Jen Yockney (she/her) MBE is a nearly-50 year old bisexual genderqueer trans woman residing in Manchester, at the time of recording. Jen is from South Wales and came to Manchester in 1991 for University. She discusses coming out as bisexual in 6th form (ages 16-18). The political situation of Section 28. Jen talks about labels, being bi in lesbian and gay spaces and the memories of BiPhoria. BiPhoria is a social support group for bisexual people in Manchester that continues today.
Jen discusses bi experiences of and in Manchester's Gay Village, Manchester City Council and LGBT organisations during 1990s. She details the impact of Section 28 on employment, schools, education. Example given about Trafford Council removing a requested workshop because of Section 28. Discusses internalised bi-erasure and bi invisibility in wider society. Discusses the practical aspects of organising for BiPhoria since 1995. The importance of community led social spaces as a form of organising that has big impact to people's wellbeing. Editor for 20 years of Bi Community News,that is still publishing at time of recording. Discusses how bisexual news was reported, recalls article about EastEnders actress Pam St.Clements. Discusses the power of physical / non-digital mediums.
Jen discusses navigating research requests and how these reports were not being fed back to the community. Jen initiated The Bisexual Report in 2012. Jen discusses the support offer for bisexuals from LGBT organisations before 2012, details the response to civil partnership consultations. Jen discusses changes she has noticed with community organising including speed and reach of activity, faster now due to internet and technology. Discusses the anonymity of social media and technology age. Mentions how misinformation and lies can travel faster and further this day in age. Jen discusses the change towards access to information for smaller groups after the LGBT Action Plan 2011 was released.
Discusses the importance of recording smaller groups and individual stories and experiences so organisations and structures can be held accountable and not only story gets heard. Jen talks about capturing smaller scale stories helps create a bigger picture. Jen finishes talking about how activists are human beings. Reminds listener/readers that you can contact her via jenyockney.com but doesn't promise to reply!
Notes:
References made to:
- Good Omens, a book written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchet
- Dunny-on-the-Wold, a fictional place from television series Blackadder
- UN (United Nations) Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 12 “Respect for the view of the Child” and Article 17 “Access to information from the media”.
- Tumblr, a popular blogging microblogging platform.
- LGF (Lesbian and Gay Foundation), the former organisational name of LGBT Foundation.
15 июл 2024
