Get Involved! | Queer Positive Community

As Queer as the Birds
Another attempt to create a queer positive community on campus

Rainbow Alert! If you thought Saint Mary’s was lacking in the queer department, think again.

This semester, a student driven group, the newly christened Queer Positive Community, has taken shape to fill the void of a supportive space for discussing issues of sexuality, identity and gender. The group had been named the Queer Positive Community, or QPC, in an attempt to include as many identities as possible.

“It’s open to all people including gay allies” says QPC member and 3rd year student Vanessa MacKinnon. The term gay allies includes any individuals who don’t necessarily view themselves as queer but wish to support individuals who do.

The group is being facilitated by Donnie Jeffery, a councillor at Saint Mary’s Student Services. Jeffery had offered to help a group get started last semester but eventually it faded out. He was also involved in the now defunct SMU Outreach Society which met regularly to have open discussions about sex, sexuality and planned activities on campus.

“A common denominator should be respect” says Jeffery. The group plans on drafting a confidentiality agreement to keep the meetings private and create a safe space to talk about what may be controversial issues.

Some of the issues to be tackled in upcoming meetings are; Drag Queens and their role in society; Queer politics/Queer theory; Stephen Harper and gay rights; Sexuality and Gender content in Saint Mary’s courses, as well as upcoming community events.

Overall as Vanessa McKinnon says, “The QPC seeks to create a socially transformative space on campus…” which is essential in this day and age.

The Queer Positive Community Meets Tuesdays at 1 pm at 411-A, Student Union Building. Contact Donnie.Jeffery@SMU.CA for further info.

Written By Kathleen Leaman
spinspinsugar@hotmail.com

Volunteer Opportunity & Call for Artists

If you'd like to be involved with The Vagina Monologues, here's a rad volunteer opportunity -- to be a vendor of tickets and chocolate vagina lollipops! We will have a table set up in Loyola on Tuesday Feb 7th, and Wednesday Feb 8th, from 10am to 4pm.

You'd be responsible for womanning the table, providing info to customers, taking cash/making change, and just being your peachy keen selves!

Sign-up for times is outside of the Women's Centre. We'd like to have 3 people at all times to maximize the fun factor.

If you'd like to volunteer in other ways for the Monologues (postering, handing out programs, selling tickets at the show, et cetera) please contact macdonald_paula@hotmail.com.

ALSO - if you are a woman artiste -- or if you know one -- who would like to display her works at The Vagina Monologues performances in the foyer, please also contact Paula, the director, at the above email.

Some Upcoming Events in 2006!

Events to mark on your calendar!

Friday, January 20th - FEMINIST FRIDAY - Bring your lunch to the Osmond Board Room (right next to the Women's Centre) for a noonhour of hanging out in an environment of feminist understanding! We have the room booked from 12-2pm, but come for however long you're able, even if it's just to say 'hello'! Staff, faculty, students and community members are welcome.

Friday, January 27th - YOGA FOR WOMEN - This will be held in the Private Dining Room (turn right at the Loyola Security Desk), and is tentatively scheduled for 2pm-4pm. Wear comfy clothes, and be prepared to lose all of your stress! Conducted by the lovely and awesome Angela Leonard. Women staff, faculty, students and community members are welcome.

Tuesday, January 31st - DUE DATE FOR THE ESSAY CONTEST - In 500-1000 words, tell us: What does it mean to be a feminist? Our first ever essay contest, intended to generate discussion around school about what this "loaded" word is all about. Prize: $50 gift certificate to Venus Envy, 2 tickets to The Vagina Monologues, and the opportunity to read exerpts from the essay at the opening performance of the Monologues, during the closing statements.

Tuesday, January 31st - WOMEN'S CENTRE BOARD MEETING - Want to have a say? Make suggestions for events? To learn more about what we do? To start on your path to world domination? Come to the Board Meeting, at 7:30pm. Held at the Women's Centre. Email agenda items to jennifer.crawford@smu.ca

Friday, February 3rd FEMINIST FRIDAY - Same as above!

Friday/Saturday, February 10 & 11 - THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES - Our annual fundraiser for Bryony House will take place on these days, at the Theatre Auditorium in McNally. Tickets on sale the week of in the Loyola Colonnade and at the door. Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $5 for students/seniors/unwaged and $10 for all else.