Posts by Maddie McClouskey
Queer Male Body Image: A Feminist Crash Course
Unless you know queer men or you are one yourself, you probably have no idea just how many queer men struggle with eating disorders, exercise disorders, and/or incredibly negative body image. Fatphobia in gay male spaces is a social phenomenon, and it runs deep. This is a conversation we need to have both as queer activists and as feminists. Here’s why.
Read MoreMental Illness and Sexism: What Calling Women ‘Crazy’ Actually Does
Think about the last time you called someone crazy (to their face or behind their back). What message were you trying to send? I’m sure it wasn’t a positive one. Was the “crazy” person a woman? I wouldn’t be shocked. It would be hypocritical of me to shame you for it, because we’ve all done it. That’s why it’s important that we discuss it now.
Read MoreThe Many Faces of Homophobia: Microaggressions and the LGBTQIA+ Community
You think you know homophobia? Think again. The run-of-the-mill, tactless, Bible-thumping conservative with a penchant for accusing queer people of pedophilia isn’t the sole perpetrator of homophobia. You know those tiny backhanded comments that sound like compliments, but sort of negatively generalize groups of people? There’s a word for them: microaggressions.
Read MoreMake the Most of Your Media Critiques in 5 Easy Steps
Social media is a great facilitator for interaction with the media. But I have to be honest: some of my fellow Internet activists have their work cut out for them when it comes to their social networking rants, namely those critiquing pop culture. Here are some ideas to keep in mind the next time you need to type out a diatribe about the latest media sensation.
Read More4 Reasons Why Men Joke About Gay Rape
As a gay feminist, I’ve had to tell many the straight boy, “Those jokes make me feel uncomfortable. Please stop.” The percussive nature of gay rape jokes can certainly get a laugh, but they also speak to some of our societal attitudes regarding rape and queer sexuality. Here are some answers to the question, “Why do people think gay rape jokes are okay?”
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