Another Jen2d ago
Adam, as the world falls down

So just a heads up for people who aren’t queer, this Pride eve; Pride is around the corner and it’s probably going to feel a little different than usual.

• Expect it to feel angrier. We joke that July is Wrath month, but don’t be surprised if people at Pride events are a bit more on edge, our signs punchier, and our jokes sharper.

• Allies: more than ever before, be aware that you are guests in a queer space. Many of us are going to need the space to feel safe and comfortable for us now, more than ever.

• We have a gay agenda (see the above quote), don’t try to distract from it with platitudes. With trans people under an organized, legislative attack and nearly 60% of Republicans being against same-sex marriage, none of us are safe this year.

• Let’s not do the “Pride events need to be family friendly”. They generally are, but our family is angry.

#pride25 #pride

May 31 at 3:42pmWeb
Show threadSerge from Babka3d ago

@trickstertao

This is important. Queer folks, specifically trans and otherwise gender-non-conforming people are suffering a great deal under oppression and erasure.

It's vitally important that those of us who aren't Queer and aren't experiencing this specific trauma in our lives are made aware and can bring our voices into the choir of solidarity.

Relatedly, do you have any thoughts on how Jews, whether we are LGBTQ+ or Allies, can address the issue of our marginalization and exclusion from so many Queer spaces and events?

Show threadAdam, as the world falls down3d ago

@serge
In terms of being Jewish in queer spaces, I think approach it just by taking up space. As an AMAB non-binary queer/bi/pan person, I'm already used to showing up to queer spaces and finding that I don't fit into any existing groups.

As far as Jew-specific issues, I think the best step to take is to push back on the narrative that Zionism and Judaism are inherently linked. And I think that's good advice regardless of a Jew's stance on Israel.

I think it creates a dangerous narrative that overly simplifies a very complex history and subject. I see it advised on both sides of the aisle, too. Zionists will try to put up a false unified front without room for discussion or dissent, inflating their numbers. Anti-Zionists will use it to steamroll over nuance and further tropes of split loyalty and Jews influencing foreign policy, conveniently forgetting that Christian Zionists far outnumber Jewish Zionists.

Show threadAdam, as the world falls down3d ago
@serge Another thing to remember is that queer spaces are going to center queer people, much the same way that a Jewish space will center Jews over other groups. Some level of marginalization is to be expected (I've felt marginalized at Jewish events). So taking up space as a queer Jew is one thing, but taking up space as a Jewish ally at a queer event might not be appropriate. So some discomfort that comes along with taking a back seat may be necessary.
Show threadSerge from Babka2d ago

@trickstertao

As a Zionist, I think that this narrative is actually critical.

A huge amount of the hate I get is "Zionism and Judaism aren't linked and therefore I can say anything I want about the the bloodthirsty child-killing Zionist bankers and their stranglehold over the government."

More than 80% of Jews are Zionist, and separating that furthers the "Good Jew, Bad Jew" trope and then that allows other actions such as loyalty pledges. I know, I've seen it. I've experienced it.

I've heard from so many non and anti-Zionists that they don't feel there's a space for them in Jewish spaces. This is an example of why Jewish solidarity is so important, and Zionism must be taken off the table as a means of discriminating against Jews.

Show threadAdam, as the world falls down2d ago

@serge
As a non-Zionist Jew, it's specifically that conflation of Judaism and Zionism that has pushed me out of Jewish spaces and lost friends to them shifting drastically to the political Right. I agree that we need Jewish solidarity, but declaring that that solidarity comes as the cost of unifying behind one particular political position isn't solidarity. It's erasure of Jewish diversity, and basically creating a loyalty pledge. When I said that both Zionists and anti-Zionists abuse the idea of an inherent Jewish/Zionism connection, this is what I mean.

Also, the 80% is a Pew stat, and it's reportage of Jews that say caring about Israel is important or essential, which isn't necessarily Zionist. Pew has a long history of asking poorly worded questions in their surveys regarding Judaism. This wording leaves room for those who are not Zionist but still concerned over Israel's actions to answer affirmative, which is then being interpreted as Zionism.

Show threadLisa Melton3d ago
@trickstertao This. 💯
Show threadStarlight ✨3d ago
@trickstertao Pride in Norway has become a big party event in media focusing on "love is love", and I don't know if I would rather have a less visible but focused protest or have this wide reaching media party.

When the great party is on, kids passing me will say stuff like "Happy Pride!" and honestly it's a really heartwarming experience. But it feels very easy for people to get lost in the "happy" part.
Show threadAdam, as the world falls down3d ago
@starlight
It's a lot like that in the US, too. New York City has a separate event from the Pride Parade called the Queer Liberation March. No floats or sponsors, much more politically oriented. I like having that choice.
Show threadJargoggles3d ago
@trickstertao
❌ Family-friendly pride events
✅ Family-angry pride events
Show threadalexis grasso3d ago

@trickstertao

As an ally, I'll just stay out of your way, this season.

Show threadCassandraVert3d ago
@trickstertao That's fair. Early pride parades asserted the right to be queer, and that's still the most important and basic thing.
Show threadDeborah Sampson2d ago

@trickstertao
Really appreciate & echo your helpful warning!
As an ally, having clear directives…
Knowing where & how you want us…
To reinforce the call to arms(support).

Good intentions can wreck havoc in this moment!
Time to listen…
Be present & standup to enabler’s.

Show threadFriskyWoods2d ago
@trickstertao You guys, gals, and miscellaneous go kick some ass. No more Mr. Nice Gay.
Show threadIvey Janette McClelland23h ago
@trickstertao Because this time around,it won't be culturally appropriated by beer companies.