Gay in asl
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She and I had discussed methods of encouraging the use of sign language in the district and I had suggested the teachers create a room or area that was to be a "highly visual environment" wherein the participants (including the Hearing people) would communicate only in sign language. *smile*
Thank you
- Shane
July 12, 2011
Dear Shane,
Culture is a moving target.
With a passion for storytelling and advocacy, Jamie delves into topics that matter deeply to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
-- Marci>>
We now have a generation of Deaf who have a totally fresh understanding of the term "mute."
Back in 2006 I wrote that "theoretically it would be possible for the term 'mute' to make an in-your-face comeback." This is no longer theory. Within our community there are those who have actively blogged about and promoted the concept of using the word MUTE proudly to denote being a Deaf person who doesn't voice.
I know that is what you are doing now.
Sure I'd be happy to post the correspondence as you request, but just so you'll know, there is a movement amongst some in the Deaf community to reclaim the word "mute" and make it our own! Just as there are zeitgeist websites out there devoted to "crip" humor for the "severely euphemized," we are seeing and have seen semantic evolution of the term "mute."
-- Bill
But at least they will be in the pipe for eventual inclusion.
I just do the initialized "GAY" / "LESBIAN" signs on the chin. Or if in an unknown group I'll spell G-A-Y. For partner I do the "roommate" sign.
But what do I know? I'm like the world's straightestgeek.
The other day a tattooed motorcyclist showed me half a dozen signs for "gay" that he says are in use. One of which was "tugging on the earlobe." Heh.
I'll have to ask around to see if he was giving it to me straight, er, I mean, telling me accurateinformation.
Dr.
I have the Random House Webster's ASL Dictionary, but I often rely on your site for current, cultural descriptions of signs. We are still great friends though and chat via webcam a lot to have him see my progress or when he uses video phone i can at same time listen to interpreter and watch him sign with them as i try to notice what is being used as he signs and interpreter talks to me.
Or the word "queer?" Why or why not? Jamie believes in the power of shared stories to inspire action, foster understanding, and create a more inclusive world for everyone.