I’ve noticed that the younger generation of queers are generally less political than the generations that came before them (yes, there are amazing exceptions to this generalization), and I pondered if this was a reflection of that shift. The intro states “Queer people have garnered an incredible level of visibility in popular culture, and the struggle for full civil rights (at least in the Canadian context) appears to have been won.” Wow, I have yet to see myself or my friends reflected on the L-Word or Will and Grace, and full civil rights, in actual practice? The editors do thank the earlier generations of activists (agreed) because their generation now have the right to “lead mundane lives” (disagreed!). While the editors are well-intentioned, the only pieces I found that overtly deal with the actual theme “We’re Used to It” were written by them.
Okay, now to the good stuff: this was a sweet collection of new-fangled writers, coming-out stories, and youthful experiences, with a couple entries by more experienced writers and queer artists. I especially liked “Femme Dreams” by Sarah B.Wiseman, “Where the Girls Are” by Heather Price, and “Colonizing the Rhino” by Myrium Gurba. In the end I found this anthology enjoyable, and would recommend its reading. My main problem is that I disagree with the editors’ thesis of the battles being won, the representation of queers easily found in pop culture and the dull lives we are now entitled to live. Please do not make the age-old mistake of becoming complacent just because your particular reality is A-OK. (heze douglas)
edited by Rebecka Sheffield and Kate Zieman, $12, 85 pgs, homosaywhat?, [email protected] www.homosaywhat.ca