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Queers Read This
A leaflet distributed at pride march in NY
Published anonymously by Queers
June, 1990
Published anonymously by Queers
June, 1990
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1990
79 people want to read
About the author
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See also: Anonymous
* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
See also: Anonymous
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 29, 2022
get fucking angry!!
but also, this was so clearly written by white cis gays & lesbians. not a single mention of the trans folks who also would have been at that pride march where they distributed this leaflet. not a single mention of gay (AND TRANS!) ppl of color, and actually instead at one point it tries to compare the gay struggle to that of Black ppl in the US.
get fucking angry but don’t u dare forget who fought for your gay pride to be possible in the first place!!
but also, this was so clearly written by white cis gays & lesbians. not a single mention of the trans folks who also would have been at that pride march where they distributed this leaflet. not a single mention of gay (AND TRANS!) ppl of color, and actually instead at one point it tries to compare the gay struggle to that of Black ppl in the US.
get fucking angry but don’t u dare forget who fought for your gay pride to be possible in the first place!!
July 12, 2022
read this bc ive been interested in AIDS organizing lately and someone referenced this on social media.
its political analysis is unhelpful bc it is anti-intersectional and has a rather essentialist view of sexual identity. a page of this is literally cited as reductive and ultimately not radical by Cathy Cohen in her 1997 "Punks, Bulldaggers and Welfare Queens: the Radical Potential of Queer Politics?" (which gets 5 stars, and is essential reading IMO). and amerikan society's adaptations in the past few decades means its analysis holds up even less now than it did then, despite cis-hetero-patriarchal violence still being as brutally present as ever.
however it is an interesting zine to read and it does powerfully convey the rage of the time. its attempts to shame other gays into some damn solidarity might not work but on an emotional level it definitely hits. and it resonates today as trans people are faced with anti-trans eliminationist attacks that holds some similarities to the mass death of AIDS + amerikan society in the 80s/90s.
and it does hold some good political critiques of liberal gay strategy: that queer issues arent matters of "privacy" but rather of reshaping and expanding the PUBLIC, that people should be cautious about visibility, and that ppl need to defend each other thru direct action for real.
anyways if u wanna read some real radical shieat u should read that Cathy Cohen article. it builds a deeper solidarity around a shared rejection of patriarchal heteronormativity, not simply the identity of being lgbt. you can read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IlpW...
its political analysis is unhelpful bc it is anti-intersectional and has a rather essentialist view of sexual identity. a page of this is literally cited as reductive and ultimately not radical by Cathy Cohen in her 1997 "Punks, Bulldaggers and Welfare Queens: the Radical Potential of Queer Politics?" (which gets 5 stars, and is essential reading IMO). and amerikan society's adaptations in the past few decades means its analysis holds up even less now than it did then, despite cis-hetero-patriarchal violence still being as brutally present as ever.
however it is an interesting zine to read and it does powerfully convey the rage of the time. its attempts to shame other gays into some damn solidarity might not work but on an emotional level it definitely hits. and it resonates today as trans people are faced with anti-trans eliminationist attacks that holds some similarities to the mass death of AIDS + amerikan society in the 80s/90s.
and it does hold some good political critiques of liberal gay strategy: that queer issues arent matters of "privacy" but rather of reshaping and expanding the PUBLIC, that people should be cautious about visibility, and that ppl need to defend each other thru direct action for real.
anyways if u wanna read some real radical shieat u should read that Cathy Cohen article. it builds a deeper solidarity around a shared rejection of patriarchal heteronormativity, not simply the identity of being lgbt. you can read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IlpW...
March 14, 2021
I read this for my dissertation, and I must say I did NOT expect it to be so good and raw. It’s true that it’s a little outdated, focusing more on the L and G of LGBTQ+. However, I feel that everyone should read this, it’s timeless.
October 15, 2018
angry enraged furious
the more things change the more they stay the same. i cant believe this was written a month before i was born yet it feels like NOTHING has changed. be angry. your rage is useful. read it here http://www.qrd.org/qrd/misc/text/quee...
the more things change the more they stay the same. i cant believe this was written a month before i was born yet it feels like NOTHING has changed. be angry. your rage is useful. read it here http://www.qrd.org/qrd/misc/text/quee...
March 15, 2021
A short zine written and distributed by Gay Nation in 1990 at New York City Pride, Queers Read This is a text deeply rooted in anger and rage at a heterosexual world. The failure of the government to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis meant many of us were dying, an unseen war zone ignored by wider straight society. Although somewhat directionless, the thesis to “DO SOMETHING” and “BASH BACK” along with the general anti-Americanism and revolutionary rhetoric makes it an essential piece of radical gay theory, if not for its historical value. Although I have criticisms of its somewhat vague program, the reality was that a lot of gay people weren’t on the streets, nevermind starting a revolution.
When I initially read this zine at the end of Pride Month 2020, I found it hard to relate to the deep and existential anger and looked at it from a relatively removed perspective. However, after coming out of the closet, the rage and anger I was initially alienated from became very familiar. The raging at heterosexual society, complete hatred for the inability of heterosexual to ever relate to our lives, it all screamed, as one of the pamphlets stated, "I HATE STRAIGHTS." This rage, however, was ultimately fruitless. Gay Nation and gay separatism were a fruitless endeavors that went nowhere and ended nowhere. With the added foresight of decades, Queers Read This remains a highly relatable piece of gay history, yet also one that we must transcend.
When I initially read this zine at the end of Pride Month 2020, I found it hard to relate to the deep and existential anger and looked at it from a relatively removed perspective. However, after coming out of the closet, the rage and anger I was initially alienated from became very familiar. The raging at heterosexual society, complete hatred for the inability of heterosexual to ever relate to our lives, it all screamed, as one of the pamphlets stated, "I HATE STRAIGHTS." This rage, however, was ultimately fruitless. Gay Nation and gay separatism were a fruitless endeavors that went nowhere and ended nowhere. With the added foresight of decades, Queers Read This remains a highly relatable piece of gay history, yet also one that we must transcend.
April 11, 2024
this hits such a special specific part of me. because yes, get angry!! show some solidarity!! anger is a gift & it has helped me survive all these years. and the anger is so justified today as it was at that time. it's the same rage i feel when i see people rejoicing the death/murder of a queer person or the conservative push of anti-lgbtq+ legislations or the recent u.s. supreme court BS.
but it also feels dated as well because it reads clear that it was written by queer people who are cis & white. do not forget the contribution of the queer & trans people of colour who were at the forefronts. and who are still discriminated today. do not forget about queers all over the world in countries where they punish our existence with the death penalty & fines & beatings & prison. none of us are free until all of us are.
but it also feels dated as well because it reads clear that it was written by queer people who are cis & white. do not forget the contribution of the queer & trans people of colour who were at the forefronts. and who are still discriminated today. do not forget about queers all over the world in countries where they punish our existence with the death penalty & fines & beatings & prison. none of us are free until all of us are.
November 18, 2022
Like other reviewers, I agree that the content is a bit outdated. Also this pamphlet / call to action is only from the lesbian and gay perspective within the queer community and so isn’t a comprehensive voice portrayed. It is also not a very pleasant read but there is such emotion in these words, I cannot not give it a high rating.
It is not pretty, these essays tell the brutal truth of living as a queer person in 80/90s USA in the midst of the AIDS epidemic and heightened anti-queer attacks. There is pure rage and anger and an ‘enough is enough’ mentality - it comes from a place of deep-rooted anger that has clearly been manifesting for many years. Whilst it’s not nice, it was very impactful, moving, emotional, empowering (with relatable parts even now one can resonate with) and a great insight into the time period. I read this on the back of We Are Everywhere by Matthew Reimer and Leighton Brown which details the queer liberation and rights movement wanting to examine the original text referenced.
These are some direct quotes from the essays, not all had specific stand out parts.
Introduction:
‘…everyday you wake up alive, relatively happy, and as a functioning human being, you are committing a rebellious act. You as an alive and functioning queer are a revolutionary.’
‘But not only do they live a life free of fear; they flaunt their freedom in my face. Their images are on my TV, in the magazine I bought, in the restaurant I want to eat in, and on the street where I live. I want there to be a moratorium on straight marriage, on babies, on public displays of affection among the opposite sex and media images that promote heterosexuality.’
‘Fear is the most powerful motivation. No one will give us what we deserve. Rights are not given they are taken, by force if necessary.’
An army of lovers cannot lose:
‘Being queer is not about a right to privacy; it is about the freedom to be public, to just be who we are.’
‘Everyone of us is a world of infinite possibility. We are an army because we have to be.’
‘We come out of the closet, face the rejection of society… just to love each other!’
Anger:
‘… there were two important things to remember… we will get our asses kicked. [and]… we will win.’
‘I refuse to accept a creation that cuts people down in the third decade of their life.’
If you’re queer:
‘Queers are being attacks on all fronts and I’m afraid it’s ok with us.’
‘What will it take for this not to be ok? Feel some rage. If rage doesn’t empower you, try fear. If that doesn’t work, try panic.’
I hate
‘I hate every sector of the straight establishment in this country - the worst of whom actively want all queers dead, the best of whom never stick their necks out to keep us alive.’
‘I hate straight people who say, “I don’t see why you feel the need to wear those buttons and t-shirts. I don’t go around telling the whole world I’m straight.”’
‘I hate that I grew up thinking I was the only queer in the world, and I hate even more that most queer kids still grow up the same way.’
When anyone assaults you got being queer, it is queer bashing. Right?
‘The bullet that hit Hawkins was meant for a black man, ANY black man. Do most gays and lesbians think that the knife that punctured Zappalorti’s heart was meant only for him?’
‘Recognize that any act of aggression against any member of our community is an attack on every member of the community.’
reeuQ yhW
‘Queer. It’s forcibly bittersweet and quaint at best - weakening and painful at worst. Couldn’t we just use “gay” instead? It’s a much brighter word and isn’t it synonymous with “happy”? When will you militants grow up and get over the novelty of being different?’
Why queer
‘Using “queer” is a way of reminding us how we are perceived by the rest of the world. It’s a way of telling ourselves we don’t have to be witty and charming people who keep our lives discreet and marginalized in the straight world.’
‘Yeah, QUEER can be a rough word but it is also a sly and ironic weapon we can steal from the homophobe’s hands and use against him.’
No sex police
‘Our difference, our otherness, our uniqueness can either paralyze us or politicize us. Hopefully, the majority of us will not let it kill us.’
I hate straights
‘There is the one certainty in the politics of power: those left out of it beg for inclusion, while the insiders claim that they already are. Men do it to women, whites do it to blacks, and everyone does it to queers.’
‘I hate straight people who can’t listen to queer anger without saying “hey, all straight people aren’t like that.”… why are the reassurance of “of course, I don’t mean you. You don’t act that way.” Let then figure out for themselves whether they deserve to be included in our anger.’
‘They’ve taught us that good queers don’t get mad. They’ve taught us so well that we not only hide our anger from them, we hide it from each other. WE EVEN HIDE IT FROM OURSELVES.’
‘Let yourself be angry that the price of our visibility is the constant threat of violence, anti-queer violence to which practically every segment of this society contributes.’
‘Go away and try on a world without the brave, strong queers that are its backbone.’
‘Being queer means leading a different sort of life. It's not about the mainstream, profit-margins, patriotism, patriarchy or being assimilated... It's about being on the margins, defining ourselves; it's about gender-fuck and secrets, what's beneath the belt and deep inside the heart; it's about the night.’
It is not pretty, these essays tell the brutal truth of living as a queer person in 80/90s USA in the midst of the AIDS epidemic and heightened anti-queer attacks. There is pure rage and anger and an ‘enough is enough’ mentality - it comes from a place of deep-rooted anger that has clearly been manifesting for many years. Whilst it’s not nice, it was very impactful, moving, emotional, empowering (with relatable parts even now one can resonate with) and a great insight into the time period. I read this on the back of We Are Everywhere by Matthew Reimer and Leighton Brown which details the queer liberation and rights movement wanting to examine the original text referenced.
These are some direct quotes from the essays, not all had specific stand out parts.
Introduction:
‘…everyday you wake up alive, relatively happy, and as a functioning human being, you are committing a rebellious act. You as an alive and functioning queer are a revolutionary.’
‘But not only do they live a life free of fear; they flaunt their freedom in my face. Their images are on my TV, in the magazine I bought, in the restaurant I want to eat in, and on the street where I live. I want there to be a moratorium on straight marriage, on babies, on public displays of affection among the opposite sex and media images that promote heterosexuality.’
‘Fear is the most powerful motivation. No one will give us what we deserve. Rights are not given they are taken, by force if necessary.’
An army of lovers cannot lose:
‘Being queer is not about a right to privacy; it is about the freedom to be public, to just be who we are.’
‘Everyone of us is a world of infinite possibility. We are an army because we have to be.’
‘We come out of the closet, face the rejection of society… just to love each other!’
Anger:
‘… there were two important things to remember… we will get our asses kicked. [and]… we will win.’
‘I refuse to accept a creation that cuts people down in the third decade of their life.’
If you’re queer:
‘Queers are being attacks on all fronts and I’m afraid it’s ok with us.’
‘What will it take for this not to be ok? Feel some rage. If rage doesn’t empower you, try fear. If that doesn’t work, try panic.’
I hate
‘I hate every sector of the straight establishment in this country - the worst of whom actively want all queers dead, the best of whom never stick their necks out to keep us alive.’
‘I hate straight people who say, “I don’t see why you feel the need to wear those buttons and t-shirts. I don’t go around telling the whole world I’m straight.”’
‘I hate that I grew up thinking I was the only queer in the world, and I hate even more that most queer kids still grow up the same way.’
When anyone assaults you got being queer, it is queer bashing. Right?
‘The bullet that hit Hawkins was meant for a black man, ANY black man. Do most gays and lesbians think that the knife that punctured Zappalorti’s heart was meant only for him?’
‘Recognize that any act of aggression against any member of our community is an attack on every member of the community.’
reeuQ yhW
‘Queer. It’s forcibly bittersweet and quaint at best - weakening and painful at worst. Couldn’t we just use “gay” instead? It’s a much brighter word and isn’t it synonymous with “happy”? When will you militants grow up and get over the novelty of being different?’
Why queer
‘Using “queer” is a way of reminding us how we are perceived by the rest of the world. It’s a way of telling ourselves we don’t have to be witty and charming people who keep our lives discreet and marginalized in the straight world.’
‘Yeah, QUEER can be a rough word but it is also a sly and ironic weapon we can steal from the homophobe’s hands and use against him.’
No sex police
‘Our difference, our otherness, our uniqueness can either paralyze us or politicize us. Hopefully, the majority of us will not let it kill us.’
I hate straights
‘There is the one certainty in the politics of power: those left out of it beg for inclusion, while the insiders claim that they already are. Men do it to women, whites do it to blacks, and everyone does it to queers.’
‘I hate straight people who can’t listen to queer anger without saying “hey, all straight people aren’t like that.”… why are the reassurance of “of course, I don’t mean you. You don’t act that way.” Let then figure out for themselves whether they deserve to be included in our anger.’
‘They’ve taught us that good queers don’t get mad. They’ve taught us so well that we not only hide our anger from them, we hide it from each other. WE EVEN HIDE IT FROM OURSELVES.’
‘Let yourself be angry that the price of our visibility is the constant threat of violence, anti-queer violence to which practically every segment of this society contributes.’
‘Go away and try on a world without the brave, strong queers that are its backbone.’
‘Being queer means leading a different sort of life. It's not about the mainstream, profit-margins, patriotism, patriarchy or being assimilated... It's about being on the margins, defining ourselves; it's about gender-fuck and secrets, what's beneath the belt and deep inside the heart; it's about the night.’
Read
September 27, 2022Some bits were evidently outdated, such as focusing on the L and G in LGBT+ while also not taking into consideration of transgendered/nonbinary folks as well as BIPOC. But other than that, I thought this was such a real, raw, rageful read that packed a punch to both straights for upholding the heteronormative society within the U.S. and calling out the queer folks that unintentionally do the same as an act of self-preservation (but ultimately is harmful to both them and the overall community). I thought so much of this leaflet was a time machine to the issues and figures that were vital then, but also a reflection to parts of the issues that remains in today’s time. Just goes to show how far we’ve come and how much more we need to go moving forward.
June 5, 2023
In some ways this is aggressively ‘90s and very typical (sorry) “raging lesbian” stuff. But if you can get past that it’s pretty great actually, and unfortunately, a lot of it still rings true today.
Where it does age is the focus only on queer as sexuality rather than also gender, ways of being, etc.
It’s clearly written by cisyt gays — very little mention specifically of bipoc. Here’s a banger (though, non-inclusive) quote though:
“Queer, unlike GAY, doesn't mean MALE. And when spoken to other gays and lesbians it's a way of suggesting we close ranks, and forget (temporarily) our individual differences because we face a more insidious common enemy. Yeah, QUEER can be a rough word but it is also a sly and ironic weapon we can steal from the homophobe's hands and use against him.”
Where it does age is the focus only on queer as sexuality rather than also gender, ways of being, etc.
It’s clearly written by cisyt gays — very little mention specifically of bipoc. Here’s a banger (though, non-inclusive) quote though:
“Queer, unlike GAY, doesn't mean MALE. And when spoken to other gays and lesbians it's a way of suggesting we close ranks, and forget (temporarily) our individual differences because we face a more insidious common enemy. Yeah, QUEER can be a rough word but it is also a sly and ironic weapon we can steal from the homophobe's hands and use against him.”
February 28, 2019
Amazing. Simply amazing. Just a 12 page pamphlet brought home every feeling I've had about homo/transphobia, the AIDS crisis, and "straight allies". This is nearly 30 years old but is still completely relevant today. I didn't want it to end. It validated my anger as a queer, transgender person. Love.
March 19, 2018
A real, raw, in your face, no holds barred read!!
July 17, 2022
This has some really good lines about anti-assimilation and AIDS activism. But it pretty much ignores bisexuality and some of the ideas in here I disagree with, so three stars it is.
December 3, 2022
Held up in 1990 and unfortunately still holds up today.
But author is painfully cis.
But author is painfully cis.
February 24, 2024
the "Straights" Code of Conduct would make a fire sticker/street art
June 29, 2024
Phenomenal piece of queer history that largely holds up today. Got goosebumps from how evocative the writing was and the visceral emotions in it. A must read
January 16, 2022
Read this by recommendation of a friend. It is such a good piece, makes me heartbroken. It focused on the L and G from the LGBTQ+ and the AIDs pandemic, and it is true is outdated. It reflects perfectly bisexual's invisibility and how ignored the trans community were, outside and inside of their own community, as we know they were also very much affected by the AIDs pandemic. However, I really liked it. The pain feels so real, and the issue is still so relevant.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews