Transcending the Provincial: LGBT Liberationist Activism in Ontario From Nick Mul, PhD CLGRO to Queer Ontario We Demand

d Conference
Vancouver, BC, Canada August 27, 2011
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Overview
Influence of 1971 Demands Politic of Queer Liberation Overview of CLGRO Challenges to CLGRO Overview of Queer Ontario Challenges to Queer Ontario Challenges to Queer Liberationism Queer Liberation Theory Project Importance of Demands & Queer

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Influence of 1971 Demands

Ten

demands contextually premised on the amendment of the Criminal Code two years previous decriminalizing homosexuality Most of the demands sought legal equality of homosexuals Inclusive non-discriminatory, antioppression approach (Demand 10.) Underscored by gay liberationist principles still relevant today
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Politic of Queer Liberation

A critical queer liberation perspective engages in a process of questioning, resisting and challenging. Resistance to heteronormative socialization and conditioning a movement towards assimilationism to gain acceptance and respectability is rejected. Challenged are the hegemonic notions that heterosexuality and traditional gender identities and roles are the norm. Queer liberation calls for the creation of a society that is inclusive, respectful and accepting of the gender and sexually diverse populations, as these populations choose to define themselves and live their lives.
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C L G R O

Mission Statement: The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO) is an organization composed of groups and individuals who are committed to working towards feminism and bisexual, lesbian, and gay liberation by engaging in public struggle for full human rights, by promoting
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Overview of CLGRO
Founded

in 1975 Engaged in 11 year provincial campaign to have sexual orientation included in the OHRC Consisted of member groups and individuals across province Mandate expanded as the movement evolved to include lesbians, bisexuals and to some extent trans populations
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Challenges to CLGRO
The

CLGRO membership dwindled in latter years longer a coalition of groups in the province, as most activist groups no longer exist members dropped to a handful changed from lobbying and
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No

Active

Activism

Q u e e r O n t a r i

Mission Statement: Queer Ontario is a provincial network of gender and sexually diverse individuals and their allies who are committed to questioning, challenging, and reforming the laws, institutional practices, and social norms that regulate queer people. Operating under
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Overview of Queer Ontario

Founded

in 2009 Explicitly based on a queer liberation perspective Currently Toronto-based, embracing social media, attracting members across province Fully inclusive of gender and sexually diverse, it positions itself as progressive, resistant and challenging
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Challenges to Queer Ontario

Development

of organization and responding to pressing issues happening simultaneously Passionate, committed volunteers drive the work, shortchanging their energy At the forefront of critiquing movement from within Almost entirely volunteer run, limits effectiveness
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Challenges to Queer Liberationism

Insideousness

of neo-liberalism has seeped into the LGBT movement Rights claims, assimilationism, capitalism are increasingly replacing social justice, diversity and community Professionalization of activist organizations Radical voice of dissension a threat to mainstream and LGBT communities Growing divide between progressive 4/8/12 queers and mainstreaming LGBTs

Queer Liberation Theory Project

Resurrect

the principles of the historical gay liberation movement Re-contextualize them within contemporary queer discourse Translate the findings in theoretical terms Dissemination through various accessible multimedia platforms Raise queer liberationist voice and public education 4/8/12

Importance of Demands & Queer Liberation Today

Importance

of Demands is their relevancy today Gay liberation underscored the Demands Principles and tenets of the gay liberation perspective also apply today Updating gay liberation into a queer liberation reality furthers a changebased agenda Resistance is progress 4/8/12

Contact:
Nick Mul, PhD Associate Professor School of Social Work Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies York University nickmule@yorku.ca

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