Image
File
gender identity that is fluid and changing
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.
Edited Text
gender identity that is fluid and changing
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.
or simply non-gendered. Bi-gender is a
term that describes people who have both a
male and female gender identity, expressed
at different times. They may identify as a
man and be masculine in some situations
and at other times identify as a woman and
be feminine. They express themselves as
distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine
depending on context.
In contrast, a genderqueer person (such
as myself) feels neither male nor female and
rejects the gender binary system, instead
seeing gender as a spectrum with masculine
and feminine at opposite extremes, and
their own gender as somewhere along the
continuum. A genderqueer person may use
traditional gender pronouns, like he and
she, interchangeably; or may opt for gender
neutral pronouns such as Ze and Hir or s/he
(in case you’re wondering I use she and he
interchangeably).
If all this information overwhelms
you, don’t worry! No one expects you to
soak it in all at once; it’s a lot to learn and
understand. Basically, as I said before,
pansexuality is a potential attraction to
all people regardless of gender identity or
biological sex.
David Jay and Helen Clay
of asexuality to date, it is tempting to
wonder what it is that “makes” someone
asexual, and to view it as a disorder that
needs to be fixed: but I would ask whether
we’d do the same thing for hetero- or
homosexuals. I think if you define a disorder
as something that causes unhappiness,
then asexuality is, of itself, certainly not a
disorder—since finding out that I’m asexual
and that I’m not the only one on the planet,
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been; and that’s a
common feeling amongst asexuals.
I’m no spring chicken, so how come
I didn’t know I was asexual until recently?
Asexuals aren’t alone
Asexuality is defined as an orientation
characterized by a lack of desire for sex. It
is distinct from celibacy, which is a choice.
Because there has been very little awareness
The answer is that there are different types
of asexual. Many are quite content with
their friends, and do not desire romantic
attachments, while some are also averse
to any physical contact. Others, like me,
are termed “romantic” asexuals, because
while we don’t desire sex, we do long for a
closer relationship with a special someone.
I love physical affection, like hugs and
cuddles and holding hands, but the problem
I had in the past was that all these things
come bundled up with an expectation that
they will lead to sex. And while I’m not
sex-averse, I’d really rather not go there!
Coolest hing S94 COORDINAT® R DE ne . DPted 6 Summer-:
in tre GIAPAIS > HumAN RIGHTS — for gy Searching: China, helpin people (ath
Damie’s Fi DBSERVER “TRAINING . eile. J} wih Giv Jaye i (ving J
| volunteer,
Science is creativity. teaching kids A 3 Aker:
“that's what liry te SCIENCE. v
Le dittict kids 4° see. vG@HTS.-
reat gos de i Cre ae
serene e “Me hie what (Ff hime: rR Ss ps 3
en montant de eZ i # Piling ball ? Pg sed
degen Laks Preokecting the eauiranerent If cud Avia Ne ,
Michelet ; Living in hacneas work ke it eerie: blog -
Velunteered tedy b— Lar aw z
i E in isthe
(one fe Melee ak Wrwcelleces Nopere’ OC GREE Tr ctudict aoe
> iyo mtoe icine > wt .
YWng lids. eee ee ) wiv ok edict \s ere)
(/SIDA ots i “SES panos
wen | Award
Z ti eos Gorn and :
Proké geens ~ neus.! ore « Reais
MW Ayeétons la progression. é a
Wi ‘yy
Nl Ensemb ie’ se 2 ae
ey RKING ON ve
in Bapader. geo we FoR Hi V. le \et oS
. jan: we ‘
nckip in France fer HIV prevention campn'§ im Anion
eae se ce STUDENTS ee
\ speale Qe we se eee 5 “TAKING ACTION hore
CVn (earings Mondarin-) (xoner iw CHIAPAS. {este mind ahy.
a asta
Ke
IF YOU'RE WAY TOO BUSY To APPLY oe he
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP, WE REALLY THINE Bette o
you SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP.
Jean-Philippe isn’t just busy. He's crazy busy. ssa’
his biochemistry courses. Working on an Hiv vaccine. Never _ vi
explore new ideas. If you're equally obsessed, you're a great es i e
for the Millennium Excellence Award. It’s a scholarship worth up
$10,000 plus unique learning opportunities for students who are not on ¥y
academic achievers, but also leaders and innovators In their seuicunsnla ee J
Because it’s about more than grades. It's about attitude. Show us yours.
FIND THE APPLICATION FORM
AND DEADLINE AT
www.excellenceaward.ca
Millennium
Scholarships _
Les bourses
du millénaire
CANADA MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSAIP FOUNDATION
FONDATION CANADIENNE DES BOURSES DETUDES DU MILLENAIRE
14
As a younger person, trying to cope in a
marriage, both my husband and | assumed
that there must be something wrong with me,
and eventually we were driven to split up. It
wasn’t until I found the Asexual Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN, www.asexuality.
org), that I realized I wasn’t broken, or weird,
or unreasonable—that it wasn’t my fault and I
wasn’t the only one.
AVEN was founded in 2001 by a San
Franciscan called David Jay. David has
worked tirelessly to spread awareness of
asexuality in the US and AVEN is now a
global community of asexuals meeting in
forums and cities around the world to share
knowledge and support amongst asexuals and
everyone interested in asexuality. AVEN does
not exist to classify people— you are simply
invited to check out the forum, and if you feel
that the label “asexual” fits you then it’s yours
to wear for as long as it helps you. AVEN also
makes it clear that some medical conditions
can lead to loss of libido, and if you are in
any doubt you should of course consult a
medical professional.
My aim in holding this visibility day is
to offer education and information to anyone
interested. I want to get the message out that
being asexual is just one more piece in the
puzzle of humanity, and that no-one needs to
feel alone, weird, or broken, ever again.
lan online community and
chive striving to create open
discussion about asexuality
fual and sexual people alike. _—
AVENues:
y publication available
ted by members of the
ify in order to further
our thoughts and promote
Iby and about asexuals.
An AVEN meetup in San Francisd
hiormation, visit
The (A)sexually Oppressed?
-asexuality.org.
ne by MANDREWLITER
“No more fiendish punishment could be devised, were such a thin
Contents physically possible, than that one should be turned loose in society
. and remain absolutely unnoticed by all the members thereof.” Willian]
- James, Psychology.
fhought —pg. 3 This is the quote that begins the first known article on asexualit
pe4 “Asexual and Autoerotic Women: Two Invisible Groups” by Myr:
T. Johnson. Such women were so unnoticed in society that Johnsot
found it difficult to find a vocabulary to describe them: “There appea!
to be relatively few appropnate words mm. the English language to de
scribe the individual who, regardless of physical or emotional condi
tion, actually sexual history, and mantal status or ideological onenta:
ton, seems to prefer not to engage in sexual activity. Oppressed by
consensus that they are non-existent, these are the ‘unnoticed’ who iq
I'---by default.”
forum — pg. $
Ace Moments” — pg. 6
i Over — pg. 8
loulight — pg. 9
Baw -pe. 10
VENite: “CaleCaesar™
this article are called ‘asex
This chapter is found in a book called The Sexually Oppressed. It 1
cation Network website
The Pansexual and Asexual Visibility Day will be held on
Tuesday, February 17", and the Pride Collective will have a
table set up in the New Westminster concourse. There will
be lots of info on pansexuality and asexuality, and Justin and
Helen will be there to answer any questions you may have.
For more information or if you can’t make the visibility day,
come to the Pride Office, located in the New Westminster
Students’ Union Building (room 328). The general office
hours are posted around campus. Justin’s hours are 12—2 p.m.
Mondays and 10:30-2:30 p.m. Thursdays. Helen is there 24
p.m. on Mondays.