Queer Youth Exist's Q&A
Queer Youth Exist's Q&A
- Do I have to be GLBT to be part of this group?
Absolutely not. This group is available for all young people who are
curious or already have a developed interest in alternative, or “queer”
culture. Please note, within this group, the term queer is not limited to the
GLBT culture. see #4.
- Do I have to be involved in the queer or BDSM scene to be involved?
NO, all we ask is that you come with an open mind. This group is focused on
learning and exploration, and members of this group will all be at their
individual level of each, and no one will get anywhere if we let our
inhibitions hold us back.
- What sort of confidentiality am I entitled to here?
Absolutely no personal information (be it names, contact information of members, or
personal stories told within group) may be recounted outside of the group.
While we encourage you to continue to discuss and explore the issues and
politics that are gone over inside the group, USE YOUR JUDGEMENT! If you
think that a comment might be a bit loaded or might jeapordize someone (or
the group’s) confidentiality or personal comfort level, don’t do it!
- Exactly what is “queer”, and how do I know if I am or not?
Within this group, “queer” is used to mean any person, concept, or culture
that is outside of the mainstream as far as what is acceptable in sexuality
and social life( music, clubs, etc.). It often lies very far on the left
side of the spectrum, but can’t be pinpointed anywhere. in short, if Jerry
Falwell and Co. hates it, it’s probably “queer”.
- Does my sexuality have to be defined, and do I have to discuss it with
other members in the group?
Sexuality is part of who you are, but all we want to know about is you and
your thoughts, not your definitions for them.
- What is this group’s purpose?
To create a safe forum for youth to listen, learn, and be heard on issues not
accepted or discussed elsewhere.
- Who is involved?
Your friendly local facilitators, Kat and Hedge, as well as District 202, guest
speakers from the community, and you.
- If I join, what will we do?
Over time, the group will be tailored to better suit the needs and
goals of the participants, but the skeleton plans are to have guest
speakers on issues like safety, publicity, and resources, movies and
documentaries about queer culture and safety, and if needed, a
discussion/support group.
- Who will know that I’m in this group?
The facilitators and participants will be the only people who know about
attendance; members of the group are kept anonymous to the public unless
permission is granted by the individual.
- If this group is covered by the press or other media, do I have the right
to be anonymous, and will I be put on the spot?
If the group is interveiwed or otherwise publicized, any members who wish to
be included will be asked to sign a waiver and release form specifying that
they are comfortable with being associated with the group.
- What is BDSM?
BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and
Masochism. All of these words can be looked up in your handy-dandy dictionary, but for
a quick defination between the three groups, Bondage and Discipline covers spanking, whips,
chains, and the like. The appeal for this type of behavior is usually either having or
giving up physical power or responsibility; this is often paired with role-playing.
Dominance and Submission is very similar, but power is based on a psychological instead
of physical nature. Sadism and Masochism are psycological terms that are just what the
dictionary says they are. They are fairly out of vogue in the BDSM community because
they generally imply some measure of unwillingness, and the general BDSM community tries
very hard to follow the SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) rule.
- What is the SSC rule?
SSC stands for Safe, Sane, Consensual. This is a general rule of thumb for all sexual
relations. Safety involves not only using protection, but taking into consideration whether
or not someone could be seriously hurt by what you're doing. It also encompasses having a
safe word (a word which, when said, will cause everything to stop), knowing local laws and your
rights, and being safe when meeting someone for the first time. Sane means that all parties
are of an able, un-altered mind and know exactly what will be happening. Consensual means that
all parties agree with what will be happening.
- Is BDSM really as unsafe and “sick” as it’s made out to be?
As long as it is done safely, BDSM can be a very healthy part of anyone's lifestyle.
Pay very close attention to the beginning of that sentence: "as long as it is done safely."
BDSM can potentially be dangerous, both physically and emotionally. The prevention of this
kind of unsafe relations is what Queer Youth Exist was created for.
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