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Slash Pervert (slashpervert) wrote,
@ 2009-04-20 17:10:00

Entry tags:

nonfiction

Queer Issues in Fan Fiction - Open Discussion
I am the lead on a panel for the upcoming Azkaban convention (Harry Potter convention in San Francisco. I would like to get feed back from other fan fiction readers and writers about the way "slash" stories have affected their perception of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their issues.

So, I am asking you to take some time and let me know.

Let me know your perspective on LGBT stories and issues?

If you are straight, has it changed the way you see LGBT people or their issues?

If you are LGBT, has it changed yours? And how do you feel about the fact that so many straight people do read slash stories?

Do you think slash stories actually have any beneficial affect on the lives of LGBT folk?

I would love to see a discussion about this...

Also, I have seen the occasional survey done of gender and sexual orientation for fan fiction readers/writers. Anyone know where I can find results of those?

"Queers in the Wizarding World and Ours."

One of the most popular forms of Harry Potter fan fiction is “slash” – the pairing of canon characters in homosexual and/or bisexual relationships. While real world queers are fighting for equal rights in everything from employment, to marriage, to adoption, stories about Harry Potter and his friends facing the same issues are read by thousands of fans around the world. What is the relationship between the two realms? Are queer-themed fan fiction helping the struggle or is it just voyeurism by mostly straight fans? How do queer fans experience these stories? Do these stories educate or perpetuate myths? How do gay, lesbian and bisexual fans feel about this aspect of fandom? This panel of queer fans who are also slash writers discuss these questions.

About the organizer: Slashpervert, a.k.a. D.M. Atkins, is an openly bisexual author of fan fiction, original fiction and queer studies non-fiction. Atkins is an anthropologist with a number of scholarly works published on LGBT identity and community as well as years as an activist in queer issues. She was one of the co-authors of the Santa Cruz anti-discrimination ordinance and a co-founder of several bisexual organizations.

Panelists: A group of fan fiction writers and betas who self identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.

Any LGBT fan fic writers who would like to be on the panel, please let me know.

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bugaboo53067
2009-04-21 09:24 pm UTC (link)

I first started reading slash fiction about...6 years ago or so. I will admit that I was one of those naughty kids who was reading the fiction I wasn't supposed to- I was 14. I stumbled upon slash by complete accident and, while I've always been pro gay rights (I later realized that I am bisexual as well-woo!) I never realized how amazingly attractive 2 men in a relationship is.
I am currently very involved in LGBTQ (we like to add the Queer and Questioning in my circles lol) on the University of Wisconsin campuses and am finishing up my internship with the United Council of UW student for Domestic Partnership Benefits. I think that slash has opened my eyes to LGBTQ issues and how NOT DIFFERENT LGBTQ relationships are.

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