'Donkeys and Dolls' explores transgender issues
Published Sept. 17, 2002
Columbia residents were able to experience a celebration of misfits and underdogs through spoken word, hip hop and comedy, all of which were provided by the San Francisco-based performance cabaret tour, "Strombolli's Island of Donkeys and Dolls."
Sponsored by the Women's Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, the performance was part of two days of educational and entertainment events.
"I think Columbia could definitely use some transgender perspective in their queer dialogue," Women's Center office manager Beth Pickens said, "and it makes us excited that we are able to bring this group in and have them speak about their work and about transgender issues surrounding our society every day."
The performance was hosted by The End of the World hip hop duo MC Katastrophe and MC STD, providing a little dose of comedy as they introduced the artists. Spoken word artists like Ricky Lee, Tara Jepsen, Bucky Sinister and Michelle Tea shared their poetry with the audience with an approach of both amusement and empowerment. The final performance was the musical duo The End of the World, whose lyrics described homophobia, sexism, classism and racism accompanied by rock and heavy metal music.
"It was very liberating to see a whole mix of people both in the audience and on stage, encouraging awareness and setting a good, fun atmosphere," freshman Meagan Young said.
The events began on Sunday with a Gender Series Workshop in the Women's Center Lounge, followed by the performance at Ragtag Cinemacafé at 8 p.m. The events continued Monday with a 2 p.m. book signing by authors Michelle Tea and Bucky Sinister at University Bookstore. This was followed by another workshop at 4 p.m. and a performance at 9 p.m. at Applause Coffeehouse in Memorial Union.
The Gender Series Workshop served as a way to get to know a little more about the performers and what the performance was about. It also provided an open discussion on gender issues such as gender classification, dealing with society's gender stereotypes and gender struggles in daily life.
"I think the workshop was a great idea because there's more need for it here in Columbia because we get so little exposure to a lot of LGBT issues than, say, somewhere like Boston or Chicago," Triangle Coalition President Stacy Jones said.
Young said the workshop provided her with support and self-assurance.
"The workshop really put a perspective on things for myself," Young said. "And it allowed me to know that, outside the Columbia community, there are people who are dealing with issues just like myself and that are coming to realize certain aspects of themselves to be not so unusual."
