Just Do It

Is Queer the New Gay?

by Natalie Hope McDonald

Sat., May 3, 12:30-1:45 p.m., free, Arcadia Skybox, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-732-3378, equalityforum.org/2008

There's always talk about the latest fashion label. But what about the newest label in the lesbian and gay community? Queer is the question during "Is Queer the New Gay?", one of several dozen panel discussions during the Equality Forum's weeklong, citywide symposium and festival. Several well-known gay and lesbian Philadelphians — including artist Shelley Spector, Spiral Q's Matty Hart and Swarthmore's Queer Union former co-president Elizabeth Lindsey — will discuss the definition of "queer" in regard to LGBTQ identity.

As a younger generation of activists adopt the word, in part, to define fluid dimensions of gender and sexuality, for Spector, a lesbian mom of two, it all depends on how the word is used. "When people who are gay reclaim the word 'queer,' they're giving pride to the way they use it," she says. Still, others argue its negative usage is tough to eclipse, especially for anyone who rejects labels altogether. Jesse Salazar of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs will lead the discussion about what queer really means, who's using the word and its sometimes controversial relationship to gay rights, identity and activism today. Other LGBTQ-themed panels at Equality Forum will address a range of topics, including body image, military service, race relations and bisexuality.