No matter how you spin it, there is something for everyone in being an activist.  Within the broad gay community, we have developed our own labels.  Some of those labels cross the boundaries into the straight world, some are fairly queer specific.  Queers United covers many of these gay phrases under “Word of the Gay,” which I link to several times in this post.

This listing was inspired by conversations with various people within the gay community about “assimilation” and the fear that the marriage movement is absorbing our “queer” identities.  I disagree with that ideology, but that is not the point here.  The point is, “I’m here to recruit you.”

Reasons for a gym bunny to become an activist:

• We often march several miles carrying heavy signs (yeah, we exercise).
• Sometimes, we stand outside for hours in the heat, very much like a dry sauna.
• Sometimes, it rains on us… just like in the showers at the gym… well, close anyway.
• P.A. systems can be very heavy and must be carried from vehicle to stage and back again.

Reasons for a drag queen to become an activist:

• You get to decorate pretty signs.
• You’re picture may be in the paper.
• You may get to be on TV!
• Let’s face it, we hardcore activist could use some fashion tips.

Reason for a silver fox to be activists:

• Two words: Anderson Cooper

Reasons for a Gayngsta (a gay person who is a “Gangster”) to be an activist:

• We’re kind of like a gang – we look out for each other (usually).
• We have colors (the rainbow colors).
• We like to rhyme and chant, like gayngsta rap.

Reasons for a “Donald Duck” (a person discharged under DADT from the Navy) to be an activist:

• We are working to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
• We recruit.
• We often work in teams.
• You get to keep fighting for freedom.
• We’ve got cool military folks like Dan Choi on our team

Reasons for a submissive to become an activist:

• You will meet gays that like to lead.
• You will be publicly humiliated by people calling you names.
• No matter what you say or do, people will often criticize you.
• At some point, someone will spit in your face.
• You may even get beaten.
• We aren’t afraid to protest in our underwear.
• Handcuffs are likely thanks to the police.

Reasons for a “Buckaruby” (a cowboy queer) to be an activist:

• We can turn a march into a line dance in no time.
• We’ve been known to rough it when we couldn’t afford hotels.

Reasons for a Barfly to be an activist:

• We are very social people.
• Someone will buy you a drink after a march.
• At rallies, we jam ourselves in so tightly that we are just a strobe light and DJ from a dance floor.

Reasons for a Prima Donna to become an activist:

• You have Madonna in your name and we LOVE Madonna.
• You can be as bitchy as you want and it is to be expected.
• You will have your ego stroked on a regular basis by other activists.
• You will be the center of attention during rallies.
• Singing soprano is always a plus for any activist situation.

But perhaps the most compelling reason for everyone to be an activist:

• We’re fighting for you, too!

A special thank you to Tammy at tamfastic.com for her contribution of the “Prima Donna” list and for helping me sort through my thoughts in a most heinously stereotypical way.

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