Hello, lovely uni-types! Hope you’re all looking forward to a big 2010. For those of you who haven’t heard of Allsorts, here’s some introductory info on what we’re about. Enjoy enjoy.

What is Allsorts?
Allsorts is the Queer Collective at UOW and is open to queer, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, asexual, and genderqueer people - or anyone who doesn’t see their identity as fitting neatly under the 'heterosexual' label.

The Collective acts as a support structure for students on campus who are facing issues such as coming out or dealing with queerphobia, is a force on campus in promoting queer rights, as well operating as a social network for queers wanting to make new friends. The Queer Space is a super space for discussing queer issues as well as a place to access resources and information.

In more direct terms: we meet every week and hang out, organise social and political events, have cool discussions, have picnics, go to the pub, make clever things out of paint and fabric, etc. etc., and have a swell time doing so!

Why the word ‘Queer’?
Excellent question. The word ‘Queer’ can be used as an umbrella term to include - to name a few - people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, asexual, genderqueer, etc., etc., etc.. The word ‘Queer’ creates a big umbrella under which all of these terms can fit, therefore giving us an inclusive, unifying term that overcomes the difficulties of pigeonholing people into narrowly defined identities.

'Queer' can also be used as an term for a specific identity. It recognises that not all people are either women or men, that gender is fluid. In order to be a lesbian, for example, a person must a) always feel like a woman, and b) always be attracted to people who always feel like women. That excludes a whole bunch of people from all over the gender spectrum, and, if a person finds themself attracted to someone outside of what their label allows, it may call for a change in that label. Basically, this is all wicked confusing, but it all pretty much boils down to the idea that 'queer' means freedom in sexuality - I'm attracted to who I'm attracted to, and that's all you need to know. Sometimes these people might be women, sometimes they might be men, sometimes they might be genderqueer, sometimes they might be _________ (insert gender here). Whatever, you know?

The queer identity is also considered by many to be a means of reclaiming a word that has historically been used as a derogatory term, by taking it out of the hands of queerphobes and using it in a positive way that can empower rather than oppress us.

OK, so a Queer Space - what’s the point?
Glad you asked. A common misconception seems to be that queer students want their own Queer Space on campus so they can segregate themselves, in an exclusive, ‘reverse discrimination’ sorta way. And nope. Sorry. Not true.

The fact is, queer students DO face discrimination and vilification every day. This leads to feeling uncomfortable or fearful on campus, and as though they cannot express their identities freely for fear of taunts or even queerphobic attacks. The Queer Space exists to provide a safe space for queer students where they can relax and know that they can be as queer as they damn well please without having to be afraid.

So, why isn’t there a ‘straight space’? Well. Because the entire world is implicitly a straight space, where the imagery and behaviour that reaffirm heterosexuality are dominant. No-one double-takes when a straight couple hold hands in public. No-one shouts abuse at people for looking like they’re heterosexual.

So, a Queer Space is a constructive way of addressing the fact that for some reason some people believe that dissing on queers is acceptable, while, at the same time, providing the sense of safety required to empower queers to create positive change in the world - change which will hopefully stamp out such beliefs.

And why should straight peeps care?
This bit is simple. Allsorts wants to combat queerphobia. Queerphobia is really crap. Therefore, if straight people are opposed to queerphobia and/or crapness, then they should support the Queer Collective. Easy!

But really. A big part of the rationale behind the Queer Collective is promoting the idea that, no matter what your sexuality, you have a right to express it, and to feel comfortable and safe in doing so. So, queer or straight, we should be united in working together to make that a reality for everyone.

How to get involved
Allsorts is always welcoming new members! We meet weekly in the Queer Space - our temporary space is Building 114, across the road from the main campus while our usual space is renovated - on Thursdays from 12:30 'til 1.30 p.m.. If you’re nervous about showing up at a meeting, contact us and we can arrange for you to meet people for coffee, or at the pub, or whatever is most comfy for you.

Contact us!
This year’s [2010] Queer Convenors are Stef and Pip.
Contact us at queer@wusa.uow.edu.au
OR! Join the Allsorts facebook group by searching ‘Allsorts - Wollongong University Queer Collective’
OR! Join the mailing list here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wollongong_allsorts/
OR! You can text Pip or Stef on 0400 253 384.