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POLICY ON SEPARATISM:
The Gainesville Lesbian Avengers is a direct action group working for lesbian survival and visibility. The group is inclusive of any self-identified lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, intersex, and/or two-spirit folks who want to strategize and organize on the issues that affect us. Our particular group remains committed to anti-oppression while strategizing on such issues. We feel that it is necessary to create space that is inclusive of those who are directly affected by the specific issues we are targeting. This space may include discussion groups, meetings, or other types of gatherings. The flyer/invitation for the first party benefit show for the Lesbian Avengers read "sorry, no dudes."
The event was inclusive of any self-identified lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex, and/or two-spirit people. In the future, we will host both queer-friendly, inclusive events and also self-identified queer women-only events. At the event, some of the attendees expressed that they did not agree with events that were not "inclusive". A guy also showed up, claiming that he was not a "dude," and ended up hanging out at the event for quite some time. In order to respond to criticisms or resistance to the Lesbian Avengers for creating a women/trans/intersex-only space and explain the politics behind our decision, we have written our thoughts on separatism. We hope that future attendees of any of our women/trans/intersex-only events respect such policies.
Unfortunately, in the absence of that respect, it is common for women to spend much of their time arguing for space amongst and also catering to and nurturing men. It is also common for queer folks to have to struggle for space, visibility, and survival in a homophobic, heterosexist society. Arguments about the issue of separatism, so-called reverse discrimination, man-hating, etc. are likely to occur as a consequence of excluding men or heterosexual folks from certain activities. Arguments like these often result in divisiveness amongst women or women and/or queer folks having to defend themselves or others with regards to the politics of separatism. These arguments are often destructive and we feel anyone who is a serious politically minded person would respect and honor queer women's space for organizing, whether it is at a meeting or at a party. We are reminded of Kathleen Hanna singing "I'm so sorry if I'm alienating some of you, your whole fucking culture alienates me." Men and heterosexual folks who are interested in, need educating about, want to be an ally to, or just hang out with lesbian, bisexual, trans or intersex folks while they organize ought to create the space for that sort of thing, not expect the Lesbian Avengers to do it for them.
Obviously the issue of separatism is a controversial one and should be explored. We will remain open to dialogue about the issues here and we encourage open discussions about any political issues, but for now we will continue to create lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex-only space. Future events and meetings are not appropriate sites for confrontations about separatism, they are for the sole purpose of providing particular marginalized and oppressed folks space to organize and strategize.
Dialogue that comes from a respectful place can be held outside of these particular events. We can be contacted at gnsvlle_avengers@yahoo.com if you find yourself moved by or interested in the ideas presented here.
POLICY ON DRUNK DRIVING:
Drunk driving will not be permitted at Gainesville Lesbian Avengers events, as it endangers the lives of our community members. We reserve the right to take keys from drunk attendees. If they refuse to give up their keys or attempt to drive drunk, more extreme measures (such as disabling their vehicle or physcially restraining them) may be taken. Should these tactics fail, we will institute a key check when people enter our parties. We will also provide rides for drunk folks.
POLICY ON LISTSERV MEMBERSHIP:
Once folks have attended two meetings, they will be placed on the Lesbian Avenger Topica listserv.
Due to issues of confidentiality and the need for a safe space within which “core members” of our group can plan and strategize Lesbian Avenger activity, the Topica online listserv has been designated for those particular folks who can be identified as “core members.” All other regular information and communication can be done via the Yahoo email list and the gnsvlle_avengers email address.
Defining “core membership” includes regular attendance at meetings, consistent contact with the group as to individual participation issues (aka touching base when out of the loop physically), one or two other core members knowing that you are committed on some level to the group, and/or participation on the listserv itself. When few or none of these things occurs within a one or two month period, it may be assumed that a particular person is no longer able or willing to be a core member, and is thus no longer eligible to remain on the list. What will follow then, is enactment of a new policy to temporarily or permanently remove particular persons from the list.
Of course, we are not always in agreement as to how to enact this policy, nor will we remove anyone without formal consensus from other core members at a meeting. We will also not enact the policy without diligent effort to locate and discuss the idea with the person at issue.
We recognize that being an “out” lesbian, trans, or intersex political activist is serious and sometimes puts us in situations that can be easily exploited by oppressive people or institutions. Should you at any time have any issues that call for immediate attention regarding the listserv, this policy, or any other group activity that you feel places you in an unsafe position, please bring it to the attention of your cohorts and we will determine an appropriate and swift course of action. The safety and trust that exists within our group should be a dynamic that each member honors and tends to.
If at any time one removed from the list wishes to be reinstated and shows good cause or effort, or otherwise wish to contest this policy, that will be encouraged and validated within the group.
Again, this policy comes with good faith and hope for our future as a lesbian political organization. For this, confidentiality, trust, and safety are key.
NOTE: All e-mails pursuant to the US Patriot Act are read by federal and state law enforcement. Remember the Miranda warnings when making any and all electronic transmissions as none are private in the wake of the passage of the US Patriot Act. Also note that any person you converse with may be a federal agent and any statements made on any forum or discussion group will be read by a federal agent under the anti-dissent actions taken by the FBI on May 30, 2002. Please act accordingly and protect yourself in the more visibile American police state that now exists.
POLICY ON PRONOUNS:
We collectively agree to use the following pronouns in all emails and speech:
Instead of she, he, etc.: Ze (pronounced zee)Instead of her, him, etc.: Hir (pronounced here)
When we slip up, other Avengers will gently remind us by saying "pronoun."
If an individual wants to be referred by specific pronouns, we will respect that.
HOW TO BE AN ANTI-CLASSIST ALLY