Love was in the air at Carleton when public displays of affection flooded the Atrium as part of an organized “flash mob” March 10. The 10-minute long “Kiss-in” stunt, organized by students in a second-year women and gender studies course, the Anti-Homophobia Alliance and other Carleton students, aimed to give recognition to trans, gay and lesbian rights and to show affection in public without fear of discrimination.
Another goal of the event was to draw attention to onlookers and to challenge inherent biases and prejudices.
“We’re raising awareness for the freedom of a safe public space for anyone to display their affection in public besides the GLBTQ office. They should feel comfortable anywhere they go,” said Amelia Edwards, one project leader of the event.
Kira Findlay, a Carleton participant, was a passionate advocate of the event.
“This event is to let students know we’re here and that queers do exist on campus.”
Edwards said she feels the problem now is the existing social structure, the way language is used and how people are put into categories based on their sexuality.
“It’s even more the language they use like ‘faggot,’ which makes the environment uncomfortable to be in.”
Many onlookers passed by with confusion or leaned in with deep curiosity and stopped to watch the display. An unnamed passerby asked, “what the hell is this?” without stopping to hear the answer.
“The event made a real statement. It definitely looks like it brought awareness and I think that’s what it deserves,” said another onlooker.
“We’re supposed to blend in, not stand out. I don’t want to be looked at through a thin spectacle,” said Ashley Turcotte, a participant of the kiss-in.
As an active partaker, Professor Victoria Bromley of the second-year class, entitled “Activism, Feminism and Social Justice,” stood proudly by her students as they gathered for the 10-minute kiss-in.
“People are so quick to think that female activism is dead, but it is still alive and here today. Young people want to be involved and make a difference, because we still live in a world where not everyone is equal. This enables them to challenge heteronormativity,” said Bromley.