Queer Cheer

Kate Bornstein is a lot of things: activist, artist, writer, actor, playwright and gender theorist. But she’s also human, and tonight’s screening of Kate Bornstein Is a Queer & Pleasant Danger gets that point across. Not so much a documentary as a contemporary day-in-the-life tale with biographical elements woven throughout,...

By Bree Davies

October 30, 2014

Audio By Carbonatix

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Kate Bornstein is a lot of things: activist, artist, writer, actor, playwright and gender theorist. But she’s also human, and tonight’s screening of Kate Bornstein Is a Queer & Pleasant Danger gets that point across. Not so much a documentary as a contemporary day-in-the-life tale with biographical elements woven throughout, Queer follows the transgender pioneer as she navigates performances and speaking engagements centered around her work as an authority in gender studies.

But being human, Bornstein is also not perfect. A half-decade ago, her use of the term “tranny” — a word she still stands by having used — was condemned by many in the trans community. And filmmaker Sam Feder doesn’t shy away from the issue in Queer, saying it’s key to creating a full composite of the person. “Not only is it important to show all sides of the people we admire, but I think it is also important to be able to critique each other while still loving each other,” he says. The result is an objective look at Bornstein’s ongoing legacy, with every bit of reality included.

Kate Bornstein Is a Queer & Pleasant Danger screens for one night only, at 6 p.m. in Shattuck Hall at the Iliff School of Theology, 2323 East Iliff Avenue. The event is free and will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Feder. For more information, visit katebornstein-themovie.com.
Thu., Oct. 30, 6 p.m., 2014

Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

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