Boring morning TV interview with Byron Beck

Stumbling across Willy Week queer-in-residence Byron Beck’s interview with Nick Fish piqued my interest. Unfortunately it didn’t hold it. Nevertheless, even fluffy interviews can inspire critique, semi-agreement and commentary from me. I guess I always need my say.

Their opening conversation centered around Byron’s use of certain words that are or used to be derogatory towards the gay community, and in large part I agree with his simplistic answer about reclamation, but there’s several different levels. The word “queer” is particularly interesting because though it has been quite offensive in the past it has become the most successfully reclaimed. So much so that it even carries academic weight. Queer Theory is an important investigation that is quite distinct from Gay/Lesbian studies in that it attempts to break down the social constructions of gender and sexuality, not merely study the habits of homos vs. heteros. I think this is an important note because it makes “queer” a more universally acceptable term for anyone to use.

And then there really are the words that only the gay can say. In my daily life I use some that I just don’t think this audience is ready to hear. Pretty much it’s only the biggest F-word no no that I completely refrain from typing here because I do so like to push the envelope as far as your dear readers will let me. To be true to my own voice I use all kinds of colorful synonyms. And I have no shame.

Now the part that I did disagree with was bringing out-of-towner gay friends to queer events. Even if they’re not lookin’ to score of course I would bring them to gay bars, events, etc. I love being a part of gay culture whether I’m trolling for sex or not. It’s about fun and community and Portland has enough of both to share with our queer guests. So come on over and I’ll take you on a Gaycation…