Disqus - Latest Comments for corinna

Re: Winter 2008 Viewpoints

corinna — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:56:49 -0000

I'm writing in response to comments from Lenora Castles Bryant and John Bryant about the Jolene Fund. First of all, Mr. Bryant's reaction is only "unanticipated" because he champions all sorts of other rights and freedoms on his website – why not champion our right to pool our money to support an MHC student whose parents have painfully disowned her because of who she is? As someone who claims to have his views and opinions criticized and scorned, it's disappointing that he can't relate to a student's experience of being shunned by people she trusted to always love and support her.

Overall, the Bryants' views smack of blaming the victim. Somehow they put responsibility on the student for her parents' reaction to her sexuality. I've known students whose parents have read their journals, listened in on their phone calls, read their mail and as a result

discovered the secret their daughters tried desperately to keep from them. The Jolene Fund isn't only for students who willingly – and courageously, I might add – come out to their parents, but for those who perhaps tried not to "make a big deal of it."

It is not the responsibility of queer people to "not make a big deal" of our sexuality, because – well, what does it even mean when we do? Does it mean we go on dates? We talk out loud about our crushes? We

cry when we get our hearts broken? Are these things are only for straight people? Or for four years do our MHC sisters have to pretend that they are not full human beings? If you have ever had to hide a part of who you are, you know it takes a toll on you. Not having all parts of your life integrated becomes exhausting and does not foster

genuine connections with the people from whom we have to hide ourselves. So then the parents lose too; how sad for everyone.

Lastly, there is the question of what Ms. Bryant is advocating in terms of "'family values' curriculum depicting various real dilemmas we encounter out here in the world." Homophobia (and transphobia) are real dilemmas that exist both on the MHC campus and in the real world.

In terms of choosing paths, I hope that queer students feel strong enough with this support to choose the path that is right for them, vs. the path of least resistance.

Thank goodness the Jolene Fund is there as a support mechanism for the child of a family in crisis. Lenora, it's a safety net to help ensure

that other students get to enjoy the full Mount Holyoke College education that you and I did. It's a wonderful gift, and I hope many alumna continue to support it.

Re: Winter 2008 Viewpoints

corinna — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:56:49 -0000

Re: If you had an audience of a billion people, what would you say?

corinna — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:06:16 -0000

Instantly I thought of something I heard Amy Goodman say at a speaking event in my community: It's 2008, we don't need to wage wars anymore. We know other ways to resolve conflict. People everywhere are creative and compassionate and smart and we have the capacity to end war.

Re: What’s the best workshop or course you ever took?

corinna — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:27:57 -0000

Transfeminism at a queer youth conference facilitated by two trans men. It was so powerful for me as a feminist to challenge my prejudices about trans women not knowing what sexism is really like and trans men rejecting their female identities so as to receive male privilege. Instead, the facilitators, Gunner Scott and Nathan Levitt, outlined the ways in which we have common struggles and common interests in challenging all oppression. It was eye-opening - I definitely had an "a-ha!" moment.

Re: This Labor Day, how would you change our work culture?

corinna — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:18:45 -0000

if I could change only one thing it would be to erase the feeling of competition and scarcity between workers - for pay, for meaningful work, for jobs in general. this is what keeps us pitted against each other and divided so that we can't make large gains for all people. we fear we might lose the small piece of the pie that we've been able to get to survive; or if we haven't been able to get what we need to survive, we often fall victim to blaming immigrant workers, foreign workers (where jobs have been outsourced), etc. instead of examining the larger structure. oh, and motherhood should be recognized as work - hard work!

Re: What do you find sexy?

corinna — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:53:23 -0000

chivalry. soft butches with swagger. women athletes in shorts, running shoes, and short socks (where the calf tapers to the ankle) - they're strong and capable, which is totally sexy. new love affairs (causing butterflies like nothing else). confidence. hearing what my lover desires about me and being able to say what I desire about her or him. eyes that sparkle. echoing Carrie: people who listen. finally and most definitely: passion, in and out of the bedroom.

Re: What is the best relationship book you’ve read?

corinna — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:31:38 -0000

Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg. It has taught me to take responsibility for my own feelings, listen empathically to others, get clear about what I'm needing, and communicate my needs in a way that doesn't coax or manipulate. The testimonials or real life examples in the book are really inspiring, moving, and easy to connect to.

Re: What word describes your desire for 2009?

corinna — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:29:05 -0000

patience