RENWL

Shirley Q. Liquor, Equality And The Double Standards Of Gay White Male Culture

Hey folks. Guess what? On Juneteenth weekend—actually Juneteenth is this Saturday the 19th—-the traditional day on which the freedom of African American slaves is celebrated—guess how hundreds of white gay men in Northern California plan to kick off this special weekend? Why, they’ll be treating themselves to a live performance of female impersonator Charles Knipp. If you’re by chance unfamiliar with Mr. Knipp why take a gander at the YouTube video we’ve provided right here:

Here’s a quick historical rundown:

Shirley Q. Liquor is a character created by Charles Knipp. He performs as Shirley in blackface, and emulates the stereotypes of a black “welfare queen.” Over the years many organizations and people have spoken out against his performance such as NGLTF, GLAAD, the mayor of Boston – Tom Menino, Jasmyn Cannick, Pam Spaulding of Pam’s House Blend, Keith Boykin, and FIERCE NYC.

Shirley Q. Liquor is scheduled to perform at the Russian River Resort in Guerneville, California on June 18th, 2010 – also known as Juneteenth – the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

The above was copied from a flyer sent out by SF Pride at Work and Queers For Economic Justice.

The Russian River Resort On High Holiday

But here’s the part about all this we find amazing and yet expected: tonight the Bay Area Reporter published a piece on Knipp’s upcoming Russian River appearance. In it they interviewed the guy from the resort who booked Knipp. Here’s what he had to say:

According to Gregory Gajus, who booked Knipp’s performance for the Russian River Resort, this is the comedian’s third appearance there in as many years. Gajus said he has received “a few e-mails” protesting the show and there is “a lot of dialogue, pro and con” about it on the resort’s Facebook site.

“But every comedian we’ve ever had we’ve had complaints about,” he said. “This kind of thing has been going on forever.”

Gajus said the Russian River Resort features a wide spectrum of entertainment.

“There are no sacred cows. Everyone is welcome,” he said.

As for Knipp’s show, Gajus said, “This is one of the few things we do at the River that we can get people of color up from the city to see. This is one of the biggest turn-out events every year.

Our beautiful majestic sistas, mothers, daughters, were not made for the amusement, debasement and ridicule of gay white men.

Just like that. It’s totally cool and not an issue. It absolutely does not matter that year after year, activist after activist, enraged black LGBTs across the country demand that this guy Knipp’s shows are shut down. It doesn’t matter that the entire LGBT community of California are now awaiting word to find out if they will continue to live under a discriminatory law that forbids their unions legally recognized—-only to show us that on the weekend traditionally celebrated and acknowledging the freedom of black slaves—-this is how white gay male culture chooses to recognize it. And not only recognize as such but the very next day no doubt pick that equality torch right back up demanding that they be treated on the same level and receive the respect afforded to all Americans.

So if anybody ever wants to know why the LGBT equality movement in the US isn’t moving any faster, or why gays and same gender loving folks of color aren’t eagerly hopping on board with the menu— or if they want to know why blacks like ourselves emphatically support Barack Hussein Obama regardless of what the majority of this country’s LGBT population has to say about him——–remember this day—-Friday, June 18, 2010—-and who was the hard fought for centerpiece entertainment for hundreds of eager gay white men at the Russian River Resort. Remember it.

We will.

Queer Today: SF Pride at Work and Queers for Economic Justice Endorse Boycott of Shirley Q. Liquor / Russian River Resort !

Bay Area Reporter: Shirley Q. to bring controversy to Guerneville