bougiebohemian

Over the last 48 hours, I've been reading e-mails and Facebook updates from bi activists who were upset because no bisexual service members were invited to yesterday's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” repeal signing. My initial reaction to the fuss was “So what?” because at that point, I was glad just to see the back of DADT. However, at the end of the discourse, I was also angry and it wasn't over White House invitations.

Over 13,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guards were discharged under DADT. While it's unknown how many of the discharged were bisexual, I was told by bi activists that those who were willing to speak out against DADT were ignored by major gay rights organizations and the media. Hearing how yet another issue that affects all queers suddenly became “gay-washed” infuriated me.

Bisexual erasure goes far and beyond DADT. Since the beginning of the LGBTQ rights movement, bisexuals (in addition to transgender people) have been treated like second-class queers. While the transgender movement is finally being recognized, the bisexual community continues to be mistreated and erased. Whenever bisexual activists bring up the issue of biphobia within the community, they're either accused of “over-reacting” or being divisive.

For far too long, bisexuals have received the short end of the stick. One reason is because many within the mainstream L/G community assumes that bisexual issues are similar to lesbian/gay ones and that we're all fighting for the same things. While biphobia and homophobia are similar in nature, they're still two different beasts. Recent studies have revealed that the social stigmatization of bisexuals have led to great health and economical disparities.

Read more @ the blog...

Current Mood: annoyed
Crossposts: http://bougiebohemian.livejournal.com/30898.html

By Kanika Ameerah | 6 December 2010 Comments (1)

After months of speculation and word-playing, rapper Nicki Minaj finally confirmed that her bisexuality was just a publicity gimmick. She now joins the ranks of other straight celebrities who love playing bi for record sales, such as Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry. While her revelation is completely unsurprising, her actions are far from harmless, as they further perpetuate the stereotype that bisexuality is nothing more than a cry for attention.

The guessing game over Ms. Minaj's sexuality began with the release of her single “Go Hard”, where she rapped that she'd only stop for “pedestrians or a real real bad lesbian”. Since homophobia has been a long-standing issue in the hip-hop industry, many queers (myself included) were excited to hear references of bisexuality coming from a popular mainstream rapper. That excitement was enhanced when Nicki did an interview with Details Magazine in May, where she was asked this question:

Q: As an openly bisexual rapper, do you think hip-hop is getting more gay-friendly?

A: I think the world is getting more gay-friendly, so hip-hop is too. But it's harder to imagine an openly gay male rapper being embraced. People view gay men as having no street credibility. But I think we'll see one in my lifetime.

Ms. Minaj had every opportunity to clear up the fact that she wasn't bisexual by just correcting the interviewer but she didn't, which made everyone assume that she was bi. However, a month later we were left scratching our heads when she told Black Men Magazine that she doesn't date or have sex with women unless “of course, until Cassie comes available”. This generated buzz throughout the LGBT blogsphere that she was recanting everything she said.

Read more @ the blog

Crossposts: http://bougiebohemian.livejournal.com/30311.html

I just heard that

skywardprodigal passed away early Friday morning. I am shocked and devastated.

I first met her when she was ebonbird on lj...She always posted wonderful photos and icons...had a brilliant eye for visual arts. We become friends when Martha was on Dr. Who...Apparently she liked my thoughts about race and British sci-fi.

I remember

skywardprodigal being very intelligent...Always posting thought-provoking content (and pretty things)...Always have you thinking. I thought one day we might have a chance to talk in real life, or even meet. You put these things off because well...you don't think the person will pass on anytime soon.

We kept in touch on FB every so often...she was dipping on and offline b/c she had health issues, but not anything that would kill her. So it's a shock to me to have seen she passed...The world has lost a brilliant mind and I feel for her family so much.

Good night, and rest in peace my sister.