GenderfuckQT

1. genderfuck: n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about

one’s sex, usually through one’s dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).
It is based upon the belief/idea that either gender does not
exist (but only in the context of culture) or that there
are multipule genders (beyond male and
female), including but not limited to
t r a n s g e n d e r .

* Genderfuck Ball
* Equal Love Rally
* Autonomous Space?
* Proud Schools in WA
* Reclaiming Queer Venues
* Community Articles

April Edition
Issue 2 2011 1
 Contents Editor’s Note
2. Editor’s Note
3. March 19 Rally
4. Department Reports
7. State NUS Report
8. Reclaiming Queer Venues
11. QC Updates
12. Freedom Centre
13. Pride WA
14. WA Gender Project
16. Proud Schools WA
18. Autonomous Spaces
20. Rally Photos
22. Gloves Off
23. Cross Campus Queer Games
24. Social Media and Blogs
25. Music and Movies
27. CCQN.net
27. Contribute to QT

28. Backpage.

Queers, Freaks and Geeks - Welcome back to Issue 2 of QT, the

Publishing
Details
QT is a volunteer produced Zine
from the Cross Campus Queer
Network.
This edition was printed on
March 30 2011 at the Snowflake
Factory.
Thanks to everyone who
contributed. See you in June for
the Queer Collaborations special
of QT.
Genderfuck Edition. In this issue we explore some ideas relating
to genderfuck and take on the usual issues, including Activities of
the CCQN in February and March, what to expect in April and lots
of news and hilights from the community as we get closer to QC in
July.
Making QT is a lot of effort, but the end product is rewarding.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this month’s issue, hoping
you find something that grabs you.
Remember, we are always open to contributions, rain, hail, shine,
eathquake, flood, fire, alien attack, reign of supervillain, day or
night. The next issue due out in June, will be a QC special, so if
you’ve got any stories, or ideas then send them in to
ccqnwa@gmail.com
2
 Equal Marriage Rally
The greater Queer
community and its allies turned
out in droves to support the
Equal Love Equal Marriage
Rally in Forest Place on March
19 2011. As usual there was
plenty of colour and plenty of
Pride on what was a big day for
CCQNWA.
The rally organised by Equal
Love WA was hosted by NUS
National Queer Officer Jade
Eckhaus, who can really get a
crowd excited. Her
enthusiasm and passion kept
everyone focussed and a very
impressive speaking list, which
included MLC Lynn McLaren
and Senator Rachel Siewart
kept the intensity up at all
times.
I was lucky enough to be first
up on the speaking list at the
rally and overcame my nerves
and a few microphone
problems, to share a few of my
experiences with marriage and
equality. As someone who isn’t
the most optimistic
supporter of queer marriage,
it was interesting to discover
what my opinions really were.
To be honest I hadn’t thought
about it too deeply, before be-
ing given the chance to speak at
the rally. I highlighted that we
all have dreams and ideas
about marriage whether we
want to get married or not, and
that due to laws prohibiting
equal marriage, sometimes our
views can be negative.
This is a symptom of living in a
society that has uneven
attitudes and unequal laws
among its citizens. Everyone
should be allowed to dream of
a magical wedding day with the
person they love.
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
It turns out Australian same
sex couples are getting mar-
ried in spite of the laws - just
leaving the country to do so. It
seems such a shame that people
are leaving Australia to live in
more open minded and
supportive countries, where
equal marriage IS a civil right.
The other major drawcards
included star performances
from CCQNWA’s own Royal
Drag team of Johnny Razorline
and Rachel Discrimination. It
was an unforgettable rendition
of “Don’t Stop Believing” as
featured on Glee and released
as an original by American
Band ‘Journey’. Add to that
the magnficent and breath
taking finale by Court Hotel
regular Drag performer Swish
Eveready and everyone went
home happy with a
renewed sense of enthusiasm
and political optimism.
The rally highlighted the need
for full equality in the law, not
just marriage and a callout to
support full and equal human
rights for all Australians and
mentioned the important role of
the community in achieving it.
Adele Knowles
3
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).
From The Queer Departments
Curtin: Shout Out to
the Peeps.
For new students and the habitually
uninformed, I have something tell
you.
Curtin has a queer Department!
That’s right. We do. And its awe-
some, with a large TV, a range of
queer books and vids and several
nap-able couches.
“What does this mean to me!”, I hear
you cry. Well, in short, it means that
if you have a divergent sexuality or
gender then you have a place to eat
lunch, study, hang out, whatever,
where you wont subject to homopho-
bia, biphobia or transphobia. Anyone
Queer friendly is welcome.
Also we have the lovely and thor-
oughly capable Queer Officers.
These paragons of queerdom are stu-
dents that have been elected by the
Queer Collective to represent queer
interests with the guild and the uni-
versity. They were voted in based on
their general attractiveness and robot
unicorn riding abilities. Some have
said they are like gods but modesty
does not permit me to comment.
They are so leet that they run events
throughout the school year. You too
can be this leet! If you ache for the
sweet self confidence that comes
from helping out the queers just
show up! We like all the helps and
you will be cordially repaid with
kind words my person regard. A
Queer Officer’s regard is highly sort
after and can be traded for gold bul-
lion and Timezone game tokens.
All you need to do to be kept up to
date on Curtin Queer events is to
come in and sign up for the mailing
list. Easy!
The Department is open from 9am
to 4pm. Open later when we have
events.
Now that all the pertinent informa-
tion have been disseminated I find I
have plenty of space left for a brief,
impassioned plea from the Queer
Department. If anyone has seen or
have any information concerning the
missing Department Robot Unicorns
please send it to
sexuality@guild.curtin.eu.au
or come in to the department (which
is inside the equity space in the guild
building).
Cheers!
Nick Jones,
Queer Officer 2011
UWA Queer Department
The UWA Queer Department has
gone from strength to strength this
year, and as our collective grows, so
does our diversity of events. We’re
running our themed Art Nights every
2nd Thursday (Next one is on the
14th of April) and movie nights and
soccer to come soon.
The last art night was pretty sweet.
The theme was “Making meaning
through Maps”, and we got some
awesome and inspiring creative
attempts, including a visual map
of people in the room and a map
of ideas. Our room was absolutely
packed with around 20 people and
it was nice to have a chilled out, all
ages event.
Our last movie night featured the
hilarious and extremely un-PC
cartoon TV show, Archer, which
technically speaking isn’t a movie.
But who are we to toss around these
frivolous labels! It’s a collective
favourite and was enjoyed by all.
Don’t forget to get tickets to the
CCQN Quiz Night held at the UWA
tav on the 7th of April! There’ll be
drag kings for half time
performances, great prizes and
LOLcat caption contests. Just sayin’.
4
From The Queer Departments
Murdoch Queer Collective
The Murdoch Guild Queer Col-
lective is a group of students who
identify under, or support those who
identify under, the ‘Queer’
umbrella term or as a part of the
LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transexual and Intersex) banner.
Our members are from all walks of
life and from countries all around
the world, studying everything from
Law, English or Journalism, to
Psychology, Chemistry or even
Forensics, right here at Murdoch
University. We’re not only a
social group that meets regularly for
BBQ’s, movie nights and loads more
off campus adventures, but we’re
also a political group interested in
greater political, economic and social
freedoms for Queer persons, both
here in Australia and around the
globe.
If you haven’t joined the Murdoch
Queer Collective already, it’s simple.
The only thing we require is your
email address and you’re on your
way. This will basically allow you to
receive regular emails from myself,
updating you about all the latest
developments, upcoming events,
relevant happenings and some minor
news announcements.
From there, you’re involvement in
the collective is entirely up to you.
Come to however many or few
events you like, pick and choose
between social and/or political
activities and ultimately make your
own decisions on your level of in-
volvement. There’s no participation
requirement for joining so there’s no
pressure to partake in something that
doesn’t interest you or aren’t able to
make. But hey, with so much go-
ing on this year there’s bound to be
something that appeals to you!
To join, please send an email to
Kingsley at
queer@the-guild.com.au with
a contact email address and your
name.
ECU Equity Space
The ECU Queer Collective has been
undergoing some changes in 2011. It
is no longer called the EXULT Queer
Collective. Instead housekeeping
duties have fallen to the Equity and
Diversity department which runs out
of the student guilds at both Mt
Lawley and Joondalup Campuses.
The Cross Campus Queer Network
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
would really like to see more
communication from ECU Queers,
so if you’re an ECU student and
would like to get involved with
Cross Campus activism, this might
just be your ticket. The Cross
Campus Queer Network meets
regularly to discuss events which are
for people from all the State
Campuses.
With a bit of motivation and
organisation, we might see ECU
holding its own events, like movie
nights, art nights and barbecues, like
on other campuses. The key to mak-
ing this happen is by showing sup-
port to the people that want to help
you make it happen.
Remember to get involved in the
CCQN Quiz Night on the 7th of
April at the UWA Tavern, and the
Amazing Race on the 4th of April.
There is also the Genderfuck Ball,
International Day Against
Homophobia (IDAHO), The Cross
Campus Queer Games, Queer
Collaborations and Queer Camp to
look forward to. ECU Queers sign
up for some wonderful events and
activities and help make them even
more successful.
Thanks to Renai Buchannon who has
been bearing a heavy workload so
far in 2011, please support her and
contact her
ecu.equity@gmail.com
if you want to get more
information on the ECU Queer
Collective or CCQN Events.
Adele Knowles
State NUS Officer.
5
6
 What’s been happeninG!
Our involvement for 2011, which include Queer-specific
with the national
Union of Students
means that we exist
within a ntional
network of elected To promote her campaigns Liv is asking for
representatives
chosen from all
Universities across
Australia. Two
students were elected as National Queer Officers
for 2011 - Liv Hopkins and Jade Eckhaus.
We met Jade at the Equal Love Equal Marriage
rally held in Forest Place on the 26th of March.
She MC’d and lead the rally around the city with
the megaphone. We talked briefly about
fundraising ideas for Queer Collaborations for
our Easern State counterparts. There was a brief
chat about politics, and her ideas to promote
acceptance on a grass roots level back in the
Eastern States.
Historically WA has had to look out for its own
interestes due to the geographical isolation from
other states. The two elected WA State NUS
Queer Officers only really make contact with the
rest of the council at Queer Collaborations. We
are uniquely advantaged because of that
experience and have a thriving Cross Campus
Community where other states do not. Our
example has lead to the establishment of a
CCQN in NSW only this year, 6 years after
CCQNWA was founded.
The other National Queer Officer, the one we
haven’t met is Liv Hopkins. She’s based in
Sydney and has been creating some objectives
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
counselling, Queer spaces on all Campuses and
an increase in Ally member campuses across
Australia.
submissions explaining how Queer Spaces,
Queer-specific counselling, or the Ally program
has had a positive impact on your life. I think
our Queer Spaces here in Perth are quite good
at the moment, but there is still work to be done
and Queer-specific counselling seems like a
great idea. If you have something you want to
send to Liv, then please send it to
oho0840@uni.sydney.edu.au.
If you have any thoughts, opinions or concerns
about either Queer-specific counselling, the
current Queer Spaces at WA Universities or
questions about the Ally program or Ally
training, then please send them to us at
ccqnwa@gmail.com.
For more information about the National Union
of Students Queer Department please visit the
NUS website at
http://unistudent.com/
Olivia Hopkins : queer@nus.asn.au
Jade Eckhaus : queerofficer@nus.asn.au
7
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

reclaiming Queer Venues!

Some of the issues which have been raised, include
discrimination based on Gender Identity,
preference for non-queer clientele, the use of
excessive force by bouncers and unfair and rather
capricious bannings of members of the Queer
Community.

The furore started on a Facebook group page called

‘Perth Needs a New Gay Pub’ which at last count
had 676 members. Suffice to say, there are a lot of
people in the community that are unhappy with the
current state of Queer Venues in Perth. There are a
number of reports of violence and mishandling of
patrons, who have had enough of being exploited.
The Open Community Forum sought to identify
Eliza thinks we need to get our queer venues back. those problems, discuss potential solutions and
Alexander State Library then create points of order as to how to proceed as
a Community.
Theatre March 26
The forum was a fantastic success. Thanks to
On the 26th of March this year, CCQN held an
Rhiahnon Kennedy, Chris Latham, Caroline
Open Community Forum entitled Reclaiming
Calderbank for taking a lead on this initiative, to
Queer Venues. This event was proposed and
CCQN spokespeople John Vidovich and Shamini
organised by members of the CCQN community
Joseph who did a fantastic job. Shamini MC’d the
who had experienced unfair treatment at Perth’s
forum, while Pride WA veteran Daniel Smith did a
premier Queer Venues, but more specifically the
wonderful job at mediating between a broad cross
Court Hotel.
section of our community.
It was overwhelmingly supported by members of
In attendence was Greens MP Giz Watson, a very
the community and the action took place shortly
proud supporter of our community, outgoing Pride
after at the Alexander State Library Theatre. A
President Charles Denham, Connections Nightclub
brief but thorough promotions campaign, which
owner Tim Brown, Out in Perth editor Graeme
included ‘Eliza’ the river dwelling
Watson, GALE Co-convenor Kitty Hawkins, and a
Aquanaut who lives not far from UWA, a media
assortment of former Court and Connections
release to a number of sympathetic newspapers
employees who provided some critical insight into
and promoting the event on Facebook saw about
the situation we are facing and how best we can
70 members of the community, including a good
work as a community to rebuild the ‘Queer Spaces’
contingent from CCQN attend the Forum to decide
in Perth.
on the future of Queer Venues in Perth.

8
 open community forum

“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
We talked about a number of ideas, and created
points of order which would look at

* Addressing the situation at the Court Hotel

* The possibility of a new Queer Pub in Perth
* Queer friendly non-licenced alternatives, such
as cafes and community centres.
* Establishing a ‘Queer Critique’ of Perth
Venues to evaluate their Queer friendliness.

There was also a bit of talk about maintaining

this movement that has now begun and pushed
to meet again in a months time. In the follow up
to the meeting, CCQN spokes people Shamini
Joseph and John Vidovich have appeared on the
RTR Monday night radio program All Things
Queer and John was interviewed by Inside
Cover from the West Australian and appeared in
the Tuesday 29th March edition.

Due to the success and the direction that this

CCQN initiative has taken, ‘Reclaiming Queer
Venues’ is no longer chiefly organised by our
network. Instead, due to its importance to the
broader community and not primarily the Cross
Campus Queer Network we have passed on
responsibility to those willing to show
leadership in the community. In this respect, we
have started something, that other people can
now bring to life and address the points of order
we have created. We brought this issue to the
Queer public, and they have shown
overwhelming support and will carry it through
until the changes that we demand are made.

Thankyou to all members of the Cross Campus

Queer Network who attended, your continued
support made this event and its subsequent and
motions an overwhelming success.

9
10
 QC 2011 Updates
now open, and forms are
available through your
University Queer Department
Officer or throught the QC
website at
http://ccqn.net/qc/documents.
Congratulations to everyone
who has worked on getting us
to this point!
With only 3 months to go until
Queer Collaborations arrives The event is being hosted at
the organising team are Curtin, but the conference
working frantically to ensure alldelegates will get a taste of
the preparations are made and other University Campuses,
the conference will be a at the various events which
productive and enjoyable time will be hosted by Murdoch
for all. and UWA. Curtin will also be
hosting twilight events and the
We’ve made progress on almost finale looks set to be held at Bar
every aspect of the conference 138 in the heart of the city.
and it’s really starting to take
shape. Every detail is being These events will range from a
planned as we speak, Welcome Dinner, Art
including meals, accomodation Exhibition Openings,
for our eastern states Performance Night, Movie
compatriots, the reader and Night, Bingay, a themed night
plenaries and of course events out on the town and a
that everyone can attend an Sundowner on the final
enjoy at the end of each day of evening. More details will
the conference. follow as we get closer to the
actual date. Stay tuned espe-
We’ve packed as much into the cially for the June edition of QT
seven day conference as we which will focus primarily on
can, to achieve as much as we Queer Collaborations.
can, have as much fun as we
can and cater to as many people Fundraising efforts for QC
as we can. continue in April with Miss
Amanda’s Amazing Race and
As you know registration is the Annual CCQN Quiz Night.
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
If you get the chance, please
take part in these fantastic
events, the money raised is
going to a very good cause and
it will be hugely appreciated by
event organisers.
If you want to learn more about
QC or want to get the latest
news, then please visit or
subscribe to the website at
http://ccqn.net/qc which will be
seeing a lot more activity as we
get closer to the event.
If you have any enquiries or
want to get involved, you can
talk to your Queer Department
Officer or you can email the
organising committee directly
at ccqn.qc2011@gmail.com.
There is still plenty of time to
make a contribution to this epic
conference.
Adele Knowles
NUS State Queer Officer
11
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

The Freedom Centre

ExSIGHT Exhibition and Launch
– April 14-16

ExSIGHT is a collection of original works created by

young people at the Freedom Centre during a series of
community art workshops with local artists.

The ExSIGHT Launch will be held on Thursday 14th

April 5-8pm (6:30pm proceedings) at Freedom Centre,
with light refreshments provided. ExSIGHT will also
be open for viewing on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th
April, 12pm – 5pm.

The Freedom Centre has hosted the workshops which

the young people have called the ExSIGHT Art
Project. The project started in January and will
continue through to the end of National Youth Week
2011.

Local artists, Martin Wills (territorytwelve.com) and

Peter Farmer (peterfarmer.com.au) have been working
with young people attending the ExSIGHT Art
workshops by mentoring and teaching them new
skills.

The ExSIGHT Exhibition will showcase the art cre-

ated by these talented young people during the course
of the project. The exhibition is a great opportunity for
you to support their inspirational achievements. Go to
freedom.org.au for more details.

Best of all, you can get a double-bonus of Perth exhi-

bitions, as the Perth Centre for Photography also has
their exhibition opening and viewing on these dates.
Go to pcp.org.au for more details.

The Freedom Centre’s ExSIGHT Art Project and

Exhibition Launch are proudly sponsored by Propel
Youth Arts WA and Healthway to promote the Drug
Aware message and will be entirely drug, smoke and
alcohol-free environments

Dani Wright
Freedom Centre Coordinator

12
 Pride WA

“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
community leader. Pride Members are at the heart of
this community, and being a member isn’t just for
fun, it’s a really useful and practical in ensuring you are
privy to some great deals that the organisation has been
able to secure. Memberships will pay for themselves in
no time. These include:

* Half price entry to Connections Nightclub

Remember your Pride? except for Pride Events and other special events.
* Access to discounted and same-sex (inc. couples)
entitled health insurance with MBF
As young members of the Queer Community, many
* 10% of drinks and menu items at Bar138
members of the Cross Campus Queer Network
* Discounted costume hire at Costumes in the Valley.
experience a lot of events and new perspectives which
help define their experience as Queer. One organisation
The Cross Campus Queer Network wants to support the
in particular has show leadership in Perth and WA over
community and Pride WA, that’s why we are running a
the last 21 years, the one and only Pride WA.
membership drive. Students get a great concession on
membership price - only $15!
Pride is an organisation which serves the needs of the
local queer community and are responsible for the years
That means it pays for itself in just 2 trips to
biggest night out - The Pride Parade. Every year for
Connections Nightclub! I think this is an ideal way
the past 21 years, the streets of Perth have been closed
CCQN members can mutually benefit from the
down to make way for the diverse of Queer peoples
community, and show some solidarity to an organisation
which comprise our community. Many organisations
which has been doing wonderful things for the Queer
including CCQNWA show their support by building a
community in Perth for over 20 years. By signing up
float and making their way down William and James St
you are supporting the ongoing events such as the Pride
in Northbridge in spectacular fashion. Every year this is
Parade, the Glammy Ball, the Womens Sundowner, and
a great night our for all and one you won’t soon forget!
efforts that keep the Perth Queer Community alive and
kicking!
But Pride WA is much more than that. It is a grass roots
community organisation that connects and protects the
Adele Knowles
Queer interests in the community. they are responsible
State NUS Queer Officer and Pride Member.
for some great events including the Annual Pride Ball,
at which the Glammys are presented, regular
For more details visit
sundowners for women and of course an annual Quiz
http://pridewa.asn.au -
Night, which CCQNWA cleaned up at this year.
Learn more about the
They’ve also shown us a lot of solidarity and
organisation and then to
encouragement in relation to the recent open community
sign up or get more
forum we held on Reclaiming Queer Venues. They’ve
information, have a look
supported our initiative and have proposed to take
at the memberships tab.
action against the Court Hotel.
Alternatively, talk your
In recent years, there has been a need to take stock and
Queer Department
endeavour to consolidate Pride’s financial position as a

13
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

WA Gender Project
Transphobia: Still a Problem in women do. Secondly, it ignores the privilege that cis
Queer and Women’s Communities people have with respect to trans people. (For some
examples of cis privilege, see here:
http://www.wagenderproject.org/resources/transpriv-
Late last year, the Australian Human Rights
iledge.txt). Finally, it homogenises women by
Commission conducted an inquiry into the need for
assuming there is a shared experience of what it means
Commonwealth legislation to protect people from
to be female, and ignores the very real differences in
discrimination on the basis of sexuality, and sex and/or
power and privilege between all women. Ultimately, it
gender identity. Predictably, this prompted the usual
is a racist and classist argument, because it assumes the
reactionary outbursts from conservative religious
experiences of women of colour, or those who are poor,
organisations. Disappointingly, protection for trans
are the same as white, middle-class women (who are
people was also opposed by groups that ought to know
usually the ones making these transphobic arguments).
better, such as ROAR Feminist Collective and Erinyes
A variant of the previous argument is that trans women
Autonomous Activist Lesbians. (See: http://www.
should be excluded from women’s domestic violence
wagenderproject.org/resources/transphobia_examples/)
shelters, either because they pose a threat to cis women
Collectively, their submissions opposed the right to:
(read: trans women are really men, therefore they will
change important identifying documents such as the
prey on women), or because they aren’t a threat, but
birth certificate; obtain hormonal and surgical
nevertheless make other women feel uncomfortable or
treatment through the public health system; take
unsafe. This one is easy to debunk. Firstly, trans
puberty-delaying drugs to stop the development of
women are no more violent than cis women. Secondly,
unwanted sexual characteristics in young people; and
the dichotomy of women as “victim” and men as
to access sex-appropriate facilities, such as domestic
“abuser” is damaging. It is, of course, important to note
violence and homeless shelters. Clearly, transphobia (or
that the majority of the victims of domestic abuse are
perhaps more accurately, cissexism) remains a problem
women, and the majority of the perpetrators are men.
in our communities.
However, women can, and do assault other women, and
the invisibility of this issue is a major barrier to
Generally, a few common cissexist arguments are used
overcoming the problem of domestic violence in
to attempt to justify these kinds of attacks on trans
same-sex couples. Thus, the notion that violence cannot
people. All are false, and easily refuted. I’ll list the
occur in shelters if only cis women are present is a
main ones here, in the hope that they can be used as a
fallacy. Finally, it remains possible that some women
resource next time you see something cissexist.
may genuinely feel uncomfortable sharing a shelter with
(Remember folks: just like sexism, racism, homophobia,
a trans woman (though this assumes you can always
and other forms of prejudice, challenging cissexism is
spot someone who is trans, which is untrue). However,
everyone’s responsibility).
there are no doubt many heterosexual women who
would feel uncomfortable sharing accommodation with
It is sometimes argued that trans women were raised as
a lesbian (and this has occurred in Perth shelters). Yet,
boys, and therefore have benefited (and may continue
surely no one would suggest that lesbians should also be
to benefit) from male socialisation. This may be true
banned in such situations? Organisations such as
to some extent, though is becoming less so with the
SSDAG have worked hard to address these issues and
increasing number of children who are transitioning.
have demonstrated that such concerns can be
Transphobic feminists thus argue that trans women are
successfully managed.
privileged with respect to cis (non-trans) women, and
should be excluded from female spaces. This is
Sometimes people argue that if we abolished gender,
problematic for several reasons. Firstly, once they
there would be no need for trans people to transition.
transition, trans women experience sexism, just as cis

14
This argument ignores diversity within trans
communities, and fails to acknowledge that people alter
their sexual characteristics and/or gender expression for
different reasons. Transsexual people generally alter
their sexual characteristics because they feel the sex they
were assigned at birth was wrong, not because they want
to be more masculine or feminine. Apart from confusing
sex and gender, it assumes trans people want to assume
a normative gender role after transition. However, there
are trans women who consider themselves female, but
then assume a butch gender expression, for example.
There are also individuals who are comfortable with
their sex, but instead refuse the gender role normally
associated with that sex, or instead blend or reject
traditional definitions of masculinity and femininity.
Often, transsexual people are denied the right to
self-identify as male or female. Usually, this argument
invokes the supposed power of the sex chromosomes
to determine who is a “real” man or woman. It is a
strangely un-feminist argument, reminiscent of the
biological determinism that early feminists fought hard
to debunk. Biology is not destiny. Additionally, sex is
far more complex than originally thought. For example,
it is possible to have a 46,XX karyotype (which is
usually female), but also have genes that trigger male
sexual differentiation. This situation is called
translocation, and individuals affected generally look
and feel male. Similarly, there are 46,XY individuals
who lack functional receptors for testosterone. This is
called Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, and in its most
complete form, individuals look and (almost always)
feel female. In reality, sex is a complex interplay of
genetic, hormonal and anatomical factors that determine
the sexual differentiation of the brain and body. Arguing
that chromosomes determine sex is not only ignorant,
but also harmful to people with intersex conditions, who
are often forced to confirm to essentialist notions of
what they “really” are.
Along similar lines, I have heard transphobic feminists
attempt to compare the transsexual experience to being
in the “wrong-raced body”. This is not only absurd, but
deeply racist, because it assumes that all trans people are
white. In reality, trans people are found in all cultures,
and all strata of society. By posing this argument,
transphobic feminists also discount the lived
experience of trans people. Questions like: “how do
you know you’re a man?”, or “how do you know what
it feels like to be a woman?” are insulting and strangely
reminiscent of homophobia. Try these substitutions:
“how do you know you’re gay?” or, “how do you know
you don’t like men if you’ve never had sex with one?”
My personal favourite is when they get all evangelical
on me, and suggest I’ll see the error of my ways if I just
read some more Sheila Jeffreys. Yeah, as if reading a
few books is somehow going to outweigh 30+ years of
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
lived experience. It’s also insulting to suggest that trans
people are ignorant of feminism and critical theory. We
are deeply aware of the political implications of who we
are and what we do.
Trans people sometimes choose to alter their sexual
characteristics with hormones or surgery. For example,
trans men might choose surgery to remove breast tissue
and reconstruct their chest. Transphobic feminists often
dismissively refer to such procedures as “mutilation”, an
appalling rejection of the central feminist tenet of
autonomy. Would they oppose a cis woman’s decision
to get a breast reduction? Autonomy and self-determina-
tion are basic human rights. To borrow a useful phrase:
“my body, my choice”.
Finally, I’d like to make a few comments about why
it’s so important for everyone to challenge cissexism
and transphobia. Transphobia spreads. Seldom does
discrimination remain confined to a single instance.
The exclusion of trans women from women’s events,
for example, becomes a precedent for excluding them
from domestic violence services, homeless shelters, and
health care. Organisations such as Mission Australia
have applied for, and been granted permission to exclude
trans people from their homeless shelters. Homeless
trans people have frozen to death on the streets because
they have been unable to access appropriate
accommodation. There are trans women still being
detained in men’s, rather than women’s prisons.
Unsurprisingly, sexual assault is commonplace, and
deaths in custody have occurred. The world is already
a hostile place for trans people. We must not also face
hostility in our own communities.
Zoë, Secretary of WAGP
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

Proud Schools WA
Such a program addresses a in a number of walks of life,
dire need in local High Schools including CCQNWA.
to protect students from the
negative attitudes and abuses Members from the State School
faced by queer teens. At a Teacher’s Union group B-Le-
tertiary level CCQNWA gits, who take on the interests
combines with the Student of Queer Staff and by proxy
Guilds including the National Students will play an important
Union of Students to provide role, as will active community
access to a community of peers campaigners Gay and Lesbian
and valuable resources for Equality.
In February an article was Queer teens and all Queer Uni-
published in OutInPerth about versity students. But the majority of informa-
the possibility of a Proud tion is likely to come from the
Schools Program here in Perth. When students come to us there source. Youth Queer Commu-
The article took its lead from is a lot of uncertainty and nity groups like the Freedom
the recent policy in NSW that exploration to do. Many of the Centre who focus on young
will see the introduction of a members of the Cross Campus people from 16-25 and CCQN
$250 000 pilot program to fight University Queer Departments who’s majority of members are
abuse and negative attitudes might not turn out to be gay, aged 17-25 will be the key in
faced by gay teens, and will but the issue of diverse formulating a safe school
be implemented at 12 schools sexuality and gender is very stratgey and hopefully
across NSW. real one for many young sooner, rather than later, a
people. Many of these Proud Schools program here in
The question was raised by OIP questions are not answered until WA.
journalist Benn Dorrington if University due to the repression
such a program had a place here and lack of support for diverse If you’d like to support this ini-
in Western Australia. Quoting sexual and gender identity in tiative as a member of CCQN,
a number of sources including high schools. then sign up to the website
former State NUS Queer and join the online workgroup,
Officer and curent GALE Since high school students do which will be collaborating
convenor Kitty Hawkins, and not have a national student with GALE and B-Legits in
current NUS State Queer union or even proper regional 2011, to make progress on a
Officer Michael Pilkington, the student representation, the Safe Schools policy for Queer
tone of the article was that it ominous task of pursuing a Teens here in WA.
was absolute viable and should Proud Schools program in WA
be implemented ASAP. falls to community groups with Adele Knowles
Queer sympathies and members

16
The Cross Campus Queer Network Presents

Date: May 7th

Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Bar 138
Tickets $10

Genderfuck
Ball 2011
17
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

Autonomous WorkSpaces
You might be asking yourself, ‘What is an accept that there is a need to provide specialised
autonomous space?’ It’s a space where you are resources to those groups represented within.
free to express your own identity within a peer My attention immediately shifts to gender
focus group, to raise and address unique issues diversity, or trans identifying people, who will
faced by a particular sub group with the still have a long way to go after equal marriage
GLBTIQQ gender and sexual Alliance. In other is achieved in changing the law regarding gender
words, we might all be queer, but among us there identity on passports and birth certificates, as
are lesbians gay, bisexuals, transgender, inter- well as the general confusion regarding
sex, allies and disabled people who have unique definitions of gender and gender identity.
needs that can often be overlooked by the mo-
mentum of the Queer Bloc. As a minority within the Queer Bloc they are not
alone. People with varied disabilities also have a
That means, that depsite the best intentions and different experience as Queer people, often
overtones of equal love, compassion, overlooked, or not considered in discussions
understanding without judgement, the truth is about sex and gender identity. They face a
that some people are ‘more equal than others’. different type of struggle for recognition and
There is a need to provide safe spaces and acceptance in a community which is often elit-
resources for individuals that face a unique set of ist and pre-occupied with agendas that pertain to
obstacles in coming to terms with the gender and mainstream Queer identities.
sexual identity. This need is all encompassing,
for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans intersex, queer, In fact the momentum of the Queer Movement,
questioning, allied and disabled peoples within means we take a lot of things for granted. For
the Queer Identity. example a lot of the time, we have a duty of care
to Queer teenagers, fresh from high school and
We all share a common plight as people of often with a history of bullying and negativity, as
diverse sexual and gender identities, fighting for a result of their sexuality. Many of these teenag-
full equality on campus, and in the law. This has ers have not had a satisfactory education in safe
lead to a wonderful connection shared by those sex practices, nor have they realised the social
who identify as Queer, and a unique culture has implications of being Queer, such as not having
emerged that is at the fore of social and the right to get married. Quite often these issues
political activism that has lead to acceptance in are not discussed in relation to people coming to
the mainstream, as we stand together at the terms with their sexuality for the first time, and
advent of fundamental changes to the law that there is a need to provide an environment were
will see people of diverse sexualities and gen- teenagers can develop and resolve some of the
ders move closer to full equality. growing pains from High School and seek
advocacy in the Queer Community.
But amidst the furore and the fierce
campaigning for recognition, we also have to

18
 For Trans, Teens, disabled...

“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
In fact there are many people who won’t come to
terms with their sexuality in high school because
they have not had a safe environment to do so.
Community groups like the Freedom Centre
attempt to do this, but there are large
discrepancies between the amount of Queer teen-
agers and the number of people able to access
the Freedom Centre.

In a similar special needs scenario, it is also

apparent that men and women in general have
different needs - to connect and communicate
perspectives which are often difficult to
express - such as how gay men feel about femi-
nism, and how women feel about it.
Talking about same sex attraction - discussion
about what it’s like living as a lesbian or a gay
man, are two very different experiences. I think
if we take the time to recognize the unique needs
of people who identify as Queer, it will only
increase the usefulness of organisations such
as CCQN and galvanize unity within the Queer
Community itself, because more people are able
to come to terms with and address issues as they
feel they need to - rather than let it bubble and
turn into descent and apathy within the
community itself.

Do you have an opinion about Autonomous

Workspaces for uniquely identifying groups
within the Queer Spectrum? If so, we’d like to
hear from you. Please send an email to
ccqnwa@gmail.com or talk to your Queer
Officer. The viability of autonomous
workspaces are currently being discussed by
active members of the CCQN.

Adele Knowles

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20
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n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).

22
 do you have what it takes?

“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
On the 12th of May the 5th Annual Cross Campus Queer Games takes place. This
event is hosted by last year’s winners Murdoch, at the event held by previous winners
UWA Queer Department. It’s time to break Murdoch’s domination of this event over
the last few years, having won 3 out of the 4 Cross Campus Queer Games so far.

Who will it be? Compete in some of your favourite events, like the traditional dance
off, and prepare for some surprises as Murdoch tries to retain the trophy and the
glory! We’ll see you there with your Queer Department colours flying hight!

23
n. (also v.): 1. Deliberately sending mixed messages about ones sex, usually through ones dress (e.g., wearing a skirt and a beard).
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow @feministhulk on Twitter
To put in the words of the Feminist Hulk as per
ze’s Twitter page “HULK SAYS FUCK
PATRIARCHY. HULK HERE TO SMASH
GENDER BINARY.”. Yes the Hulk is back and
better than ever and this time the anger is being
channeled into smashing oppression and destroy-
ing gender restrictions - Even though
@Feministhulk’s shoulders are too big for the
bicycle lane, if you see zer say “Hi.” -
Follow Genderfork on Facebook
This sexy post binary take on gender
expression takes submissions from an array of
different people with gender personalities, who
just happen to take amazing photographs that
express the need for much more acknowledge-
ment of third, fourth and post gender experienc-
es. “a supportive community for the expression
of identities across the gender spectrum.”
http://www.facebook.com/genderfork
BlogS
The My Agender Project
What happens when some
one presents their gender
or sex outside the realms of
socially acceptable
female or male behaviors?
Have you ever heard ‘that’s
not very lady like’, or ‘be
a man’? It’s well researched
that these and other forms
of coercive behaviors are
detrimental to peoples’ self-esteem, self worth,
and capacity to participate as members of
society. Gender, sex and sexually diverse people
lead the way in statistics for suicide, self harm,
depression, mental health problems, substance
use, homelessness, low education, the list
continues. Who is responsible? As a whole
society we need to embrace and celebrate all
types of difference. I believe that coercive
behaviors, intended and unintended stem from a
lack of understanding and exposure to
difference. As a society we need to start this
conversation, to remove the label of difference
and de-construct the reified definition of what
society call ‘normal’.
http://myagender.blogspot.com
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 Movies
D.E.B.S
As far as your ordinary girl-turns-from-life-of-
crime-by-falling-in-love-with-female-secret-
agent flick goes, DEBS does pretty damn alright.
The story is centered around Amy Bradford,
star agent of the highly-ranked all-girls secret
service team D.E.B.S. (Which stands for Disci-
pline Energy Beauty Strength, in case you were
wondering) who is disenchanted with her perfect
score life, adoring fans, doting (albeit bone-
headed) boyfriend and humdrum existence as a
leading secret agent. All that changes when she
comes face to face with the world most elusive
criminal mastermind, Lucy Diamond. As the two
get closer, they have to choose between their
conflicting lifestyles and their runaway romance.
This classic queer flick is fierce, stinging-one-
liner, trashy underground pop fun, and is highly
recommended as a light-hearted lesbian romcom
with a twist! 4/5 stars
MUSIC
“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
Angus and Julia Stone
For all music lovers, I’m glad to inform you of the
Angus and Julia Stone concert that took place at
Red Hill Auditorium in Swan Valley on 2nd of April
2011. A beautiful Julia and amazing Angus pleased a
full to the brim audience with a truly magical
performance starting at 9.45pm I was anxious to see
them after hearing the entre bands, the main course
was full of favourite familiar songs as well as a new
song by Julia. They were relaxed and fun loving
with Julia interacting with the audience, letting us
in with the meaning of “for you” and contemplat-
ing changing the lyrics a tad to put a impacting
sentimental meaning of a past love. So many fans
so little time having cars queued on Toodyay Road
people began to park on the side of the road and
walking the rest of the way myself included. The
venue was absolutely gorgeous and was fitting for
chilled back music. Angus himself enjoyed the
location with a statement of “the city lights look like
the amber of a fire”. Attracting all ages and groups
the brother and sister from Sydney were appreciated
by all that went. With roars of encores Angus
unfortunately was reluctant to play the favourite
“mango tree” Julia blew fans away with “wasted”
instead. Both have such incredible voices and
phenomenal talent that reaches into you and touches
the soul .Emotionally moving is only the beginning
of what they give in there music
25
 CCQN WEsbite Contribute to QT
QT is distributed once every two months in a

“I want to ridicule and destroy the whole cosmology of restrictive sex roles and sexual identification.”
There hasn’t been a lot of development on the print run, and a digital copy is made available via
website, because the most of its components are the website. The theme for this issue was Gen-
online. Now we undergo the long process of derfuck, which ties in with one of our most popu-
ensuring that everything is up to date and where lar events the Genderfuck Ball which is happen-
it should be. The website is still quite new, so ing on the 7th of May.
we haven’t got it completely right yet. If there is
something new you’d like to see on the website, Contributions are not restricted to the Issue’s
or changes to the current content that you’d like totheme only, you can contribute whatever you like,
see, please send your enquiries to but it does help the continuity of the issue if we
ccqnwa@gmail.com. We welcome feedback. have contributions that have the same background
theme.
Working with the website has been a lot of fun,
and I think as time goes on, more people will The theme for the next issue is Queer Collabo-
make use of the groups feature and even get the rations, which will be happening in July - that
confidence to post their own articles. means we will be featuring some interesting and
relevant content that will get people excited about
If you’d like to contribute to the current ‘mini’ the conference. So what kind of contributions
project that CCQN.NET is currently could you make? Stories from previous
undertaking, all you have to do is send us a link to adventures to QC, what you liked best - going out
your blog - It can be anything, livejournal, tumblr,to clubs in other states, experiences during work-
or a wordpress blog that you would like to share shops, or any other related materials would be
with the community - All you have to do is send awesome!
us the address via email, and give us a few details
about it. The Blogroll hopes to connect people to The 3rd issue of QT is to be distributed approxi-
others in the community that are online and hope mately 1st of June, so get your submissions in
to find supportive readers and online friends in the plenty of time before then if you want it to be
community! considered for publication.

Remember the website is the place to find

information on Queer Collaborations, including
Registration as well as the latest details on events
and campaigns being undertaken by CCQNWA.
So if you want to learn something or connect with
the Cross Campus Community, the website is a
great place to start.

http://ccqn.net

27
QT is a volunteer produced Cross Campus Zine produced by the Cross Campus Queer Network WA
28