It is undeniable that the use of the term “gay community” no longer applies to just men attracted to men…or even to people attracted to the same-sex. The gay community has expanded so much that it is often referred to as an acronym like the GLB community or the GLBT community. The individuality of those who belong to this community has become something expressed largely through symbols. A woman who identifies as a lesbian could adorn herself with a labrys or black triangle. A bisexual can wear bars of pink, purple and blue - or the overlapping triangle of the same colours. A trans-identified individual may don the mercury symbol. Almost anyone who falls under the lovely spectrum of letters may identify with the famous rainbows flag, six colours united together that represent equality and belonging. We often look for the rainbow flag to identify a gay friendly space such as a café or bar. When Laura Jillain asked what symbol would show that she was a straight ally of the gay community, the rainbow was her only real choice. But for Laura, this wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.
illain, is the token straight girl member of the Fake Mustache Drag King Troupe, and acts as secretary for the parent organization, Miscellaneous Youth Network. Fake Mustache is a part of MYN’s vision to create safe spaces throughout the city for queer and trans youth. Jillain says her involvement with MYN has been an exciting opportunity, but being involved with Fake Mustache for over a year has led to something more.
This newfound group of friends has led Jillain to want to make a change to her own. She feels that the community needs to create a greater sense of belonging for people that are gay-friendly, but not gay themselves. To accomplish this, she wants to create a symbol to represent the straight allies to the gay community. She pictures something easily recognizable that could be use nation-wide within a few years.
“I’d like to put Calgary on the map as the place this symbol originated from. I want a person to be able to wear something that says they believe what I believe, that gay people are no different than anyone else and shouldn’t be treated any differently.”
Originally she toyed with trying to create something herself with the assistance of fellow board member, Niq. “It was Niq who sort of gave me the idea that we could make a contest out of it,” Jillain explained. She presented this idea to the board of MYN and was greeted with much enthusiasm. She was given free reign to design the contest as she wished. “It’s open to everyone…well, except the staff and board members of Miscellaneous [Youth Network].”
She explains that the symbol needs to be something easily shown on a button or patch, something easily recognizable. It needs to have colours and symbols that really make someone think “Ally.” She challenges the community to be as creative as they possibly can, to see what we can come up with collectively. Since nothing like this has ever been done before it will be utterly unique.
The deadline for the contest is April 30th, so there is still a decent amount of time to get entries in. The submissions will be judged by the board of Miscellaneous Youth Network and the symbol that is chosen will be revealed during Pride week 2007. There will be a prize for the winner, as well as, of course, the acclaim for creating this new and easily recognizable symbol for our wonderful straight allies - our friends, family, and supporters.
For contest details visit www.miscyouth.com
Send entries Care Of:
LJ Nailz – contest entry
Apartment 603
824 13th Avenue S.W.
T2R 0L2
