphobe

The binary is fake

 

Katie Harmon, Queer Theory, Fall 2023

Explore 3 Haikus- Katie Harmon

“An identity”

“Always a social statement”

“Mocking everyone”

(Quotes from the RuPaul article)

“Equality state”

Eye-roll, bullshit, lip service

Prove it with a law

(Referencing Wyoming’s low score on the  State Equality Index)

 

Katie Harmon, Queer Theory, Fall 2023

On My Body

 Module 4 submission.

On My Body

Dust, slime, scaley skin.

Take it for granted

Fight against it

Decide it is not there for me

When my back doesn’t have my back.

Alter it, shape it, moon sand in my hands

When I woke up from the surgery I cried

And I said I was just happy but I cry when I

Come out of anesthesia- did after I broke the bone beneath my eye.

It reminds me too much of the other times when my body

Has been in other’s hands.

My hands in others.

My hands on my chest, absentmindedly

But this is about the body as a whole.

Working moving parts

Womanly- not if I have anything to do with it.

I shape my body but recognize that my body shapes me

And the world shapes it

And at any moment—

The world is not in our control, nor is it in mine,

And if the world controls my body

Or if things are fated then—

Well.

I am not good with change but

It is nice

And scary

To know things might not always be this way.

Art Walk of Life

There is a young women named Maya. She had a unique way of navigating the world, and despite being differently abled, she had an indomitable spirit. She was able to embrace her disability and use it as an essential part of her identity.

One day, Maya went on an adventure to create an art exhibit. She wanted to showcase the talents from artists in all walks of life. She pictured a space where disability isn't a limitation, rather a source for creativity and a strength.

Maya began to gather a diverse group of artists, each with their own abilities and disabilities. She recruited Sam, a hearing impaired painter; Mia, a sculptor with limited mobility, and many others. Each artist used their disability to express there art to an unknown level of expertise.

As her exhibit came together, she came across multiple challenges, but took to each one with grace and dignity. She designed ramps, for wheelchair accessibility, braille descriptions, organized sign language interpreters, and made the exhibit a home of inclusivity.

When Maya's exhibit opened, people from all walks of life gathered to observe the creativity and talent from the diverse group of artists. Maya's vision had come to life. This empowerment journey she declared was "cripping." She saw her exhibit as a symbol for empowerment and as a reminder to embrace differences that can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Her exhibit inspired all that attended to leave a lasting impact wherever they go. Her exhibit reinforced the idea that every individual, regardless of ability, has the power to create a change.

Maya and her exhibit are a beacon of hope that teach the world that embracing and celebrating differences could transform more than individuals and communities, but the entire world. Maya started her exhibit so that she could foster a society where everyone is valued and included.