One of my classes is asking me to gather responses to two very simple survey questions, I'm to get at least ten responses and then report on my findings. So if you want to help me with my homework, e-mail or comment me your responses (include your return e-mail), and I will reply with the disclaimer that basically says who will be using your answers for what, and that they will be anonymous.
I am taking a class at my university called “Men and Sexism" or "Feminism and Men” in the Department of Women’s Studies. Please respond below to the following questions:
1) What do you think sexism is?
2) Do you think feminism is an effective strategy for bringing an end to sexism?
Please fill in the following information:
*Name (you can make one up)
*Gender (and sex, if they are different than "usual")
*Race
*Economic background (For example, do you come from an economic background that you would consider to be: upper class, middle class, working class, or under class [poor]?)
*Sexual orientation
*Age
*Religious affiliation (if any)
*Highest level of education attained
*Response to question 1:
*Response to question 2:
I realize that the answers to this might of sort of biased if I know you folks, so if there are any of you that aren't really in the field of women's/gender studies, please answer! I'm looking for a broad range of answers.
Showing posts with label sexuality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sexuality. Show all posts
29.1.09
23.1.09
Sexual Autonomy / Sexual Freedom
I really can't believe I waited until today to check out Sinclair's post about Sexual Autonomy and Sexual Freedom. My answer is was short. Until I started writing.
For me, Sexual Autonomy means having age-appropriate access to the wealth of information that exists about different types of relationship styles, different sexual activities, fetishes, and interests, as well as safer sex practices and contraception. I think this will only happen when we live in an environment that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of the important role that sexuality plays in every person's life. I think that's what sexual freedom is, too. Perhaps autonomy means that technically, we all have a choice in what type of sexual life we engage, whereas freedom means that people in your life won't harass you for your choices... even if they might be the "wrong" choice. We can all screw up or bless our own lives equally!
I don't think any one moment in time created sexual freedom in my life. If I had to pinpoint a time when I became free, I would probably choose the day that I drove back to my hometown after leaving a religious training school a day's drive north of here. It wasn't any one sexual act, but it was the fact that I was disregarding other people's rules, and making them up for myself. Each day in the journey to sexual freedom, I loved myself and knew myself a little bit more. After years of suppressing and ignoring my sexual being, finally, enough was enough and I wanted to be in control. It wasn't just my sexuality that got freed up, it was the rest of me as well! I went back to college to get the degree I knew that I wanted (Women's Studies / Feminism), I took my stuff out of storage and found my own place to live, and about a year later, I met Dana. I wasn't expecting to like her as much as I did, but she pretty much blasted all of my "preconceived notions" out of the water. Our family histories are so similar, and we have made it our number one priority to talk about anything and everything as soon as it comes up, so that we don't hold onto confusion and anger. The best part is that it's not "too good to be true" - our relationship together has snags in all the right places, so that we build each other up instead of tearing down the one we love.
For the longest time we lived in a state of constant fear. "What if we break up?" and "If we're still together by that time, then we'll..." But that's no way to live. So for now, we're together indefinitely - which means that there is no end foreseeable... until further notice. And I'm very happy with that.
I know this post was meant to be about sexual freedom, but that is what being with Dana means to me. She means having all my sexual needs met, and being allowed to ask for what I want, and being allowed to spread my love around. Being with Dana means getting to explore new things, talking about our likes and dislikes openly and honestly. It means me being able to experience sacred sexuality gatherings, and to talk to her about my girl crushes (and precisely the same for her as well!)
It's good stuff, I tell you what. I found a letter last night that she wrote to me back in July. She said, "You are the perfect seasoning to my very hearty broth!" Now if that doesn't make you laugh freely then you need to get your heart checked.
Let's be free to be, you and me, shall we?
For me, Sexual Autonomy means having age-appropriate access to the wealth of information that exists about different types of relationship styles, different sexual activities, fetishes, and interests, as well as safer sex practices and contraception. I think this will only happen when we live in an environment that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of the important role that sexuality plays in every person's life. I think that's what sexual freedom is, too. Perhaps autonomy means that technically, we all have a choice in what type of sexual life we engage, whereas freedom means that people in your life won't harass you for your choices... even if they might be the "wrong" choice. We can all screw up or bless our own lives equally!
I don't think any one moment in time created sexual freedom in my life. If I had to pinpoint a time when I became free, I would probably choose the day that I drove back to my hometown after leaving a religious training school a day's drive north of here. It wasn't any one sexual act, but it was the fact that I was disregarding other people's rules, and making them up for myself. Each day in the journey to sexual freedom, I loved myself and knew myself a little bit more. After years of suppressing and ignoring my sexual being, finally, enough was enough and I wanted to be in control. It wasn't just my sexuality that got freed up, it was the rest of me as well! I went back to college to get the degree I knew that I wanted (Women's Studies / Feminism), I took my stuff out of storage and found my own place to live, and about a year later, I met Dana. I wasn't expecting to like her as much as I did, but she pretty much blasted all of my "preconceived notions" out of the water. Our family histories are so similar, and we have made it our number one priority to talk about anything and everything as soon as it comes up, so that we don't hold onto confusion and anger. The best part is that it's not "too good to be true" - our relationship together has snags in all the right places, so that we build each other up instead of tearing down the one we love.
For the longest time we lived in a state of constant fear. "What if we break up?" and "If we're still together by that time, then we'll..." But that's no way to live. So for now, we're together indefinitely - which means that there is no end foreseeable... until further notice. And I'm very happy with that.
I know this post was meant to be about sexual freedom, but that is what being with Dana means to me. She means having all my sexual needs met, and being allowed to ask for what I want, and being allowed to spread my love around. Being with Dana means getting to explore new things, talking about our likes and dislikes openly and honestly. It means me being able to experience sacred sexuality gatherings, and to talk to her about my girl crushes (and precisely the same for her as well!)
It's good stuff, I tell you what. I found a letter last night that she wrote to me back in July. She said, "You are the perfect seasoning to my very hearty broth!" Now if that doesn't make you laugh freely then you need to get your heart checked.
Let's be free to be, you and me, shall we?
16.11.08
Update; sectional.
I've sat down to write several posts recently. I was going to write another excerpt from John Poster's book "Meals for Males" and I got distracted looking at the funny French names he gave his pheasant recipes. Hi-larious.
I also wanted to write about our housing project: we found out Dana's lease is not up until 2/09 so we have a good four months until we move out of this 650 sq ft studio apartment. The house hunt will have to be postponed at least until the first of the year.
My new job started on Thursday. In two weeks I will work a whopping 17 hours - clearly this is not enough, but apparently all the other stores I applied to in our mall are competitors of this store. And the two that weren't sent me a thanks-but-no-thanks letter.
I'm totally jealous of everyone who was privileged enough to go to the NYC Sexbloggers' Calendar debut party. Debauchery was bound to "ensue" as they say. *sigh* Everything fun happens in New York!
My anxiety got the best of me - I am not one for protests because they tend to give me claustrophobia. I did not go, please forgive me. Instead I did my part to further the gay agenda by going to a pet adoption expo!
It is nearing the end of the semester and I will have my nose in actual books for about the next six weeks. One of my final papers is about the writings of Denise Chavez. The other paper will be an "autoethnography" where I talk about the effects of culture on myself as it relates to queer theory. I've chosen once again to talk about the femme identity. My professor wants me to answer the question, "how does femme queer femininity?" for indeed it does. I'm supposed to write about moments in my life that helped to shape my femme identity. I'll write about those scenes another time. I'm a bit behind in homework too, so expect to see and hear from me even less than you already do. I read everyone's writings, but I am just having so much trouble formulating my thoughts.
Next Wednesday I'm being inducted into my university's founding chapter of iota iota iota, which is an honor society for undergraduates focushttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing in Women's Studies. The color is lavender - isn't that nice? It's named for Inana, Ishtar and Isis.
Dana's new job promised her 40 hours and has totally disregarded that commitment. Although she is getting the most hours out of everyone, she is still getting less than forty. She actually makes less at the new job than she did at the old horrible sucky job because she ended up working overtime before, whereas she is not allowed to now. Looking for new or second job now, as money is way, way tight. With a move on the horizon, we both need to bringing in as much moola as possible. Life is not propelled by my smiling face alone, but by the bank.
Should I or shouldn't I arrange play dates with a certain pair of beautiful people? yea or nay? It sounds like a good idea, I definitely could see it working out, but at the same time there are always risks, you know? I don't want to risk my beautiful partner in exchange for a fleeting thrill. But I also see the value in expanding one's personal horizons. If it happens, I think they're going to have to make the first move.
I'm now uninsured. Health is doing alright, but the main thing is eating right, eating small meals at frequent intervals, and taking meds on time. We purchased a bathroom scale the other day, which is a good measure of how my overall blood glucose is doing. Sugar goes up, weight goes up, and the opposite is also true.
Taking everything into consideration, however, I'm feeling absolutely fabulous. I am more and more in love with Dana. I feel more and more comfortable with our relationship. We talk about everything, we welcome change and progress, and we constantly reaffirm to each other our commitment to making things work. She sure means a whole lot to me.
I also wanted to write about our housing project: we found out Dana's lease is not up until 2/09 so we have a good four months until we move out of this 650 sq ft studio apartment. The house hunt will have to be postponed at least until the first of the year.
My new job started on Thursday. In two weeks I will work a whopping 17 hours - clearly this is not enough, but apparently all the other stores I applied to in our mall are competitors of this store. And the two that weren't sent me a thanks-but-no-thanks letter.
I'm totally jealous of everyone who was privileged enough to go to the NYC Sexbloggers' Calendar debut party. Debauchery was bound to "ensue" as they say. *sigh* Everything fun happens in New York!
My anxiety got the best of me - I am not one for protests because they tend to give me claustrophobia. I did not go, please forgive me. Instead I did my part to further the gay agenda by going to a pet adoption expo!
It is nearing the end of the semester and I will have my nose in actual books for about the next six weeks. One of my final papers is about the writings of Denise Chavez. The other paper will be an "autoethnography" where I talk about the effects of culture on myself as it relates to queer theory. I've chosen once again to talk about the femme identity. My professor wants me to answer the question, "how does femme queer femininity?" for indeed it does. I'm supposed to write about moments in my life that helped to shape my femme identity. I'll write about those scenes another time. I'm a bit behind in homework too, so expect to see and hear from me even less than you already do. I read everyone's writings, but I am just having so much trouble formulating my thoughts.
Next Wednesday I'm being inducted into my university's founding chapter of iota iota iota, which is an honor society for undergraduates focushttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing in Women's Studies. The color is lavender - isn't that nice? It's named for Inana, Ishtar and Isis.
Dana's new job promised her 40 hours and has totally disregarded that commitment. Although she is getting the most hours out of everyone, she is still getting less than forty. She actually makes less at the new job than she did at the old horrible sucky job because she ended up working overtime before, whereas she is not allowed to now. Looking for new or second job now, as money is way, way tight. With a move on the horizon, we both need to bringing in as much moola as possible. Life is not propelled by my smiling face alone, but by the bank.
Should I or shouldn't I arrange play dates with a certain pair of beautiful people? yea or nay? It sounds like a good idea, I definitely could see it working out, but at the same time there are always risks, you know? I don't want to risk my beautiful partner in exchange for a fleeting thrill. But I also see the value in expanding one's personal horizons. If it happens, I think they're going to have to make the first move.
I'm now uninsured. Health is doing alright, but the main thing is eating right, eating small meals at frequent intervals, and taking meds on time. We purchased a bathroom scale the other day, which is a good measure of how my overall blood glucose is doing. Sugar goes up, weight goes up, and the opposite is also true.
Taking everything into consideration, however, I'm feeling absolutely fabulous. I am more and more in love with Dana. I feel more and more comfortable with our relationship. We talk about everything, we welcome change and progress, and we constantly reaffirm to each other our commitment to making things work. She sure means a whole lot to me.
20.8.08
pool party!
I kissed a boy, and I liked it! He bit my lip, too!
5 queer girls plus an underdefined boy all naked or nearly naked in a pool this evening. this calls for troublemaking!
5 queer girls plus an underdefined boy all naked or nearly naked in a pool this evening. this calls for troublemaking!
7.8.08
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's sugasm 143!
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11.7.08
reconnecting
I would tell you how she eased her cock so gently into my cunt. If I wanted to, I would describe the weight of her hips rocking closer to me. I could give an account of the sweet way she worked her cock for exactly the third time ever.
But what I really want to tell you about is what happened afterward. Reclining on her back, she was resting from all her hard work, I flung my hair out of the way (it has grown quite long) and brought my hand down to where the leather straps were so tightly fastened around her waist, glutes, legs. I brushed my fingers over her labia, feeling how wet the show of my orgasm had made her, and finally pressed my fingers into her cunt. From there, my lips quickly found her cock, and I graced the two - cunt and cock - at the same time. Immediately, the obvious moan of her pleasure rose from her body. I love the way she takes to my fingers, or my mouth, or whatever the instrument of choice, allowing her body to be soothed by my affections.
We have a question for all of you - blog readers and writers. Some butches and transmen say that they can "feel" their cock when they ar wearing it. That the touch gives a certain sensation even though it's not physically attached. Is this cultivated? Does it have to do with the degree to which one identifies with a masculine persona? Is there a spectrum of how trans or not trans a butch can be, and if you lean to the trans side of things then it gives you pleasure to have girls touching your cock and if you're on the genuine butch woman side, then not so much? How does this all work? Having an answer to that question would be so very helpful. Sin? Dylan? anyone? What's this all about?
But what I really want to tell you about is what happened afterward. Reclining on her back, she was resting from all her hard work, I flung my hair out of the way (it has grown quite long) and brought my hand down to where the leather straps were so tightly fastened around her waist, glutes, legs. I brushed my fingers over her labia, feeling how wet the show of my orgasm had made her, and finally pressed my fingers into her cunt. From there, my lips quickly found her cock, and I graced the two - cunt and cock - at the same time. Immediately, the obvious moan of her pleasure rose from her body. I love the way she takes to my fingers, or my mouth, or whatever the instrument of choice, allowing her body to be soothed by my affections.
We have a question for all of you - blog readers and writers. Some butches and transmen say that they can "feel" their cock when they ar wearing it. That the touch gives a certain sensation even though it's not physically attached. Is this cultivated? Does it have to do with the degree to which one identifies with a masculine persona? Is there a spectrum of how trans or not trans a butch can be, and if you lean to the trans side of things then it gives you pleasure to have girls touching your cock and if you're on the genuine butch woman side, then not so much? How does this all work? Having an answer to that question would be so very helpful. Sin? Dylan? anyone? What's this all about?
28.6.08
deflowering
May I introduce to you, Tex.
I got home from the airport two hours after she was supposed to go to work. In those two hours, we figured out how to put it in the harness, how to tighten the straps, how to position ourselves. Gently, sweetly, I am wondering why on earth we didn't try this before. I'm hooked. It's going to take some getting used to. I can't handle it on a regular basis, but damn. Two words: butch cock. And she finally has something physical to locate it. I'm totally freakin pleased, and I imagine I will be for a long time. Damn good lovin' right here.
phew!
I got home from the airport two hours after she was supposed to go to work. In those two hours, we figured out how to put it in the harness, how to tighten the straps, how to position ourselves. Gently, sweetly, I am wondering why on earth we didn't try this before. I'm hooked. It's going to take some getting used to. I can't handle it on a regular basis, but damn. Two words: butch cock. And she finally has something physical to locate it. I'm totally freakin pleased, and I imagine I will be for a long time. Damn good lovin' right here.
phew!
23.6.08
advancement
As we started the workshop on Friday, I listened to the facilitator talk about how it is an advanced workshop. Miss Avarice, so recently deflowered, so inexperienced and green, sitting amongst all these grown up women who have had many a partner, and many of whom are sex workers themselves (pro dommes, sexological bodyworkers, etcetera). And there's little old me, Miss Avarice, anonymous sexuality blogger, quaking in my panties and wondering whether or not I were truly prepared for the experiences that were forthcoming.
Turns out, I was totally ready.
In fact, I didn't find that it was altogether very difficult. Some parts were very revealing, I exposed so much of myself. But it is such a very special, such a very quiet and safe place to do so. I already knew and trust so many of the women there, who had participated in my very first Body Electric School workshop. I knew and trusted the staff, the facilitator, and the space. Every exercise that we practised, I was able to gain new confidence in my self. I feared nothing.
Yesterday was kinda hard. My spirit was still kinda floating outside my body, trying to fit itself within the borders of my skin (think Peter Pan trying to get his shadow reattached). Today though, I am reintegrated and feeling so ready.
I can't wait to get home, and start planning or Dana's birthday!
Turns out, I was totally ready.
In fact, I didn't find that it was altogether very difficult. Some parts were very revealing, I exposed so much of myself. But it is such a very special, such a very quiet and safe place to do so. I already knew and trust so many of the women there, who had participated in my very first Body Electric School workshop. I knew and trusted the staff, the facilitator, and the space. Every exercise that we practised, I was able to gain new confidence in my self. I feared nothing.
Yesterday was kinda hard. My spirit was still kinda floating outside my body, trying to fit itself within the borders of my skin (think Peter Pan trying to get his shadow reattached). Today though, I am reintegrated and feeling so ready.
I can't wait to get home, and start planning or Dana's birthday!
19.6.08
Workshop preparations
In about sixteen hours I'll be on my way to the airport to make another pilgrimage to the Center of the Universe (a.k.a. New York City!). So freaking excited.
I'll be staying in a hotel in the Financial District for the first two nights, and then for the rest of the time I'll be in Jersey with Crave. Say what? Crave? Yep. I'm super excited to see her and I've been talking things over with Dana and we both seem to feel fairly settled about it. At least Dana says she's glad to have me spend more time with Crave. I hesitate to believe her, but she's convinced me so far.
Getting to see Crave brings up so many emotions for me. I'm afraid that I'll just feel like crying when I see her. I'm afraid that the connection we forged in January will have faded by now, with time and distance between us. But at the same time Crave seems just as eager to see me as I am to see her. I'll be meeting up with her Sunday evening after the workshop ends. I'm hoping she'll be up for a late supper.
As far as the Power, Surrender and Intimacy workshop goes, I'm a bit apprehensive, yet totally flipped out with excitement. I want to be ready for anything, but things don't always work out that way. I wish bravery could be automatic, but it's not always. I'm afraid of being nude in front of even such open and generous women.
Mostly I'm afraid of fear.
But I'll have several familar faces there. Sinclair and the coordinator, the workshop facilitator Alex Jade. Perhaps there will be others. So I'm planning on tasting divinity and witnessing miracles. I plan on being a beam of clean white light. I plan on being fierce.
In other news, I've settled on the fact that although I love to get people off, my resting state of energy is indeed the bottom. I crave to draw desire and dominance from lovers and others. I delight in the moment where they lunge toward me, overcome by want.
I'll be staying in a hotel in the Financial District for the first two nights, and then for the rest of the time I'll be in Jersey with Crave. Say what? Crave? Yep. I'm super excited to see her and I've been talking things over with Dana and we both seem to feel fairly settled about it. At least Dana says she's glad to have me spend more time with Crave. I hesitate to believe her, but she's convinced me so far.
Getting to see Crave brings up so many emotions for me. I'm afraid that I'll just feel like crying when I see her. I'm afraid that the connection we forged in January will have faded by now, with time and distance between us. But at the same time Crave seems just as eager to see me as I am to see her. I'll be meeting up with her Sunday evening after the workshop ends. I'm hoping she'll be up for a late supper.
As far as the Power, Surrender and Intimacy workshop goes, I'm a bit apprehensive, yet totally flipped out with excitement. I want to be ready for anything, but things don't always work out that way. I wish bravery could be automatic, but it's not always. I'm afraid of being nude in front of even such open and generous women.
Mostly I'm afraid of fear.
But I'll have several familar faces there. Sinclair and the coordinator, the workshop facilitator Alex Jade. Perhaps there will be others. So I'm planning on tasting divinity and witnessing miracles. I plan on being a beam of clean white light. I plan on being fierce.
In other news, I've settled on the fact that although I love to get people off, my resting state of energy is indeed the bottom. I crave to draw desire and dominance from lovers and others. I delight in the moment where they lunge toward me, overcome by want.
15.6.08
holding hands in church
I woke up this morning at ten minutes to ten and decided that I wanted to go to church. I've been out of the habit for such a long time and it is difficult to get back into the habit, but Dana was pleased to go with me so that I would not be there alone. My church is the type that seems to change faces about every three to six months, so going there again is like meeting new people all over again, but I have never regretted getting up early to go and praise God in the presence of other believers. My church is comprised of mostly the tattooed, pierced and dyed hair variety of reform minded Christians who are concerned with social justice issues, responsible politics, and bringing help to those in need. Funny - that's exactly what Jesus was all about, but you don't see most Christians trying to do that. They're just trying to get their quota of church days per year fulfilled.
I don't talk about religion much on her first because it's a touchy subject, secondly because sometimes I'm not sure how much I can say without using overly religious jargon, and thirdly because this is a sex blog and sometimes it can be difficult to show how the two can be so intertwined. But they are. Religion and sexuality have always been closely linked). It's time that we queer people (generally, people who feel alienated by religion, not just queers) start taking back our relationships with the root energy. Please, do me and yourselves a favor, and seek out that root energy, god, goddess, whatever. Regardless of what other people say or do to you, whether it is at home, or in a place of worship, or with a few committed people, seek out your spiritual origin and take it back from thieves. You deserve to be connected.
I introduced Dana to one of my pals, Kyle, "This is my girlfriend, Dana" - she was skipping over to our snack table to get something to drink. "So how long have you been together?" he asked. I told him since about March, and he said that's how long he and his girl had been together. We held hands standing and sitting during the service, and my thoughts were confirmed. This is not an affirming church, by any means, but I can be myself without fear of condemnation or rejection. I'm so pleased that a year and a half after committing to love myself regardless of my gayness, that I can fuck my girlfriend at night and go to church with her the next morning and not feel guilt. Things are settling in my heart. The opening song of our music set was based upon Psalm 23, God's promise of help in troubling times.
The Lord is my shepherd and caretaker
I shall enjoy goodness of life
He teaches me to rest in flourishing green pastures
He directs me to waters of refreshment
He revives my spirit
He guides me to paths that keep me close to him
So that my life will honor him.
Although I walk through valleys of darkness,
Evil cannot intimidate me, You, God are with me,
You strength of defense encourages me.
You prepare lavish feasts for me, despite my enemies.
You have made me the honored guest of your house
You have provided for me with abundance.
Because of you, I know that goodness and mercy
will pursue me for the rest of my life.
I will linger in your house throughout the years.
I don't talk about religion much on her first because it's a touchy subject, secondly because sometimes I'm not sure how much I can say without using overly religious jargon, and thirdly because this is a sex blog and sometimes it can be difficult to show how the two can be so intertwined. But they are. Religion and sexuality have always been closely linked). It's time that we queer people (generally, people who feel alienated by religion, not just queers) start taking back our relationships with the root energy. Please, do me and yourselves a favor, and seek out that root energy, god, goddess, whatever. Regardless of what other people say or do to you, whether it is at home, or in a place of worship, or with a few committed people, seek out your spiritual origin and take it back from thieves. You deserve to be connected.
I introduced Dana to one of my pals, Kyle, "This is my girlfriend, Dana" - she was skipping over to our snack table to get something to drink. "So how long have you been together?" he asked. I told him since about March, and he said that's how long he and his girl had been together. We held hands standing and sitting during the service, and my thoughts were confirmed. This is not an affirming church, by any means, but I can be myself without fear of condemnation or rejection. I'm so pleased that a year and a half after committing to love myself regardless of my gayness, that I can fuck my girlfriend at night and go to church with her the next morning and not feel guilt. Things are settling in my heart. The opening song of our music set was based upon Psalm 23, God's promise of help in troubling times.
The Lord is my shepherd and caretaker
I shall enjoy goodness of life
He teaches me to rest in flourishing green pastures
He directs me to waters of refreshment
He revives my spirit
He guides me to paths that keep me close to him
So that my life will honor him.
Although I walk through valleys of darkness,
Evil cannot intimidate me, You, God are with me,
You strength of defense encourages me.
You prepare lavish feasts for me, despite my enemies.
You have made me the honored guest of your house
You have provided for me with abundance.
Because of you, I know that goodness and mercy
will pursue me for the rest of my life.
I will linger in your house throughout the years.
5.6.08
TMFT
I'm sorry that it has been nearly a week now since I last posted, but I have had some interesting developments lately. First of all, I'm completely flipped out and ecstatic about the PSI coming up. Secondly, I have to see the oh bee gee why en! in the morning. Thankfully Dana will be with me. I was there when she had her visit a couple weeks ago - she was a little nervous but it went perfectly well. I'm not excited about the cold ducklips, but I am excited to start revisiting the treatment of my PCOS. It has been a long time since I thought seriously on it, and tried to see about resolving some of the issues. I basically stopped getting my period several years ago and I went through a grieving period. Now, I live with a 3 year old, and I'm perfectly content to be child free for the rest of my life. I mean. I'll probably change my mind later in life. Whatevs.
Also, Dana and I met up with the famous Essin' Em for some sun bathing and mixed drinks by the pool. She was in South Florida vacationing with her family and we had the privilege of rescuing her from TMFT (too much family time) for a little bit of debauchery. I've had some writer's block and I can't remember everything, but suffice to say that at one point the tables had turned. Dana was tied up to the end of the bed with me straddling her hips and Em was flogging my back and Dana's legs. That was the highlight of my night, unless you count Dana fucking me as I reclined into Em's embrace. Woohoo!
Dana had a little bit of a hard time afterwards trying to come to terms with the fact that it was okay to have fun with another girl, and that it's okay to think another girl is pretty, even though she's with me. Today she is doing much better. Remember how I was with Crave? She had a case of those same blues but it was milder and went away quicker.
On the drive home from the Atlantic coast (we live on the Gulf coast) we talked about all the highlights, and we asked "was it ok when i ...?" and "did you like it when i ...?" I think we might have finally converted Dana - whee! I told her she could pick the next one :P
My housing situations is feeling better and better - I split my time between Dana's apartment and mine. The child is perfectly charming... except I think I caught his first-week-of-preschool cold. Ugh. Toddler sniffles!
Also, Dana and I met up with the famous Essin' Em for some sun bathing and mixed drinks by the pool. She was in South Florida vacationing with her family and we had the privilege of rescuing her from TMFT (too much family time) for a little bit of debauchery. I've had some writer's block and I can't remember everything, but suffice to say that at one point the tables had turned. Dana was tied up to the end of the bed with me straddling her hips and Em was flogging my back and Dana's legs. That was the highlight of my night, unless you count Dana fucking me as I reclined into Em's embrace. Woohoo!
Dana had a little bit of a hard time afterwards trying to come to terms with the fact that it was okay to have fun with another girl, and that it's okay to think another girl is pretty, even though she's with me. Today she is doing much better. Remember how I was with Crave? She had a case of those same blues but it was milder and went away quicker.
On the drive home from the Atlantic coast (we live on the Gulf coast) we talked about all the highlights, and we asked "was it ok when i ...?" and "did you like it when i ...?" I think we might have finally converted Dana - whee! I told her she could pick the next one :P
My housing situations is feeling better and better - I split my time between Dana's apartment and mine. The child is perfectly charming... except I think I caught his first-week-of-preschool cold. Ugh. Toddler sniffles!
29.5.08
Women's PSI - I'm bound for NYC
Women's Power, Surrender & Intimacy in New York City, June 20-22
In a grounded, respectful container discover and clarify edges of liberation, empowerment and embodiment. Learn to recognize aspects of yourself that are continually engaged in power dynamics, and hence become more choiceful about how you can share power with compassion and skill. Led by Alex Jade.
I am absolutely thrilled to be going to the Body Electric School's course on Power, Surrender and Intimacy! I've been searching for a plane ticket and sorting things out at work and at home - It's time to hit the road again. Of course you will all be aware of my true need for travel and adventure and this weekend trip hits the spot - a sexuality workshop that promises to take me "beyond the life ordinary."
I have work off, and I don't have to come back until Tuesday night so I have all day Monday to gallavant around town! Hoorah! I'm truly excited to exercise my bottomy tendencies and explore the power of give-and-take, and that delicate balance of consent. Wahoo!
22.5.08
Happy Birthday to me
In honor of my birthday, I am going to work for 7 hours. Hooray!
Luckily I've already had a fancy birthday dinner, and a low-sugar apple birthday cake last night. :)
Now, if Dana and I will at long last get over our periods, life would be simply fabulous. Also, if I miraculously start making twice as much as I make now. That would be greatly appreciated.
Luckily I've already had a fancy birthday dinner, and a low-sugar apple birthday cake last night. :)
Now, if Dana and I will at long last get over our periods, life would be simply fabulous. Also, if I miraculously start making twice as much as I make now. That would be greatly appreciated.
2.5.08
so much love
I really, truly want to know what it would be like to treat more than one person at a time with care and tenderness in a sexual manner. I want to be able to spread my love around to any who dare partake! You know, I've got a lot of love to give out, and I've got space in my heart for a lot of things - creatures, souls, both stable and wandering (remember, not all who wander are lost [Tolkien]). I've got plenty of warmth and forgiveness. I've dug a deep, deep well of love for myself out of which I have learnt to draw big, cold cups of the fresh, clean water of my love. How much, how dearly my heart truly craves to dish out these thirst quenching portions of my love. My love is a slow dripping syrup that fills all the cracks of chipped and broken hearts, and begins to heal up the fractures.
I love people. To be precise, I love women. And I love to love them. But once again the word fails me. Dana is the first person that I have truly loved and wanted to spend lots of time with. Truly. And wanting to spread my love around to more people is no reflection on her. I also don't think that I'm trying to figure myself, or anything, out - this is who I am. I am a deeply loving person who desperately cares for the wellbeing of others - sexual and otherwise.
We talked tonight a little bit more about the idea of me seeing more people. Understand me, I am not wishing to see other people - that implies that I wish to stop seeing the one I already have - that's not it. And I'm not trying to have my cake and eat it too, you see. She said she would rather me go and learn what it is to share my heart now, instead of letting the curiosity grow and be suffocated until it becomes a problem. Ideally, I'd like her to be excited to hear about my exploits as I return to her arms at night, but how can I ask that of her, or of anyone if it doesn't come naturally, you know? If it doesn't flow out of the same place for her.
When we spoke of it before, a few weeks ago when I thought I almost lost her, it was one of those moments where one realizes (or forgot) that not every shares your kink, that not everyone likes to do things that are out of the ordinary. She brought it up this time, telling me that I'm free as a bird to flex my wings, and spread open my arms for the comforting of others. I aim to cherish her, and the gentleness with which she holds me. She holds me with open palms, rather than grasping tight, so that I can choose of my own will to sink into her embrace.
I love people. To be precise, I love women. And I love to love them. But once again the word fails me. Dana is the first person that I have truly loved and wanted to spend lots of time with. Truly. And wanting to spread my love around to more people is no reflection on her. I also don't think that I'm trying to figure myself, or anything, out - this is who I am. I am a deeply loving person who desperately cares for the wellbeing of others - sexual and otherwise.
We talked tonight a little bit more about the idea of me seeing more people. Understand me, I am not wishing to see other people - that implies that I wish to stop seeing the one I already have - that's not it. And I'm not trying to have my cake and eat it too, you see. She said she would rather me go and learn what it is to share my heart now, instead of letting the curiosity grow and be suffocated until it becomes a problem. Ideally, I'd like her to be excited to hear about my exploits as I return to her arms at night, but how can I ask that of her, or of anyone if it doesn't come naturally, you know? If it doesn't flow out of the same place for her.
When we spoke of it before, a few weeks ago when I thought I almost lost her, it was one of those moments where one realizes (or forgot) that not every shares your kink, that not everyone likes to do things that are out of the ordinary. She brought it up this time, telling me that I'm free as a bird to flex my wings, and spread open my arms for the comforting of others. I aim to cherish her, and the gentleness with which she holds me. She holds me with open palms, rather than grasping tight, so that I can choose of my own will to sink into her embrace.
29.4.08
my anniversary came and went without a whisper!
As I was reading over Sinclair's anniversary post (Happy 2 years!), I realized that mine was April 26, Saturday, and I totally missed it... I was so busy sleeping and running errands this weekend that I forgot that My blog anniversary was on April 26! I had copied over some of the filtered posts from my old blog to get started, and then wrote my first blog entry.
This blog has been all about handling layers. I have been learning to flip through the pages of our culture, of queer culture, and of the sexualities that we have taken underground, discovering anew the rich history and family that is built around shared secrets. I feel like I joined a secret guild of queer and sex writers who are taking back their sexualities and writing the stories back into the public eye. Keep doing that, and I'll keep working alongside you all. I said:
i shall never lack for conquests, suitors, and worshipers.
but it isn't the lack I fear. It's the abundance. I just want one that I can trust.
one pair of eyes to gaze into, in which to lose myself, wandering. one pair of lips for kissing, for communicating, for caring. one pair of hands for touching, for holding, for safety.
hands that hold me tightly - but not too tightly. hands and arms that wrap around me, assuring me of rest and security. and the breast, the tenderness, compressed against mine, the hope, the health, the future adventures, the trust and companionship. the faith and the forgiveness.
i want it. i want it all. the hands and everything that comes with them. the eyes and everything i see in them. the hips that balance right-and-wrong, new-and-old, truth-and-disguise.
my hands are sun hands.
hands know words that lips can only dream of.
A year later, and at least for now I have found that pair of hands, and everything that comes with them, and we're continuing to discover how our hands fit together. Holding each other's hands, we are learning to walk in one even stride.
I really need to say, too, that the people who have consistently followed my adventures, and encouraged me to write, reveal and divulge have been truly invaluable. I am a different person today, a freer, healthier person because I am telling my story. If you're not telling yours yet, start now.
This blog has been all about handling layers. I have been learning to flip through the pages of our culture, of queer culture, and of the sexualities that we have taken underground, discovering anew the rich history and family that is built around shared secrets. I feel like I joined a secret guild of queer and sex writers who are taking back their sexualities and writing the stories back into the public eye. Keep doing that, and I'll keep working alongside you all. I said:
i shall never lack for conquests, suitors, and worshipers.
but it isn't the lack I fear. It's the abundance. I just want one that I can trust.
one pair of eyes to gaze into, in which to lose myself, wandering. one pair of lips for kissing, for communicating, for caring. one pair of hands for touching, for holding, for safety.
hands that hold me tightly - but not too tightly. hands and arms that wrap around me, assuring me of rest and security. and the breast, the tenderness, compressed against mine, the hope, the health, the future adventures, the trust and companionship. the faith and the forgiveness.
i want it. i want it all. the hands and everything that comes with them. the eyes and everything i see in them. the hips that balance right-and-wrong, new-and-old, truth-and-disguise.
my hands are sun hands.
hands know words that lips can only dream of.
A year later, and at least for now I have found that pair of hands, and everything that comes with them, and we're continuing to discover how our hands fit together. Holding each other's hands, we are learning to walk in one even stride.
I really need to say, too, that the people who have consistently followed my adventures, and encouraged me to write, reveal and divulge have been truly invaluable. I am a different person today, a freer, healthier person because I am telling my story. If you're not telling yours yet, start now.
28.4.08
sex before work
Got tagged by Essin' Em, figured why the heck not?
This is Isabella’s Sex Meme. Anyone is welcome to steal it, but you must post this rules blurb at the beginning of the meme.
1: You must include this link to Sex Talk - Sex Advice for Men.
2. You must answer every question! If you don’t have a good answer, you are strongly encouraged to make up something good; we like to be entertained.
3. You must tag three people: Delilah, Dark Musings, Tongue Tied
Here goes:
1. Sex in the Morning or Sex at Night?
Either and all. I like to unwind by having sex, and I like the rush of really quick sex in the morning before you have to be somewhere and then running off to work all flustered :)
2. Sex Music
I dunno I have a mix of k. d. lang, iron and wine, ani difranco, over the rhine, and simple piano solos
3. Naughty Pics or Naughty Home Videos?
pictures.
4. Fabulous Sex With: Dr Doug Ross or Dr Greg House?
Someone in the medical profession.... Delilah is in the medical profession! :P
5. Vibrator or Dildo?
You know, there's really nothing like regular old fingers. If I had to pick, it would be a vibe.
6. Bedroom Sex: Lights Off or Lights On?
Whatevs. As long as I'm with you.
7. Word Preference: Pussy or Cunt?
I really like them both. Honestly. I use them interchangeably, as they refer to the same thing.
8. Spanking Over the Knee or Spanking Only During Sex?
Both, please.
9. More Exciting: Sex in an Elevator or Sex in an Aeroplane?
Hotel room, bedroom with the windows open, porch or balcony.
10. Ron Jeremy or Peter North?
Trucker Cash?
11. Word Preference? Cock or dick?
Cock, because I like how the name feels in my mouth, and because my Grandpa's name was Richard and they called him Dick and it wasn't a bad word back then :(
12. Linda Lovelace or Jenna Jameson?
Princess Donna
13. Rope Bondage or Bondage Tape
Rope.
14. Give Rim Job or Receive Anal Sex?
um. I'm not so much into the sex part, but I don't mind that pretty pink butt plug
15. Get Rich Stripping in a Skanky Bar or Get Rich as a Call Girl for Celebs?
Burlesque.
16. Which Threesome - Boy/Girl/Girl or Boy/Boy/Girl?
Yeah Dana and I have the boy/girl part down and we've been looking for a girl third - anyone interested?
17. Flavoured Oil or Tingling Oil?
Creepy!
18. Favorite Non-Sexual Object to Make Sexual?
scarves
19. Sex While Strangers Watch or Sex With a Stranger?
i could go for sex while strangers watch
20. Tied to the Bed or to a St Andrew’s Cross?
I've never been tied to a St. Andrew's cross...but that could be fun. However, I really like being tied to the bed. A hell of a lot, so we'll just go with that.
This is Isabella’s Sex Meme. Anyone is welcome to steal it, but you must post this rules blurb at the beginning of the meme.
1: You must include this link to Sex Talk - Sex Advice for Men.
2. You must answer every question! If you don’t have a good answer, you are strongly encouraged to make up something good; we like to be entertained.
3. You must tag three people: Delilah, Dark Musings, Tongue Tied
Here goes:
1. Sex in the Morning or Sex at Night?
Either and all. I like to unwind by having sex, and I like the rush of really quick sex in the morning before you have to be somewhere and then running off to work all flustered :)
2. Sex Music
I dunno I have a mix of k. d. lang, iron and wine, ani difranco, over the rhine, and simple piano solos
3. Naughty Pics or Naughty Home Videos?
pictures.
4. Fabulous Sex With: Dr Doug Ross or Dr Greg House?
Someone in the medical profession.... Delilah is in the medical profession! :P
5. Vibrator or Dildo?
You know, there's really nothing like regular old fingers. If I had to pick, it would be a vibe.
6. Bedroom Sex: Lights Off or Lights On?
Whatevs. As long as I'm with you.
7. Word Preference: Pussy or Cunt?
I really like them both. Honestly. I use them interchangeably, as they refer to the same thing.
8. Spanking Over the Knee or Spanking Only During Sex?
Both, please.
9. More Exciting: Sex in an Elevator or Sex in an Aeroplane?
Hotel room, bedroom with the windows open, porch or balcony.
10. Ron Jeremy or Peter North?
Trucker Cash?
11. Word Preference? Cock or dick?
Cock, because I like how the name feels in my mouth, and because my Grandpa's name was Richard and they called him Dick and it wasn't a bad word back then :(
12. Linda Lovelace or Jenna Jameson?
Princess Donna
13. Rope Bondage or Bondage Tape
Rope.
14. Give Rim Job or Receive Anal Sex?
um. I'm not so much into the sex part, but I don't mind that pretty pink butt plug
15. Get Rich Stripping in a Skanky Bar or Get Rich as a Call Girl for Celebs?
Burlesque.
16. Which Threesome - Boy/Girl/Girl or Boy/Boy/Girl?
Yeah Dana and I have the boy/girl part down and we've been looking for a girl third - anyone interested?
17. Flavoured Oil or Tingling Oil?
Creepy!
18. Favorite Non-Sexual Object to Make Sexual?
scarves
19. Sex While Strangers Watch or Sex With a Stranger?
i could go for sex while strangers watch
20. Tied to the Bed or to a St Andrew’s Cross?
I've never been tied to a St. Andrew's cross...but that could be fun. However, I really like being tied to the bed. A hell of a lot, so we'll just go with that.
25.4.08
Day of Silence
Today is the Day of Silence, a day when students don’t speak in order to address issues of harassment and bullying in schools. It is not neccessarily specific to the protection of LGBT students, except that of course LGBT and gender variant students tend to be the target of most of the harassment.
From NCTE:
At NCTE, we believe passionately in the rights of all children and young people to go to school and be free from bullying and harassment. Learning needs to take place in an environment where children are safe — physically as well as emotionally — and can express their identities as they grow and develop. Transgender children and teens deserve these rights as much as every other student in our schools.
This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to Lawrence King.
More info at link in the sidebar, and see also: en|Gender
From NCTE:
At NCTE, we believe passionately in the rights of all children and young people to go to school and be free from bullying and harassment. Learning needs to take place in an environment where children are safe — physically as well as emotionally — and can express their identities as they grow and develop. Transgender children and teens deserve these rights as much as every other student in our schools.
This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to Lawrence King.
More info at link in the sidebar, and see also: en|Gender
23.4.08
positive / negative
Stefanie (staying with me) called me about 2 hours after I left my house to tell me that my roommate just found out that he's positive and that his boyfriend (or whatever he is, i can never tell if they're broken up or together) had just beat in him up really bad when he told him about it. She had called the cops because my roommate was "covered in blood" as she said. When I spoke with her, the friend had run away so that the cops could not find him (he might not be legal in the U.S.? not sure). When I spoke to Stefanie, she was upstairs with the other, unrelated roommate, trying to stay out of the way. Her son was locked in the bedroom (it's a locking door) and didn't wake up the whole time.
This brings up so many things in my head. So much that is so fucked up. Like how gay men are at such ridiculously high risk for HIV and lesbians can only get it with blood to blood (or breast milk) contact. Like how there's so much silence around it that it can spread for months and miles unnoticed until one day somebody gets tested. I've been trying to make my friend Jay get tested for like 4 years and he won't do it because he "doesn't want to know" and he's "pretty sure" he's negative.
My first reaction was to go and give him a big hug, but I don't know how appropriate that would be with such a new roommate (and I've hardly even been there very much. maybe about 2 weeks out of the whole 2 months i've lived there.) So maybe tomorrow or Saturday I will take some time to go check on him. I feel like there's not much I can do to make him feel better...
Talk about it, people. And get tested. No excuses.
This brings up so many things in my head. So much that is so fucked up. Like how gay men are at such ridiculously high risk for HIV and lesbians can only get it with blood to blood (or breast milk) contact. Like how there's so much silence around it that it can spread for months and miles unnoticed until one day somebody gets tested. I've been trying to make my friend Jay get tested for like 4 years and he won't do it because he "doesn't want to know" and he's "pretty sure" he's negative.
My first reaction was to go and give him a big hug, but I don't know how appropriate that would be with such a new roommate (and I've hardly even been there very much. maybe about 2 weeks out of the whole 2 months i've lived there.) So maybe tomorrow or Saturday I will take some time to go check on him. I feel like there's not much I can do to make him feel better...
Talk about it, people. And get tested. No excuses.
22.4.08
updates
I'm terribly sorry that I have been lacking in posts. A friend of mine, Stefanie, has hit a really rough spot and I've been doing my best to help her through it when her family (of which I am an honorary member) has all but ignored her and called it her own damn fault. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but when a family member is in this kind of need, the blame is on those who do not lend a helping hand. Period.
Also, I've been busy continuing to figure things out with Dana. We're enjoying each other's company with more and more ease instead of nervousness, but I think we are still struggling to feel a sense of security with one another. Again, this will come with time. Unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that I am severely allergic to her apartment - either due to the great dane that slept in her bed for the last year with her ex girlfriend, or due to three animals and two people living in a carpeted studio apartment. Probably a combination of both. I think the bed is also causing her to have really awful congestion, so we are looking for a new bed and I'm thinking of investing in a more powerful vacuum cleaner.
A couple of weeks ago, I was at the doctor's to get the results of my mononeucleosis tests. The doctor (who knows that I am lesbian, because Dana went with me the first time we saw her) asked me if when my last HIV test was. I froze and turned white, I could feel it! I have never had an HIV test and it totally freaked me out. They drew the blood and sent it off to some anonymous lab to have the anonymous testing done, and I drove over to Dana's shop to talk to her. I sat in a booth and stewed - why would she ask me that? did I have signs of it? what behaviors could have given me HIV? I couldn't think of any reasons - I've never had sex with men, and I had only had membrane-to-membrane contact with three women up to that point (not counting kissing, and of course I know that one is enough to get infected!). What did I do? I called Jennie. Any time I have a sexual or medical problem, I call Jennie to bitch about it because she's like the master at making me feel better about it. She reminded me how very few documented cases of female-to-female transmission there has been, and that the biggest risk for "lesbians" is sexual activity with an infected male, or needle sharing. (GMHC: Women, Sex & HIV) I was instantly relieved, and obviously today I found out that the test came back negative. Thank God. Really. Thank Him.
Speaking of God, Dana and I went to the Passover seder with the Hillel chapter at my university. It was nice to be in the presence of people who share her faith (and mine, technically speaking). We have spent some time mulling over scriptures (new and old), and we have determined to memorize some of them together to grow in unity. I'm looking forward to the next Jewish holiday.
And that folks, is your update.
P.S. Her finger (I found out it was only one, oops!) has really been hitting the spot lately, and I'm learning to like it more and more. I think we'll be going um. Shopping soon. Whee!
Also, I've been busy continuing to figure things out with Dana. We're enjoying each other's company with more and more ease instead of nervousness, but I think we are still struggling to feel a sense of security with one another. Again, this will come with time. Unfortunately I have come to the conclusion that I am severely allergic to her apartment - either due to the great dane that slept in her bed for the last year with her ex girlfriend, or due to three animals and two people living in a carpeted studio apartment. Probably a combination of both. I think the bed is also causing her to have really awful congestion, so we are looking for a new bed and I'm thinking of investing in a more powerful vacuum cleaner.
A couple of weeks ago, I was at the doctor's to get the results of my mononeucleosis tests. The doctor (who knows that I am lesbian, because Dana went with me the first time we saw her) asked me if when my last HIV test was. I froze and turned white, I could feel it! I have never had an HIV test and it totally freaked me out. They drew the blood and sent it off to some anonymous lab to have the anonymous testing done, and I drove over to Dana's shop to talk to her. I sat in a booth and stewed - why would she ask me that? did I have signs of it? what behaviors could have given me HIV? I couldn't think of any reasons - I've never had sex with men, and I had only had membrane-to-membrane contact with three women up to that point (not counting kissing, and of course I know that one is enough to get infected!). What did I do? I called Jennie. Any time I have a sexual or medical problem, I call Jennie to bitch about it because she's like the master at making me feel better about it. She reminded me how very few documented cases of female-to-female transmission there has been, and that the biggest risk for "lesbians" is sexual activity with an infected male, or needle sharing. (GMHC: Women, Sex & HIV) I was instantly relieved, and obviously today I found out that the test came back negative. Thank God. Really. Thank Him.
Speaking of God, Dana and I went to the Passover seder with the Hillel chapter at my university. It was nice to be in the presence of people who share her faith (and mine, technically speaking). We have spent some time mulling over scriptures (new and old), and we have determined to memorize some of them together to grow in unity. I'm looking forward to the next Jewish holiday.
And that folks, is your update.
P.S. Her finger (I found out it was only one, oops!) has really been hitting the spot lately, and I'm learning to like it more and more. I think we'll be going um. Shopping soon. Whee!
16.4.08
Sexual Orientation Study
From Julie Arseneau:
Below is the announcement for my dissertation study. I'm seeking participation from same-sex attracted individuals. Please consider participating if you are eligible, and/or forwaring this announcement to others. Thank you for your assistance!
We are writing to inform you about a research study being conducted at the University of Maryland on beliefs about sexual orientation held by same-sex attracted people. You are encouraged to participate if you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, bi-curious, queer, questioning, or otherwise same-sex attracted.
Participation involves the completion of several online questionnaires and will take approximately 20-30 minutes. After completing the survey, you may enter into a drawing for one of five $20 American Express gift cards. You may also assist with this project by forwarding this e-mail request to LGBT-themed organizations and listservs, and/or to same-sex attracted individuals.
Questions about this study may be directed to Julie Arseneau at jra87@umd.edu or Dr. Ruth E. Fassinger at rfassing@umd.edu. This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Maryland Institutional Review Board.
If you are interested in participating in this study please follow the link provided below or cut and paste the link into your web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=F7GP0BfvernmmL22FwZtfw_3d_3d
Below is the announcement for my dissertation study. I'm seeking participation from same-sex attracted individuals. Please consider participating if you are eligible, and/or forwaring this announcement to others. Thank you for your assistance!
We are writing to inform you about a research study being conducted at the University of Maryland on beliefs about sexual orientation held by same-sex attracted people. You are encouraged to participate if you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, bi-curious, queer, questioning, or otherwise same-sex attracted.
Participation involves the completion of several online questionnaires and will take approximately 20-30 minutes. After completing the survey, you may enter into a drawing for one of five $20 American Express gift cards. You may also assist with this project by forwarding this e-mail request to LGBT-themed organizations and listservs, and/or to same-sex attracted individuals.
Questions about this study may be directed to Julie Arseneau at jra87@umd.edu or Dr. Ruth E. Fassinger at rfassing@umd.edu. This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Maryland Institutional Review Board.
If you are interested in participating in this study please follow the link provided below or cut and paste the link into your web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=F7GP0BfvernmmL22FwZtfw_3d_3d
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