Oct 2022 Vol XX Issue I THE OCT ISSUE

Syracuse, New York

Your student fee
I’m a member of the LGBTQ community, and this is my friend Jerk. Talk, Jerk! “Ally!”

@jerkmagazine jerkmagazine.net
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Zoe Glasser LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
EDITOR IN CHIEF

When I was 16, I wrote the piece that made me pursue about one of our staff’s experiences with her mom
Lilly Chidlaw-Mayen Sarah Dolgin Eden Stratton
CREATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR journalism. It was not for my high school newspaper, coming out on pg. 27, learn about the history of queer
although I was an editor on that (because of course I was) sex and sexuality in America on pg. 61, and hear from
— it was an in-class assignment for my AP Lang class. As LGBTQ+ tattoo artists in Syracuse on pg. 53. On digital,
soon as I heard the prompt at the top of the hour, I began read about the way our staff empowers others to combat
EDITORIAL DIGITAL
smashing the keys on my school-issued Chromebook. internalized homophobia, critique our social media habits
FOB EDITOR: Megan Adams DIRECTOR: Lucy Stover
In a flash, 750 words were done, sitting pretty in Times by delving into TikTok lesbian 101, and hear firsthand how
OPINION EDITOR: Margo Moran DESIGN DIRECTORS: Anika Dua & Lilianna Smith
New Roman 12 point. Google Classroom had never seen transitioning students are treated on SU’s campus.
ASST. OPINION EDITORS: Julia Reedy & Russell Tom Sun DESIGNERS: Sophia Donio, Gisele Gosset, Thelma Gies,
Sarah Wong, Hallie Meyer, Cayla Israel, Elijah Sykes, a paper submitted so quickly. My chest burned with Telling the rainbow (pun 1000% intended) of stories
FEATURES EDITOR: Julia Walker
Catie Haugen, Olivia Smith, Sophie Sternkopf, Natalie pride, a writer’s high. My teacher, who I adored, pulled from across the community brings visibility to it and
ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: Sadiya Kherani D’Alto, Ande Wittenmeier, Gisele Gosset
me aside after the bell rang. “I want to talk to you about highlights just how unique each of us is. As state and
GAWK EDITOR: Lily Brooks VIDEO DIRECTORS: Olivia Allison & Luci Messineo-Witt
your assignment,” he said. I tried to steady my breathing. federal governments across the country and the world
ASST. GAWK EDITORS: Noa Putman, Makenna SOCIAL DIRECTORS: Katie Murray & Giana DiTolla
John & Aiyana Hardy Had I messed it up in my excitement? “It’s... really good. continue to abuse LGBTQ+ people, it is of utmost
HEAD EDITOR: Allison Bilger
NOISE EDITOR: Sydney Gold You should consider submitting to something, like a importance that we uplift each other, and we start by
ASST. EDITORS: Isabel Bekele, Emma Novy, Ella Welsh
ASST. NOISE EDITOR: Emane Haque magazine.” listening to each other. As you read, I hope you keep in
The prompt for that piece was “tell a true story.” My mind that each person’s true story is unique and ever-
CREATIVE
WRITERS piece was entitled “A True Coming Out Story.” changing and that some truths for some people are not
Cassandra Abel, Gray Reed, Karla Sofia Perez Davila, DESIGN DIRECTOR: Lang Delapa
As you’ll read on pg. 63, I came out as a lesbian when true for others. I also encourage you to reflect on your
Jackson Barnes, Lily Menk, Faith Bolduc, Marissa Carello, DESIGNERS: Lindsey Smiles, Hailey Williams
Chloe Langerman, Ellie Chapman, Maddie Rhodes, Travis Newbery, Marisa Goldberg, Katie Cefalo I was 12 years old, and I’ve been writing since I could hold own stories and always keep your eyes open for new ones
Madison Christiansen, Isa Naro, Timia Cobb, Jojo ILLUSTRATORS: Matt Latvis, Hannah Landon, Thelma a pencil. So it was a natural progression that I ended up within you and around you. Who knows? Maybe those
Wertheimer, Hannah Saltz, Joelle de Poto, Sophie Davis, Gies, Hallie Meyer, Paige Toglia, Ben Herbert, Kodah writing about it and then realizing I could write about it true stories will lead you to the places you were meant
Taylor Benjamin, Fifi Azzara, Kathryn Hendry, Etzabella Thompson, Fey Kligerman, Marisa Goldberg, Katie
Pabon, Naimah Rahman, Bryan Fletcher, Cassia Soodak professionally. Then I got to Syracuse and began writing to be.
Cefalo
for my major and, more importantly, Jerk. With love and Jerk always,
PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR: JJ Tanaka
FRESHMAN INTERNS And, well, here we are, with an entire issue about
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Grace Hayden, Carmen Miller, Ellie
Teddy Ryan & Kiran Hubbard Stern, Vivienne Love, Maya Lockwood, Elijah Sykes, Junyi LGBTQ+ identities and community. If you’ve made it this
Zhang, James Hutchinson, Yiting Wang far, then I should thank you. Right now, you’re reading
my senior thesis project for SU’s Renee Crown Honors
Program. Aside from the serendipity that both my first-
ever magazine-style piece and my capstone piece are
about the same topic, this issue and the representation
of diverse LGBTQ+ people are indescribably close to my
heart.
Harriet Brown You know what else is important to me? The fantastic
ADVISOR and beautiful members of Jerk, many of whom are
LGBTQ+ and many of whom are not. They represent
Through its content, Jerk is dedicated to enhancing insight through communication by providing an informal platform for the freedom of expression. The writing contained
within this publication expresses the opinions of the individual writers. The opinions expressed herein are not those of Syracuse University, the Office of Student Activities, the
Student Association, or the student body. Additionally, the ideas presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Jerk Editorial Board. Furthermore,
people from across the country, the LGBTQ+ community, Zoe Glasser
Jerk will not be held responsible for the individual opinions expressed within. Submissions, suggestions, and opinions are welcomed and may be printed without contacting the and the SU community. These are their true stories and Editor In Chief (she/her/hers)
writer. Jerk reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions at the discretion of its editors. Jerk Magazine is published monthly during the Syracuse University academic year. All
contents of the publication are copyright 2021 by their respective creators. No content may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the Jerk Editorial Board. the true stories of those in all our communities. Read
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JERK THIS BITCH SMUT GAWK NOISE
FRONT OF BOOK OPINION FEATURES FASHION ARTS

7 Jerk on the Internet 15 Swiping Left on 23 Breaking Binaries 41 Screen Queens 53 Inked, Out, and Proud
But wait, there’s more... Fatphobia Zoe Glasser Lily Brooks, Aiyana Hardy, Sadiya Kherani & Teddy Ryan
Zoe Glasser Carmen Miller
9 Hit/Bitch 27 Dinner Table 57 Package: Queer Sex and Sexuality
Megan Adams 17 Seventeen, Twenty-Nine Discussions 49 Stripped: Ode to the Gray Reed, Chloe Langerman, Isa Naro, Zoe
Julia Reedy Sarah Dolgin Midriff Glasser, Joelle de Poto
10 October Horoscopes Russell Tom Sun
Sarah Dolgin & Eden Stratton 19 Glowing Up, Looking 31 Delving Into “Days of 65 Saint Luke
Back Girlhood” 51 Form & Function: Jackson Barnes
11 Sex: The Queering of Russell Tom Sun Julia Walker & Fifi Azzara Fancy Nancy
Virginity Cassia Soodak 66 Man Eater
Margo Moran 21 Labels 35 Rest in Pieces, Labels Sydney Gold
Margo Moran Karla Perez 52 Closet Case: Twin Flames
13 Framed: Siiri Pombar Makenna John
Megan Adams 39 Lorraine’s Lasting Legacy
Lily Menk
14 21 +/- Lesbian Flag Jello
Shots 40 Nectar Espresso Bar &
Taylor Benjamin & Megan Vintage
Adams Emane Haque
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INTERNET

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Bringing you the latest and the littest @jerkmagazine

Listen to Jerk’s weekly podcast, Hit and Bitch — where Zoë, Emma, and Kenny discuss Jerk Magazine is exploring new ways to compliment our print mag. Find additional
the things you hate to love and love to hate — on Spotify today! content on social media and our website jerkmagazine.net.
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OCT HOROSCOPES

HIT

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Words by Megan Adams

GET ROLLIN’ BY NICKELBACK

What we love NOVEMBER 18 ARIES TAURUS GEMINI
Mar. 21 - Apr. 19 Apr. 20 - May 20 May 20 - Jun. 20

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The next Nickelback we never needed. With classics
NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY like “look at this photograph” and “rockstar,’’ this Aries, life has been a LOT lately Well, you know what they say about We know you’ve got a reputation
album promises to be another swing and a miss for the (you’ve had three situationships bulls — they’re stubborn AF. If you for being two-faced, but that’s
OCTOBER 11 and they’ve all ended in a drunk put half of the energy you’ve spent not true. You’re allowed to wallow
musical tragedy that is this rock band (if you can call
screaming match at Lucy’s), and holding grudges over silly issues (like in T-Swift’s new album and turn
We know we’re a little late but this is a big one! This it that).
that paper-thin temper has not your roommates never unloading back time to your preteens to
is like when they say the name of the movie in the been helping. Apologies go a the dishwasher) into productivity, hyperfixate on the new Arctic
movie because it’s what this issue is all about. It’s not
just about “coming out” though, because hey, coming
NATIONAL STEM DAY long way, and people can be you’d be moving mountains. It’s time Monkeys album! As our wise blonde
more forgiving for things than to let it go and move onto better leader said, we have this thing
out isn’t even necessary. This day is just about NOVEMBER 8 you might assume. Maybe avoid things babe. Maybe aromatherapy? where we get older but never wiser.
celebrating the LGBTQ+ community – it’s pride 2.0! notes app apologies though.
Nothing is worse than your Arts and Sciences-
mandated lab science and math credits, and we at Jerk
THE CROWN SEASON 5 recognize that. Props to everyone who’s a STEM fan,
NOVEMBER 9 especially the -women in STEM- but tbh, it’s just not CANCER LEO VIRGO
for us. Mag writers don’t typically love math like you Jun. 21 - Jul. 22 Jul. 23 - Aug. 22 Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
The passing of a certain monarch (we don’t want to nerds do.
It might be time to distance yourself Darling Leo, we can hear your Oh, Virgo. We just know your
name names) has made this series of The Crown the from certain people this month, houseplants screaming for water upper traps could use a trip to the
most anticipated season of television in a while. We’re MACY’S THANKSGIVING Cancer. For the love of Lana, do not all the way from here. Get proactive chiropractor. Maybe that’s because
ready to work through Princess Diana’s trauma and DAY PARADE text your ex-boyfriend back – he and find yourself a plant-mama in you spend your nights staring at the
call out the longstanding history of colonization... but still doesn’t wash those navy sheets. the tofu aisle at Trader Joe’s like wall reliving when you peed your
we can be a little excited for the costumes too, right?
NOVEMBER 24 Turn off those post notifications the rest of us. You could probably pants at your second grade spelling
and break the internet with a thirst use a little water yourself, fire bee. Drown yourself in a bevvy and
As much as we love the Snoopy balloon, there’s no trap like you always do (we’d be signs need hydration too. pull yourself up by your bootstraps,
RIHANNA ON THE BLACK way that the energy it takes to blow him up is less than happy to supply a ring light). babycakes. We’re sure there will
what Kylie Jenner uses on her private jets. Plus, the
PANTHER: WAKANDA be something else to relive soon.
amount of corporate shilling, awkwardly lip-synced
FOREVER SOUNDTRACK performances, and cringy Santa Claus references is
MARCH 20 nauseating enough to make us feel like Grinches.

This movie could be great or awful – Marvel has been

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS
very unpredictable in terms of quality lately – but if AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER Sep. 23 - Oct. 22 Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
there’s one thing we can count on, it’s Rihanna. After DECEMBER 16 Libra, that imposter syndrome is Let’s embrace cuffing season as it We know you’re the main character,
a 6-year hiatus, more Rih is absolutely necessary! ruining your lovely skin. Stare deeply approaches, Scorpio. Allow yourself Sag, but you need to stop sharing
James Cameron, it’s time to hang up your hat because into the mirror and remind yourself to be intimate and stop leaving your location with everyone on Find
no one wants to see this atrocity. Nothing called that you’re more than just a pretty that sweet boy from Recess Coffee My Friends. We love to follow your
BLINK-182 ORIGINAL coordinates as they prance around
“Avatar” will ever come close to “The Last Airbender,” face (much prettier without stress- on read (he wrote you a poem for
LINEUP TOUR induced hives though!). Nothing a God’s sake!). Let him take you out campus, but it’s getting old. The cute
and we as a society need to accept that and move
2023 forward. little lavender incense can’t solve. for an overpriced oat milk latte barista that took your order doesn’t
and have your hot girl moment. need to know that you live on Walnut.
The original lineup is back, and yeah, maybe they’re a A free coffee’s a free coffee.
BABYLON
little corny, but this is HUGE. The tour is gonna be full
of the kids who wore checkered Vans and all black DECEMBER 25
and they are likely married with kids now — wow!
Old habits die hard, and band groupies die harder.
Can we just cancel Brad Pitt already? What did Margot CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES
Robbie do to deserve a co-starring role with TMZ’s Dec. 21 - Jan. 20 Jan. 21 - Feb. 18 Feb. 19 - Mar. 20
favorite scandalous man of the season? If we wanted
WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY to watch another bygone actor prance around in a tux, Miss Capricorn, your mom told you to We know you’re feeling lucky, It’s a bit too predictable to be a
NOVEMBER 4 we would just gaslight ourselves into watching Wolf of find a new hobby and stop watching Aquarius, so it’s time to take some fish out of water right now, Pisces.
Wall Street. Sorry, Leo. every gruesome crime documentary risks! Channel your inner Whitman Share that google calendar with
For accordion fans and people who love on Netflix. We know it’s tempting, and invest in some stocks or us and let’s get after it! We’ve seen
comedy, parody, and polka, we’re anticipating but we agree with mama bear. something. Who knows, if you start you girlboss before, and we have
this movie to be incredible. His story’s a weird
What we hate Apparently juggling is good for the now that Victoria Paris Pinterest no doubt that you will do it again.

BITCH
soul, so maybe that’s a good start? lime-green kitchen could be yours. **Insert inspirational Lizzo lyric.**
one, pardon our pun, and the storytelling
should be riveting. It drops on Roku this
November, and trust that we WILL be seated. Words by Sarah Dolgin & Eden Stratton | Art By Paige Toglia
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SEX:

THE QUEERING OF every relationship having the masculine one and say on how someone else classifies their virginity,

VIRGINITY
the feminine one, and is heinously outdated. Queer their body count, or anything else. Straight people

JERK 1-14
rhetoric has come so far, so why do so many people have breathed down the necks of their queer
still feel comfortable forcing gay men into boxes of counterparts since the invention of gay people,
which gender role they play in their relationship? often with some mix of performative allyship and
In which Jerk mythbusts virginity. For a community looking to move beyond the binary, morbid and/or fetishizing curiosity. Don’t force
this is an extremely old-fashioned and constricting queer sex into boxes to make it compatible with
Words by Margo Moran
Art by Kodah Thompson idea to grip onto. The way that consenting adults how you fathom heterosexuality.
have sex with each other does not have to make
sense to you, or make you feel comfortable and
soothed, in order to be valid. Moreover, you have no
Let’s start with a baseline, Jerk-endorsed shoe that has somehow been tucked in there for
truth: virginity is fake. The idea that a single thing a week. Both feel good, both are different, and
changes when your genitals interact with someone both are valid ways to feel pleasure. Whether you
else’s genitals is a weird myth made up by the want to consider this a new virginity is up to you,
Catholic industrial complex to sell indulgences. because that shit is made up. You have every right
It also doesn’t consider the fact that people to make it up as you go, it’s nobody else’s call but
define sex differently, especially in the case of sex your own.
between two people with penises, two people with Two years ago, someone asked me how
vaginas, and any dynamics in between. “Sex” has lesbians lose their virginity. I have thought about
as many different definitions as there are people this question ever since for two reasons: One, it
in the world. For many, when you have penetrative was a stupid question and seemed to imply that any
sex for the first time, you are “losing your virginity.” form of sex that lesbians have will never be as valid
So what does it mean when you’ve been having as heterosexual sex. Two, I honestly had no idea
sex one way, and then you have sex in a completely how to answer it. Now, at my mature age, writing
different way? Have you grown a new virginity this from the retirement home (read: my senior
that you can now lose anew, or are you continuing year of undergrad) I realize that there isn’t a right
that original sexual journey? No, really, I’m asking, answer, just like there isn’t one uniform correct
because there is no one right answer for what it answer of how straight people lose their virginities.
means to have sex with a gender you haven’t had All that we can say for sure is that, when moving
sex with before. between the sexual cultures of different gender
For some, this is a life-affirming experience: for configurations, there is a learning curve. Entering
a gay man who has only ever slept with women, the gay sex cinematic universe (the GSCU, if you
sleeping with a man for the first time is like having will), you’ll hear the same question, over and over:
a crazy itch on your back. People have been top or bottom?
scratching right next to it, which has felt fine but An article from them provides insight into the
not quite right and you weren’t sure why, and history of the terms, which originated as labels
suddenly, someone is clawing away at the middle of power dynamics as well as preferred sexual
of that itch. Yes, you’ve had your back scratched, position. A top penetrates a bottom and often
and you thought that it was supposed to feel a bit enjoys being more in control and dominant, while
“meh,” but now you find out that other people have the bottom assumes a more submissive role. If
been getting their itches directly scratched the you enjoy playing both roles, you’re classified as
whole time. For people who are sexually attracted a vers, a term that didn’t enter the vocabulary of
to more than one gender, having sex with different the queer community until the 1970s. GQ’s Nick
genders can be like getting an itch scratched vs. Levine wishes death to top/bottom discourse,
taking an extremely meddlesome rock out of your because it reinforces heteronormative ideas of
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FRAMED: 21 +/-

SIIRI POMBAR LESBIAN FLAG

JELLO SHOTS

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Words by Megan Adams | Photos provided

Words by Taylor Benjamin and Megan Adams

Photo by Ellie Stern
Siiri Pombar, an SU studio arts and art In terms of what she creates and why, Pombar
education double major, specializes in screen deals a lot with grief and femininity in her work.
printing, a type of art she describes as a lot like a When asked about her favorite projects, she cited a
puzzle – organizing, strategizing, and eventually set of screen prints from her not-too-distant history. If there’s one thing we at Jerk celebrate, it’s INGREDIENTS
laying the pieces into place by intricate design. “They weren’t technically the most advanced or pride! These jello shots are the perfect way
Screen printing more literally is taking mesh and anything, but they meant a lot to me personally,” to show off your pride while still ensuring • 3 oz Orange Jello
using it to transfer a design onto a flat surface. But Pombar tells us. Inspiring this piece was a loved you’ll be carried home from the pregame. • 3 oz Raspberry Jello
for Pombar, it’s more than just mechanics. one of Pombar’s who had passed that didn’t The sweet nostalgia of jello combined • 0.25 oz or 1 packet of
“I was really into art in high school and really want anyone to be “too sad” about their passing. with the punch of vodka is a surefire way unflavored gelatin
close with my art teacher,” Pombar says, “I was “It’s a really conflicting thing to try and celebrate to get people talking about their queer • 7 oz condensed milk
going to go into business and she told me to ‘save someone in their death,” Pombar says, “[Art] really awakenings. • 2 ¼ c vanilla vodka
myself.’” A self-described printmaking “addict,” helps with how to deal with death I think.” Her • 3 ¼ c boiling water
Pombar credits her high school art teacher with current project focuses more on femininity rather P.S: Take a shot if you just thought about • 2 oz plastic portion cups
her decision to study art and art education. Falling than grief as she pieces together a project based Hayley Kiyoko in Lemonade Mouth.
in love with screen printing was something she on the bathroom at her house. “I live with three
discovered coming from a background in 3D art. other people, two who are women and one who PROCEDURE
Starting out digital, hating photography and is not,” she tells us. The piece is turning out to be
eventually transitioning to screenprinting, Pombar something of a portrait of a messy, 20-something’s Pink Layer:
is still evolving as an artist and learning even more bathroom, littered with makeup, hair products, 1. Combine raspberry jello with 1 ¼ cups
media. “I do a lot of digital sketching and [have] and other items. The femininity in this piece is not hot water and mix until fully dissolved
historically done a lot of screenprints and I’ve necessarily the focal point, but Pombar tells us her 2. Add in ¾ cups vodka and mix again
recently been learning relief,” Pombar tells us. art typically has an undertone of “what it is to be 3. Fill each cup 1/3 of the way full
Reliefs are technically defined as any work where perceived as a woman or femme-presenting in this and refrigerate for one hour
the figures project from a background, but where world,” and it’s clear this piece reflects that.
Pombar is concerned, they are wooden panels As she continues her art into her future, her White Layer:
carved and sculpted intricately. It is something goals aren’t completely clear yet, but she sees 1. Combine unflavored gelatin with
different and meaningful to have this relationship herself going into art education. Pombar says she ¾ cups hot water and mix
with media when making art, Pombar tells us, has concerns, however. “I see a lot of teachers stop 2. Add in ¾ cups vodka
“You’re carving something out to put something their creations,” she tells us, “I don’t want to ever 3. Add condensed milk to the gelatin
back on [top].” stop making.” mixture and stir until fully combined
4. Pour over the set layer of
raspberry jello mixture
5. Refrigerate for one hour

Orange Layer:
1. Combine orange jello with 1 ¼ cups hot
water and mix until fully dissolved.
2. Add in ¾ cups vodka and mix again
3. Fill each cup to the top and
refrigerate for one hour
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16

BITCH
BITCH
SWIPING LEFT ON fat liberation movement of the 1970s ans 80s was
spearheaded by fat lesbian and bisexual women to
energy, even within the same sexuality.”
Notably, not all LGBTQ+ SU students in bigger

FATPHOBIA
remedy this exact problem. bodies have perceived weight-based discrimination

JERK
Interestingly, the aforementioned anonymous in their dating lives. Human Development and

JERK15-22
student said that he has never received rude Women and Gender Studies alumnus Tamia
comments about their weight from women or femme Parsons (they/them) said that they have noticed

–21
LGBTQ+ SU students in bigger bodies are often pushed away from people they have seen in a romantic capacity; only more discrimination based on their identity as a
men or masc people seem to make overtly fatphobic Black gender non-conforming lesbian among SU’s
the dating pool. remarks. This trend held true among SU students I majority-white LGBTQ+ community rather than
spoke to who identify as bisexual, pansexual, queer, based on their size.
Words by Zoe Glasser
Art by Marisa Goldberg or are otherwise attracted to men, regardless of “Especially at Syracuse, the queer community
gender. Tori Barnes* (she/her), a freshman PR is predominantly white, because we are a
major and a cisgender pansexual woman, had a predominantly white institution. There’s a very
similar encounter during her first semester at SU. skinny, white gay person that people associate a
When one anonymous SU student (he/they), perceived as fat, I have never experienced fatphobia “I was going out with this guy for a couple of lot with non-binary identities or queer identities in
heard the familiar brrrup–brrring of a Tinder in the dating world– or at all, for that matter– but dates, and then he sent me a text by mistake when general. Being black and not skinny, I don’t fit into
notification, their fingers scrambled to unlock I wanted to shed light on these stories. So I put he was talking to one of his friends,” Barnes said. those ideals,” they said.
their phone. Anticipation swelling in their chest, on my reporter’s hat (thank you, Newhouse) and “He basically said, ‘I’ve gone on a couple dates with Parsons has found very little overlap between
they tapped the red-and-white flame to reveal the created a survey to analyze the differences in self- this fat chick, but she’s too chubby for me.’ I told the Black community and LGBTQ+ communities at
identity of their newest match. Maybe this would reported romantic satisfaction between thin and him he’d sent it to the wrong person.” SU, an issue worthy of its own article. This has made
be the one. But as they swiped over to the direct fat LGBTQ+ college students. Among 73 students On the gendered flipside, Karina Peterson* it uniquely difficult to date and find community in
messages section, the red notification dot by their surveyed, 20 identified as both fat and LGBTQ+, (she/her), a biology and forensics major and a college because of the intersection of gender, race,
match’s name began to look more like a stoplight and 80% of those students said that they believed lesbian, says that she has never had any of her and sexuality.
than a beacon of love. “You look like a disgusting their weight negatively impacted their dating lives. femme partners comment outright on her weight. But again, Parsons’ experience in terms of
person,” the message read, black letters branded Another 15% said it had no effect, and only one But women still slide in fatphobic remarks, just in weight seems pretty unique. Not including them,
on a pale-gray speech bubble. Then, another student, who declined to be interviewed, reported different, more socially acceptable ways. almost everyone I spoke to who reported a negative
message: “I wouldn’t touch you with a pole.” that it positively affected their romantic pursuits. “I’ve had women date me for a little bit and then overall dating experience because of their weight
The student now holds up the screenshot of For reference, about 71% of the 45 thin LGBTQ+ really zone in on food. If we eat together, they would has sworn off dating apps, and some have sworn off
this encounter to his laptop camera, showing me respondents to the same question said that their [ask,] ‘Hey, what are you eating there?’ and just put dating in general. While their thin friends have the
over Zoom. The letters wiggle slightly because weight either neutrally or positively impacted their a lot of focus on that in an ‘I-can-fix-her’ sort of luxury of swiping through Tinder without receiving
of the three layers of LED screens, distorted by dating lives. Translation: SU students need to way,” said Peterson. “It was like, okay, so you want an onslaught of vicious messages or flirting in
a strangely fitting rainbow moiré effect, but the unlearn their fatphobia, like, now. to date a version of me that isn’t here yet.” class, they have found various ways to manage
message couldn’t be clearer. Although scholarship on fatphobia in LGBTQ+ But social norms about politeness haven’t their expectations around romance.
This student, a bisexual and transgender spaces, especially in terms of dating, is all but non- stopped the ladies from being cruel, too. During her “Watching all my friends get into relationships
biology major, regularly experiences hate like this. existent, there are a couple of things we already freshman year, Peterson was unexpectedly asked around me and then trying my best but not having
Potential partners match with them on dating apps know. Like their cisgender and heterosexual peers, on a dinner date by a friend from a club. She obliged, anyone… that kind of took an emotional toll on me,”
just to call them names or liken them to an animal, LGBTQ+ people in bigger bodies (some of whom surprised that this person took interest in her, and the anonymous student said. “I’ve tried Bumble, I’ve
then unmatch and block. On the rare occasion self-identify as fat, reclaiming the pejorative term) the pair shared a slightly-awkward meal later that tried Tinder, and whenever I match with someone,
that they do go on dates, they receive comments experience discrimination in many aspects of their week. Peterson felt it had gone well enough for a I think seven out of 10 times, I’ve been asked about
on their weight or are ghosted after a couple cups lives, including romance. Though we do not know first date. Later, though, the friend texted her with a my weight. I’ve been told ‘You look disgusting.’
of coffee or CoreLife bowls from Schine. While exactly why, fat liberation activists argue that the confession. They had asked Peterson out as a dare. ‘I would never date you.’ ‘You look horrible.’ So I
they cannot prove that ghosting is caused by their systems we live under are built to exclude and “A day or two later, they were like, ‘I wasn’t really deleted the apps four days ago. I know it’s not right,
weight, they suspect it plays a role. oppress fat people, and all people have internalized serious about that. I would never actually do that,’” but it’s something I’ve just become used to.”
I had heard anecdotal evidence from students bias against fat people as a result. Caleb Luna Peterson said. “It’s high school bully energy, except
at Syracuse University who experience fatphobia (they/them), one such activist and academic, is not in a queer body. There was a part of me that kind of
like this in their dating lives, but it’s hard to put a even slightly surprised by the numbers I found in idealized LGBTQ+ people where it’s like, once I’m
number on stories like this. As a lesbian who is not my survey. In their research, they’ve found that the in college, it’ll all be better, but it’s just the same
17 18

BITCH
TW: sexual violence and abuse, grooming, pedophilia, homophobia
physical, and sexual abuse than heterosexual Although it is repeatedly said that Elio is

SEVENTEEN,
cisgender adolescents. Transgender adolescents precocious and is wise beyond his years, this, in
assigned female at birth had the highest odds of no way, disregards the fact that he is 17 (a minor)
psychological abuse. and Oliver is 7 years his senior. Over the course of

TWENTY-NINE

JERK 15-22
Additionally, the CDC’s National Intimate the film, we see Oliver use manipulative tactics in
Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that order to make Elio want him that much more — his
nearly half (48 percent) of bisexual women who are hot-and-cold, on-and-off-again behavior reaches
Unpacking the romanticization & normalization of grooming in queer rape survivors experienced their first rape between its peak when he tells Elio that he needs to grow
11 and 17. up to have sex with him, and then proceeds to have
relationships. These statistics alone reveal just how exposed sex with him shortly thereafter. The power dynamic
LGBTQ+ youth are to violence and sexual assault. between the two is palpable— time and time again,
Words by Julia Reedy Statistically, grooming is a hard subject to quantify. Elio is at Oliver’s disposal, a toy to be played with
Art by Lindsey Smiles Like I mentioned earlier, children do not know when Oliver desires, and to be cast aside when he
when they are being groomed. If and when they do does not.
become aware, it is usually because they are told It’s stories like these that perpetually fetishize
by someone else that they are or were a victim of grooming among the queer community, especially
The topic of grooming is one that we, as a some belief standards, queerness is equated with grooming. when they serve as the standard of LGBTQ films for
generation, are all too familiar with. Modern-day evil. By no means is this acceptable, nor is it fueled It is extremely difficult for victims to differentiate a younger generation. When we look to cinema, we
Lolita-esque relationships are frequently ignored by any reason or research — there is not a single between what is grooming and what is a genuine are looking to see ourselves and our love depicted
and not dissected until after the fact. Unfortunately, scientific study that provides evidence that queer relationship, not only because groomers tend to on the screen — and conversely, this affects the
the instances of grooming seem to be endless: people are any more likely to molest children than assure victims that what they have together is the way others might perceive the way an entire
Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama’s 12-year heterosexual people. latter, but also because of the way age gaps and community’s love manifests itself. By highlighting
age-gap relationship, which began when she was Grooming, by its definition, refers to an act of grooming in queer relationships are romanticized these depictions, it is disregarding the pain so
17 and he was 29; Elvis Presley and Priscilla’s 11- deliberately establishing an emotional connection in the media. Most notably, in André Aciman’s many victims feel, and lessening the consequence
year age-gap, beginning when she was 14 and he with a child to prepare that child for abuse and romance novel Call Me By Your Name, which was for the abusers. It is imperative, then, that certain
was 25; and more recently, Ezra Miller has been exploitation. More times than not, the abuse later adapted into a film starring Timothée Chalamet nuances that imply that grooming is taking place
accused of verbally and physically abusing a comes in the form of repeated sexual encounters, and Armie Hammer (like his predatory character, are exposed and issues of grooming become more
12-year-old when they were 20. and the exploitation comes in the form of threats. Hammer has not aged well). For those that haven’t transparent.
I hope I’m not wrong in saying that mostly Children do not know when they’re being groomed seen the film or read the book, the story follows
everyone agrees that grooming is wrong, and that — the process is subtle and slow, and begins with Elio, 17, as he enters the most formative summer of
any and all forms of abuse should be dealt with gaining trust — that’s why groomers are typically his youth as he begins a romance with the 24-year-
accordingly. However, we seem to walk a fine line people that the victim already knows. Once trust old graduate student studying under his father.
between age gaps and grooming, especially in the is established, groomers begin to isolate the child At a glance, the story of Elio and Oliver is an
context of queer relationships. and sexualize the relationship while maintaining innocent one, full of coming-of-age epiphanies, loss
For example, when we look at Hollywood — a power dynamic where the groomer always has and longing, accompanied by a killer Sufjan Stevens
age gaps in lesbian and gay relationships are the upper hand. For this reason, groomers will prey soundtrack and not to mention an aesthetic that
depicted so often that it feels as though this is the on considerably more vulnerable children — and is so visually pleasing, it still dominates Pinterest
norm. Heterosexual relationships with age gaps unfortunately, LGBTQ+ youth often belong to this boards today. But underneath that aesthetic lies a
are seen as an anomaly and tend to garner much category. story of a child taken advantage of by an adult, and
more concern and insight than queer ones, so my According to a study conducted by the what’s more, this film was dubbed by many as the
question is this: why is it, when we discuss victims American Academy of Pediatrics, LGBTQ+ people LGBTQ film of the decade.
of grooming, queer people are so often left out of are about 6 times more likely to experience violence
the narrative? by someone who is well known to them and about
I want to be perfectly clear in saying that 2.5 times more likely to undergo it by the hands
inciting every queer relationship with an age gap of a stranger, compared to non-LGBTQ+ people;
is a form of grooming is incredibly harmful. This and in a nationwide sample of US adolescents,
further perpetuates the homophobic notion that the AAP also found that transgender adolescents
queer people are inherently predatory, and that, by had higher odds of reporting psychological,
19 20

BITCH
GLOWING UP,
so confused, because I was doing what I thought thinks he wants nothing more than sexual favors
everyone else was doing. I should have felt happy, and will dip the second he sees the real me and

LOOKING BACK
right? Sexual liberation? Taking back the power? he will go off and find someone prettier. That’s so
Embracing my beauty? This is what everyone was unfair to myself. Sometimes I examine these stupid

JERK 15-22
doing online, but I still didn’t feel whole. I felt so thoughts and think, “How the hell did I become my
damn empty. own worst enemy?”
Life is full of growing pains, for better and for worse. It took me a long time to realize that I didn’t The truth is, I am not alone and there is no real
just want to have sex; that can be so boring, and answer to this problem. Growing up ugly is a part
Words by Russell Tom Sun after ten minutes I just want to leave. What I really of life that everyone handles differently. Everyone
Art by Ben Herbert wanted was love, I wanted a man to notice the small struggles to recognize their own beauty. And once
things about me and fall in love with me for who I we do realize our true beauty, it’s too late and we
was deep inside, not for just what my body offered. are pining over our former selves. Sadly, we don’t
Because I had fallen down that path where my only fully appreciate what we have until it’s gone. But
Look, I know I wasn’t the ugliest duckling in body just so I could finally have my first kiss or for sense of worth came from my beauty, I am quite I’m here to tell you to hold on to that hairline before
high school, but I had braces, hormonal acne, one night I could sleep in someone’s arms. I felt like traumatized, at least according to TikTok. Any time it recedes, and appreciate your beautiful self,
short, greasy hair, and wore way too much Hollister I was living the dream…until I wasn’t. My newfound a guy is interested in me, I don’t believe him. My luscious locks and all.
to ever be considered “conventionally attractive.” beauty and confidence landed me in some very brain instantly thinks, “He just wants to sleep with There’s just a few things I wish I could tell the
Even though in my freshman and sophomore toxic situations, and led me to some very dark you! He is going to leave you! You are worth nothing younger version of me. Firstly, that below-average-
years of college I did get prettier, it wasn’t until my periods of my life. It took me a long time to accept to him! He probably has a plethora of hoes! He will height man is not the love of your life, MOVE ON.
junior year of college that I noticed people started that they didn’t really care for me, they only cared find someone hotter and better than you!” I simply Secondly, your skin will clear up and the braces will
looking at me more, complimenting me, hitting for the five minutes of pleasure, and then they could refuse to believe a man could ever show interest come off (in three years, but they will!). Lastly, you
on me, and asking me out and believe me when I roll over and go on their phone and text somebody in me. Yet here I am, talking to a guy I’ve known are really beautiful.
tell you, I am so damn confused. Men who would else. I had never felt more worthless and used for a while. He’s kind, and amazing and puts in all You may not feel beautiful all day everyday, but
typically ignore me have now taken an interest in in my life, and it felt like it was all my fault. I was this effort and wants to see me, yet my brain still you’re still beautiful. Don’t settle for meaningless
me and I have no idea how to react. Like, thank you, hookups. You are loveable, and you are loved.
but also, what the hell? Be gentle to that little boy inside you who’s still
My appearance now doesn’t seem too far dreaming of his first love; others will come and go,
off from what I once looked like —my hair is a but he will always be with you.
little longer, I have a skincare routine (Thanks
CeraVe!), my face and body are more toned, I’ve
started dressing more elegantly and trendy, and
I occasionally wear glittery makeup. Yet when I
look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see what other
people see. I still see that acne-faced, 16-year-
old boy struggling and crying to get the attention
of a man who was 5’6” (that’s a long story, I was
desperate– let’s move on). Yet here I am, getting
noticed at restaurants and bars, getting asked
out, and being treated much more kindly. I know I
sound vain, but hear me out.
Going from receiving virtually no attention in
high school to getting an unlimited amount of male
validation in college messed with my head and I
didn’t know how to cope. For the first time in my
life, I felt like I was worth something and I felt like I
was finally loveable. Unfortunately, I was so touch
starved and desperate, I’d give in to any man who
called me beautiful. I would let men use me for my
21

SMUT
22

SMUT
OBITCHUARY:

LABELS
Death to default heterosexuality.

JERK 23-40
Words by Margo Moran
Art by Lilly Chidlaw-Mayen FEATURES
In Smut, we deep-dive into aspects of on- and off-campus life
that affect you (yes, YOU!).
Mom, Dad, Grandma, we have something to to the jugular of that birthright, and calling bullshit
tell you. Assuming heterosexuality to be the default on the idea that almost everyone is straight, so it
sucks. In fact, we here at Jerk have, decisively and in should be the normative sexuality. In 2021, NBC
cold blood, gutted it. The cause of death? Being an News reported that nearly 1 in 5 Gen Z adults do not
antiquated idea and a silly remnant of an era where consider themselves straight, and predicted that
queer people existed in loveless marriages for number will rapidly increase in coming years. The
their entire lives and experienced an unbelievable only thing more loathsome than demanding queer
suicide rate. I shouldn’t people to come out to
have to summon you is demanding that
my parents, close they label themselves
friends, and playfully so that you can feel
homophobic cat (she’s more comfy with
a product of her time) their identity. People
onto an emergency are ever-evolving,
Zoom call to tell them and sexuality is a
that sometimes, I fluid and nebulous
kiss girls. I shouldn’t
have to accompany
thing, bigger than a
word on a nametag
23 BREAKING BINARIES
Young people are redefining coming out by exploring their identities online.
an announcement of that tells that world
my relationship with how to experience
a man with the caveat you and how you

27 DINNER TABLE DISCUSSIONS

that I am still queer, I experience it. As we
promise. Why wouldn’t lay the institution of
someone want to share “coming out” to rest, Pack it up Love, Simon – adults can come out too.
such a meaningful we eulogize her fondly.
part of their identity Thank you, you strange
with the people close and slippery ideology,
to them, our maybe for Love, Simon, Love, 31 DELVING INTO “DAYS OF
GIRLHOOD”
seven straight readers Victor, a handful of
wonder? Because pretty good coming
you didn’t sit anyone of age books and a Jerk dissects backlash over Dylan Mulvaney’s sharing of her trans
down to tell them that you’re straight, although lifetime of trauma. May you rest in the same peace experience.
your attractions and relationships are probably that you gave queer individuals (none at fucking
just as big a part of you as mine are of me. Your all).
straightness was presumed, it was your birthright.
With all love, we humble Jerks are taking a knife
35 REST IN PIECES, LABELS
Photoessay
23 24

BREAKING BINARIES

SMUT
Young people are redefining coming out by exploring their identities

JERK 23-40
online.
Words by Zoe Glasser
Art by Hannah Landon

The five-second video shows a young person online spaces to express themselves, learn about
with a teardrop-shaped face contorted in an their identities and connect with others like them.
expression of discomfort, or perhaps anxiety. In the process, they have revolutionized the way
Their bone-straight black hair cascades down to their generation perceives coming out. “[Gen Z]
their collarbone. Their blue-jean-covered knees has an amazing and vibrant online community, a
are tucked up to their chest. With wide eyes, virtual community, and that’s a lot of the ways that
they lipsync the words, “Cheer the fuck up, you queer folks find each other,” says Kelly Anderson,
beautiful loser.” Julia Paing, a 23-year-old student a Professor of History and Women and Gender at
who uses both she/her/hers and they/them/ Smith College.
theirs pronouns, watched this year-and-a-half-old The sheer availability of information about the
TikTok draft of herself as the New York City subway LGBTQ+ community on the internet plays a major
rumbled under her feet. They held their phone in role in the surge of people coming out virtually. Prior
front of them now, their hair recently chin-length to search engines, a young queer kid would have one click of a button. This can also be more discreet Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) to
and bluish-gray, their eyes crinkled in a grin. They had to go to their local library, complete with the than sitting friends down and having a heart-to- share their emotions and experiences with those
sat back in their seat and pressed record. Though risk of someone recognizing them, in order to find heart. If someone wants to explore using different in their community. “Even just finding someone on
a white surgical mask covered her mouth, the song information about their identity. These days, young pronouns, they only have to edit their pronouns in TikTok can give that impression, like, ‘Oh, I’m not
continued, “Sincerely signed, you from the future.” people can explore their identity in an anonymous their Instagram bio — a feature the platform added alone,’ and some of the biggest hindrances and
Paing posted the complete TikTok to their account environment. “You can’t know that you’re queer or in May 2021. This editability has contributed to Gen contributions to mental health issues is feeling
@theycallmejuliapaing. The TikTok, which now trans without information,” Anderson says. “It’s Z’s perception of coming out as a casual process lonely and isolated and cut off,” he says.
has 340.6K likes, bears the caption: “And that’s on not a lightning bolt that hits your head, it’s some that may happen multiple times rather than a one- It was with the help of a community like this
coming out and acceptance!” combination of reaction to the world around you and-done revelation. “I think for older generations, that Gaia Tabron realized their truest self. Tabron,
With that video, Paing joined the approximately and feeling like something is amiss and that you we were more wedded to this sense of, once you an Afro-Indigenous pre-vet student at Boston
164 million TikTok users who have viewed or might be different from the cultural messaging came out, you were out, and that was it, and you University who now exclusively uses they/them/
posted under the hashtag #ComingOutStory. She that’s coming your way.” were now that way forever and ever, and that’s theirs pronouns, spent hours every day at the
and her fellow members of Generation Z dominate Anderson says that a sense of community just not true for a lot of people,” says Anderson. “It beginning of quarantine discussing gender and
TikTok, with about 32.5% of its user base between serves as a crucial support network for someone wasn’t about living in the gray area in between, and sexuality with other Black LGBTQ+ people in
the ages of 10–19 and another 29.5% between in the process of coming out. Prior to the internet, that’s a really exciting development that’s come in Twitter group chats. Through these conversations,
20–29 years old. Gen Z also makes up the largest these spaces included piers, parks, and bars rather the last couple of years, not having to fit into either they finally understood that they, too, existed
age-demographic proportion of something else: than group chats and hashtags. Today, though, category.” outside of the binary mold of “boy” or “girl.” They
the LGBTQ+ community. As of 2021, Gen Z makes these community centers have moved into online Social media has also helped shine a light on posted to their Twitter account, @lesfemmefatale,
up approximately 20% of the total U.S. population, forums on social media. In this way, queer activism the truth that queer people of color experience where they had over 3,000 followers at the time.
which means that about 10.5 million American itself has shifted from spreading awareness unique struggles because of racism, homophobia, The tweet simply read: “She/they,” with no further
Gen Z-ers identify as queer. Then, factor in the through rallies and marches during the AIDS crisis transphobia, and other forms of discrimination explanation, but everyone knew what they meant.
COVID-19 pandemic, when young people were to the education-based digital activism of the new that target their intersecting identities. Thomas They received an outpouring of support in the
forced out of physical community spaces where age. Mondragon, a practicing psychologist and comments section, which they would receive again
they could navigate their identities, and landed Social media websites can also make coming professor at Antioch University who specializes when they decided to stop using she/her/hers
on apps like TikTok and Twitter. In the absence of out more straightforward (ha, get it?) because they in LGBTQ+ mental health, says that finding peers pronouns and then again when they came out as
these spaces, LGBTQ+ Gen Z-ers have flocked to broadcast a message to hundreds of people with on social media can become a lifeline for many bisexual in 2021. They would come out IRL later, but
25 26

SMUT
their Twitter followers were among the first to know with whom they shared these TikToks. Eventually,
every time. “It was kind of weird for me to be like, they came out to their mother and certain members
‘Okay, I’m going to tweet about this,’ but also, I just of their extended family. They also made their own
felt like that was the best way for me to do it,” says TikTok about the process. It begins with a photo of
Tabron. “A lot of my connections and a lot of people Wood from January 2020. Their shoulder-length

JERK 23-40
I care about access me through Twitter, and so it chestnut hair and gold hoop earrings frame a
was kind of like sitting your family around the table pouting face. Then, the video cuts to another photo
and telling them the news, but virtually.” of them from December 2020 sticking their tongue
Today, Tabron has over 40,000 followers on out in a laugh while pulling down on a beanie that
their new account, @nonbinarybooty. They attract covers their turquoise, ear-length hair. The caption
followers for their memeable, often raunchy Tweets reads: “Amazing what trauma does to a person.”
about pop culture mixed with leftist political Just as social media can overflow with support
commentary and peppered with selfies. One of for LGBTQ+ youth like Tabron and Wood, it
their most popular tweets, which has over 28K likes, also contains plenty of hate and prejudice that
reads: “if u have a crush on me and it’s genuine can damage someone’s psyche. After all, just
speak now or forever hold ur peace cuz i’m bout because positive spaces exist on social media
to go outside in this thunderstorm and hold a fork does not mean that all anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice
to the sky.” They continue to support other trans will disappear. Because of their Twitter following,
and nonbinary people online by encouraging their Tabron regularly becomes involved in heated
followers to donate to crowdfunding campaigns, quote-tweet battles with users who try to invalidate
sharing petitions, and sending them encouraging their identities. When one user told them that
comments. they were “a grown ass woman confused on their
As the younger members of Gen Z and the gender” in November 2021, Tabron retorted with
following generations grow up and come out, “i’m non-binary and you could really cry about
Anderson thinks binary labels likely won’t be so it cuz i’ll never be so insecure about myself and
strictly defined. Many young queer people refuse to my identity to the point where i sit around in the
take labels at all, and, if they do, their labels often internet trying to tell other people who they are &
change over time. Coming out may also become what they should be.” Tabron is somewhat used
more casual for some; after all, you may not need to the virtual vitriol, but they recognize that other,
to sit down with your parents and have a discussion younger queer kids may be more sensitive. Both
about coming out if they see that you’ve changed Anderson and Mondragon also worry about this, as
your pronouns in your Instagram bio. well as long-term psychological effects that online
Before the pandemic, Mo Wood, a Syracuse spaces may have. While they agree social media
University alumnus who uses they/them/theirs creates valuable community, apps like Twitter and
pronouns, did not know anyone who used gender- TikTok cannot replace the psychological need for
neutral pronouns. In the months prior to coming face-to-face connection. “My concern about gay
out as nonbinary, their all-knowing TikTok For and trans folks [nowadays] is, how do you discover
You Page began to trade their regular content [your identity] when you can’t touch somebody?
about pop-punk music, anime, and Dungeons and How do you discover that when you’re physically by
Dragons for dozens of videos about nonbinary and yourself?” says Anderson.
gender non-conforming people discussing their Regardless, Gen Z continues to use social
identities. Wood, who had struggled with their media as both a mirror and a diary through which
gender identity in high school, felt seen by these they can see themselves reflected and reflect
TikToks. The more they liked, the more would show on themselves. Sometimes, posting it online to
up on their algorithmically-curated FYP. They can’t strangers might be a lot easier than telling people
pinpoint the moment that they realized they identify you care about. That’s the thing with social media;
as nonbinary, but the videos stirred something there’s this whole platform of people you don’t
fundamental in them. They first expressed their really know but have a connection with.”
newfound identity to their boyfriend at the time,
27 28

SMUT
DINNER TABLE
DISCUSSIONS

JERK 23-40
Pack it up Love, Simon – adults can come out too.
Words by Sarah Dolgin
Art by Hallie Meyer

As I meandered upstairs following the scent of We nodded reluctantly as she started to speak
freshly made quesadillas, I noticed that my mom again.
had set the table for dinner. “I wanted to tell you girls that I’ve started seeing
My heart sank. someone... I’ve started seeing a woman,” she said
To some, setting the table for family dinner may quietly, shrinking into her seat as she uttered the
not seem out of the ordinary, but in my household, last word.
a set table is a surefire sign that there is going to be We almost didn’t hear her.
a serious conversation. Growing up with a single My sister and I simultaneously sighed with
mom who works late at her multiple jobs and a relief.
younger sister, we spent most evenings recapping “Mom, are you kidding me? I thought you were
our days from the couch eating late-night going to tell us something bad,” I said.
takeout while engaging in casual and hilariously I felt so disheartened that she thought we were
inappropriate banter. going to be disappointed or upset with her that
I went through all of the possible scenarios in she had found someone to be with, and had found
my head as I filled our water glasses and placed out something new about herself that she had not
them on the table. There were even coasters, been able to explore when she was married to
which fed my anxiety beyond belief. our dad. She hadn’t been with anyone since she
The first thing that came to mind was that she had left my dad five years prior and we had been
was sick. Or maybe she lost her job? Was she worrying that she was holding herself back from
getting back together with my dad? Ha — definitely finding companionship and romance on our behalf.
not. The cold sweat accumulated as I waited for the Thankfully, we were wrong and she found
impending news. someone — no matter her sexuality, we were
My sister glanced at me with a look that simply happy that she was happy.
perfectly encapsulated my inner monologue of Although she was relieved we took the news
concerns. Shit — she felt it too. well, she worried about what people in our small
Finally, my mom finished cooking her famous town were going to say, and how people would
cheese quesadillas and took her seat at the table. react at the elementary school she taught at if they
Does she have on makeup? I thought to myself. found out.
It seemed like she had even put effort into her It was then that we realized she didn’t really
appearance at our typically casual family dinner, want us to tell anyone because she didn’t feel
which was a very alarming breach of our big-t- comfortable or safe outwardly expressing her
shirt-no-pants dress code. identity. She didn’t owe it to anyone to let them
She cleared her throat. know that she discovered she was also interested
“Girls, I want you to know that you always come in women, but I also felt so proud of her and wanted
first,” she began.“You know that, right?” her to feel comfortable sharing this part of herself
29 30

SMUT
with others when she was ready. bring himself to set foot in our house to wait if we relationships. I wish I had always been aware of friends and family with, my mom made our home the
When friends would ask who the woman at my were running late when he picked us up. I told the harmful rhetoric surrounding relationships home. Friends of mine who did not want to tell their
house all the time was and I would say my mom’s myself it was just too painful for him to meet my stemming from heteronormativity, but I developed parents about anything from new developments
“friend,” it felt weird and forced because anyone mom’s new love interest, but I knew deep down an extra ear for problematic statements and would in sexuality to issues involving drinking and other

JERK 23-40
with half a working brain cell could tell that she was that he was also confused and hurt by my mom’s feel a heightened sense of rage knowing that these teenage taboos in our town would seek out my
more than a friend. embracement of her newfound identity. nasty judgments would be passed on to my mom if mom’s perspective and support.
One night, I called a trusted friend of mine to Oh — and let’s not forget my super religious people knew. Having a parent come out later in life and
catch up and mentioned my mom’s girlfriend. The uncle’s uncanny timing when sending my mom In the hallway, I suddenly noticed whispers: shamelessly be herself in the face of adversity not
silence on the other end of the line was deafening. YouTube clips about saving herself in the eyes “When is X gonna come out already– did you see only inspired me to advocate for people who are
“That’s so random and weird,” she eventually of Jesus after meeting her girlfriend at our family what she was wearing today?” or some other wild not as lucky to be able to do the same, but helped
said. I couldn’t believe my ears. Fourth of July party. and stereotypical commentary for a high school me weed out the people in our lives whose small-
The next time I spoke with this so-called friend, If my family and friends couldn’t pull their hallway. mindedness came to light.
she let me know that she and her family discussed shit together to support my mom in her new While the harsh reality that not everyone was In the years since my mom set the table to
the matter and also thought it was “weird” that my relationship, even from a distance, how would we going to accept my mom was something that announce her new relationship, our table no longer
mom was seeing a woman. safely navigate the world of people who knew her made me both discouraged and scared, I came to has places set for the same people. Some places
My face burned. peripherally? appreciate the household of acceptance that I had have been removed, and others have been added.
To no one’s surprise, my dad didn’t take it well I also didn’t anticipate the fact that my straight taken for granted my entire life. But what’s remained the same is our ever-growing
either. Before my sister and I passed our driving teenage self would become instantaneously Although our house may have been smaller love and respect for my mom and her kickass
tests(which was a miracle when it finally happened), hypersensitive and attuned to discourse about and more modest than the rest in our town, with quesadillas.
my dad had to take us to and from his apartment queer, specifically woman-loving-woman less fancy furniture and fewer gadgets to impress
every other weekend. Yes, I’m referring to the lovely
divorce arrangements where every child loves to
haphazardly pack a bag to accommodate each
parent’s respective weekend.
As if it wasn’t awkward enough, my dad refused
to ever meet my mom’s girlfriend. He couldn’t even
31 32

DELVING INTO

SMUT
“DAYS OF
GIRLHOOD”

JERK 23-40
Jerk dissects backlash over Dylan Mulvaney’s sharing of her
trans experience.
Words by Julia Walker and Fifi Azzara
Art by Thelma Gies

Decked out in red lipstick, gradient pink nails,

and a white turtleneck, Dylan Mulvaney announced
to TikTok that she was on “day one of being a girl.”
To describe this milestone, she noted:
“I’ve already cried three times. I wrote a scathing
email that I did not send, I ordered dresses online
that I couldn’t afford, and then when someone asked
me how I was, I said ‘I’m fine!’ When I wasn’t fine.
How’d I do ladies? Good? Girl power!” She used
grand hand gestures and nodded her brunette bob
up and down while she described what she thought
to be the most difficult parts of being a woman.
It has now been 216 days of Mulvaney
documenting her journey on Tik Tok, racking up 8.2
million followers since early this March. Mulvaney’s
series, “Days of Girlhood,” consists of Mulvaney
announcing how many days it has been since she
transitioned and explaining something new she’s
learned since transitioning.
Transgender creators on TikTok are overfamiliar
with backlash from the cisgender community.
Many of the negative reactions to Mulvaney’s “Days
of Girlhood” series, however – are from the trans
community itself. Much of this retaliation focuses
on Mulvaney’s glamorization of transitioning
genders, which is increasingly hard for those with
less privilege or those in minority communities,
over-simplification of what it means to be a woman,
and the use of the word “girl” in her videos.
These points underscore the trans community’s’
main point of contention: Mulvaney is an unrealistic
representation of the trans experience.
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“Trans folks are not a monolith,” said SU transitioning can be extremely challenging extremely harmful stereotype that transgender The transgender community (especially
professor Chaz Antoine Barracks, who has a and even a low point. Dylan has addressed the people are sexually predatory in nature. This minorities within the community) is more
research focus on the power of joy in media depression many transgender people face when stereotype arises when cisgender women claim vulnerable to stereotypes, prejudice, and violence
representation of marginalized communities. “A addressing those who cyberbully members of the they do not feel safe with transgender people than any other community in the country. Mulvaney
white woman in this country has a very different transgender community on TikTok. using their bathrooms, thinking that men act as has offended members of the community by

JERK 23-40
experience in this country than a Black trans “I’m very glad that you’re doing it to me, and transgender women in order to gain access to downplaying the weight of being transgender in
woman.” not to another trans person,” Mulvaney said while a women’s environment. This stereotype also America and feeding into the stereotypes of what
Mulvaney’s videos are usually happy – prancing addressing creators making mocking videos about reaches to stereotype transgender people as it means to be a transgender woman, but has
around in swan dresses, trying out Hailey Bieber her. “But if you had made this video while I was more likely to be pedophiles and sexual offenders. addressed many concerns about her content and
nails, excitedly pulling Trader Joe’s items out of maybe depressed or, God forbid, suicidal … that Mulvaney herself said she has gotten comments apologized repeatedly.
paper bags for grocery hauls, dancing and singing would be on you. That would be evil of you. It is evil. and messages calling her a “predator.” Some Mulvaney’s transition does not represent all
in her living room. And I can’t have you making these videos about members of the trans Tik Tok community worried transitions of every transgender person in the
“My life is going pretty well,” Mulvaney other trans people. That’s why I’m glad it’s about that Mulvaney labeling herself as a “girl” had the world. This is because no transitions are the
announced in a TikTok this October. “I’m pretty me and not about them. Because I don’t know how potential to propel these stereotypes. same. Many criticize her for overglamourizing
happy.” other trans people’s mental health is right now.” However, Mulvaney had a reasonable transitioning – which can be very difficult for those
Mulvaney shows a transition experience that Another source of backlash toward Mulvaney explanation as to why she decided to call her series with less privilege. However, many of the other
is joyful, beautiful, and mostly positive. Some is the fact that she might, at times, oversimplify Days of Girlhood rather than “Days of Womanhood.” mistakes Mulvaney has been condemned for have
people believe it is hopeful to see someone have what it means to be a woman. This concern started “For me, the ‘girl’ feels great because I never got been just that – mistakes. Mistakes that come with
such a positive transition experience, others find after her first video in the “Days of Girlhood” to be one growing up,” said Mulvaney. “It feels very learning what it means to be “a girl.”
Mulvaney’s content challenging because they series, when she said her first day of girlhood able to make mistakes, growing and changing and
did not have such positive transition experiences consisted of buying clothes she couldn’t afford, evolving,” Mulvaney said that during her transition,
themselves. being afraid to send emails, and suppressing her she was exploring both what it means to be a
Chloe Ryan, a transgender woman who emotions for the comfort of someone else. She has woman and enjoying some parts of being a girl that
addressed a video to Mulvaney, feels the latter. “I since come forward admitting that some videos she missed when she was younger.
think what you’re doing is really important,” Ryan in the beginning of the series were problematic,
said. “I also think that your content scared me highlighting major stereotypes about women and
because I don’t remember having your optimism. framing them in a way that convinced viewers that
Watching your content hurts a little.” fitting into these stereotypes is what – in a way –
Ryan has a GoFundMe set up because she does qualified her as a girl.
not have insurance to pay for hormone replacement Since her first video of the series, Mulvaney has
therapy. Ryan is raising money for this therapy and spoken up about her experiences with catcalling,
possible surgery to help her gender dysphoria. She being sexualized while taking an Uber, and being
states in her GoFundMe description these things misgendered as a trans woman – parts of being
would make her feel safer, since having more a woman and transgender woman that are much
feminine features from hormones and surgery more central than buying clothes she can’t afford.
will lessen the chance of someone immediately Lastly (well not lastly – but there are more
recognizing her as transgender and behaving criticisms than we can cover), are those offended
violently toward her. With 9,000 followers on Tik that Mulvaney uses the word “girl” in her Days of
Tok (significantly less than Mulvaney), Ryan has Girlhood series rather than the word “woman.”
been unable to reach her fundraising goal. Being 25 years old, people found it strange that
For someone like Ryan to watch Mulvaney film Mulvaney was considering herself a “girl” and
her surgical consults or electrolysis for her facial thought this may be linked to the exploitation
hair with ease and without financial barriers can be of young girls in the media and the problematic
hurtful and confusing, as Ryan shared in her video. cosplaying of grown women as children (ie.
Other members of TikTok’s transgender the slutty student Halloween costume, Melanie
community have said it’s distressing for Mulvaney Martinez’s obsession with acting as a baby in her
to represent transitioning in a rainbows and music videos, TLC’s My Strange Addiction episode
butterflies fashion, when for transgender people of a woman who sleeps in a jumbo crib).
with depression, anxiety, or other mental struggles, The transgender community has faced an
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PHOTOESSAY:

REST IN PIECES,
LABELS

JERK 23-40
Words by Karla Perez
Photos by Grace Hayden

Gay. Straight. Trans. Bi. Queer. Non-binary. might even feel like coming out is more of a burden
Cisgender. Some people find comfort in labels, some they owe to our heteronormative society. Labels
people find pressure. Labels can be empowering can be a guidebook on how to act, talk, dress, and
in finding a sense of belonging, or, depending on even love, creating mental shortcuts that associate
the person, they can stifle individuality and self- ways of behaving or negative connotations with
expression. a word. Nobody should ever feel forced to act a
With labels come stereotypes and expectations certain way to conform to the dictionary definition
that limit the changing nature of identity. For society gives to labels. So whether you decide to
those who feel suffocated and restricted by labels, embrace your labels or break out of them, the key is
breaking out of them finally gives a feeling of to remember that You. Decide.
liberation. This photo essay symbolically shatters No one word – or label – can encapsulate the
the confining side of labels with the hope of freeing complexity of a person. Especially if the person
all those who find themselves restrained by them. themselves did not choose that label. We should
In celebrating the act of coming out, it is be the ones to dictate the labels we select for
important to recognize the individual decision ourselves or the ones we don’t. In the grand
of not coming out, or coming out multiple times. scheme of things, labels are just words compared
For some, labels feel like a definition set in stone, to the colorful, undefinable essence of identity. And
undermining the fluidity of their sexuality. They with that, rest in pieces, labels.
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38
37
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SPEAKEASY: DISCOVERY SYR:

LORRAINE’S NECTAR ESPRESSO

LASTING LEGACY BAR & VINTAGES

JERK 23-40
Lorraine Koury’s vision survives through her employees, fashion, and Marginalized identities have a space to bloom at Nectar Espresso Bar
impact on the queer community. & Vintages.
Words by Lily Menk Words by Emane Haque
Photo by Elijah Sykes Photo provided

To her friends, family, and employees, Lorraine welcomed people into her life and community and Most of the tote-wearing, relatively with the macchiatos over the typical cup of Joe. Patrons can
Koury was the neon light of Westcott. Founder of supported them unconditionally. times, 20-something population seems to be also enjoy one of Nectar’s original creations, which
Boom Babies, a women’s clothing store known Vanzandt recounted her favorite memory of obsessed with either coffee or thrifting. Nectar are often seasonally based.
for lavish dresses and eccentric vintage items, Koury. “We had a Christmas party where we all Espresso Bar & Vintages, located on Salina Beyond vintage finds and caffeine, the
she lit up the community with style, kindness, and dressed up as cowboys or aliens, and I wore one St., conveniently has both. But unlike most Guindons wanted their business to be a place
inclusivity. of her costumes that she wore when she was in 20-somethings (and we’re calling ourselves out for those overlooked. Kayla, who identifies as
36 years ago, Koury became a business owner. her twenties.” here, too), there is no air of pretentiousness with LGBTQ+, feels that Nectar allows people to feel
The store, standing on the same strip it was founded Businesses around the Westcott and greater Nectar. Instead, customers have described the comfortable embracing their identities. Nectar
on, is in the light of her death on September 15th. Syracuse area expressed their heartbreak over the cozy space as reminiscent of a grandma’s living hosts various monthly clubs, such as “Bored Gays
Her “Boom girls,” the women Koury entrusted loss of Koury. room. and Board Games,” open to only those queer
and loved to work under her, remember her as a “She was a true force and left an incredible Tucked under the stairs of McCarthy Mercantile, identifying. It’s meant to be just a safe space to
role model. impact on so many people,” Recess Coffee posted Nectar is a Harry Potter-style nook filled with hang out, amongst classic and quirky board games
“She was very fun, very giggly. She loved to to their Facebook page. aged gems of all kinds. Depression-era dishware, alike. They also have hosted a plus-size inclusive
dance,” said employee Erin Vanzandt, who has “Everyone seems to be coming in asking if they eclectic knicknacks, and amusing artwork line the clothing vendor event, fabulously titled “Fatties
worked at Boom Babies for two years. can do anything for us, other businesses, asking walls, many of the pieces available for purchase. and Baddies.” Their mission statement reads:
Koury was always an active supporter of the if they can do anything,” said Vanzandt. As an Not only is Nectar styled with thrifted items, but it “the goal is to provide exclusive products for plus-
LGBTQ+ community, welcoming gay and trans owner for almost four decades, her commitment to embodies all things antique by serving customers size humans to peruse and purchase without any
youth since the start of her business. the store never wavered. “It’s definitely hard. Like with vintage glassware and teacups as well. parameters.” Their weekly clubs include the Yarn/
“Someone that transitioned had worked here, realizing how much she actually did without us Actualizing the concept of a joint coffee bar Textile Club and a Fantasy Fiction Book Club, both
and that was back in the 80s,” Vanzant said. “Early noticing,” said Vanzandt. and vintage store was a leap of faith for sisters of which are open to all.
on, she was very progressive.” Lorraine Koury’s legacy will undoubtedly be Nicole and Kayla Guindon. Returning to their The Nectar staff didn’t expect how popular the
This progressiveness continued into how Koury one of glamor, acceptance, and fun. Boom Babies, hometown of Syracuse, the Guidons felt a creative monthly club would become. “We thought it was
marketed her clothing and hired her employees. To still loud and bright on the main strip of Wescott, push during the COVID-19 pandemic to venture going to be us and our friends, but we’ve met a lot
her, fashion had no gender. Employees were hired continues to have its doors open to anyone who into entrepreneurship. Although the sisters had of new people. It’s been really fun seeing people
without question of their sexuality or how they may find their way there. enjoyed thrifting and coffee as personal hobbies, come in, and they’re making friendships. That’s
expressed themselves. they began Nectar for the simple reason they cool for us to be kind of facilitating this,” said Kayla.
“Her space is just so welcoming that it helped “couldn’t find the kind of coffee that we wanted in “We created this weird little community, and that’s
people come out,” said Vanzandt. Syracuse,” says Kayla Guindon. made it worth it for me.
Koury was known to many for the roles she Coffee connoisseurs, especially those with a
played in employees’ lives – as a businesswoman, taste for European-style beverages, can delight in
ally, friend, second mother, or all of the above. She Nectar’s Espresso bar, which favors cortados and
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Screen
Queens
Photos by Carmen Miller
Modeling by Maya Terzi, Matt Latvis,
Russell Tom Sun, Rachel Arauz
 GAWK JERK 41-52
44
43
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gawk photoessay spread 3
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48
47
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STRIPPED: after a couple decades was stereotyped into being body beneath the light layer. Plus, sheer shirts are

ODE TO THE MIDRIFF

something for non-hetero men. But now.. all of the incredibly comfortable when you’re in a packed, hot
straight men came crawling back to the five-inch place like a club, a house party, or at the Orange
inseam… and we’re glad they did. Although the Crate when we occasionally win a game.
hypebeast-Yeezy-wave gave (a disturbing amount Now let’s discuss the famous cropped
Time for men to up their fashion game.

JERK 41-52
of) emphasis on oversized outfits, it once was tank tops. Usually you can see people wearing
much cooler to show off a little skin *wink*. I mean, these to the gym and looking all hot and sweaty (we
Words by Russell Tom Sun it doesn’t help, especially on a predominately don’t mind), but as of late, we’ve recently seen the
Art by Kodah Thompson
heterosexual campus like Syracuse, where wearing boys wearing them out and about, and why the hell
a Bass Pro Shop t-shirt and shorts is the standard not? The cropped tank shows off the arms, allowing
for party outfits. We have had enough of these bland people a preview of who you are, and the cut-off
Men have been dressing like SLUTS these campus, at least) it’s a flannel and irrelevant graphic looks, and we know that you can do something length allows you to subtly show off your midriff. It’s
days, and we are all for it. It is about time men start tee. But the flannel thing has been a bit overdone more original. The fact those types of outfits are the best shirt for those who are interested in slowly
embracing their sexuality and we see a change and the t-shirt your mom got you for Christmas two even considered attractive... that’s a conversation tapping into their inner slut, where you’re showing
in how men wear or style their clothes, especially years ago is not doing the job anymore. for later! Now is the time to bring up the length of a little but not too much just yet! We at Jerk believe
their tops. For a long time, men have been expected Trends come in and out of style, and so do shorts and shirts. You’ll look sexy, trust us. And if everyone should take their time stepping into the
to wear baggy and unflattering clothes that cover hemlines. Short shorts are an example of a clothing you’re brave enough, maybe take inspo from Thom slut world: being a slut is an ever-evolving art form,
up their body, and more often than not (on this trend that was huge in the 80s for all men and then Brown’s jockstrap runway look. but we’re here to help you.
Thankfully there has Another trend that has really taken over
been a resurgence of the fashion scene is the deep-V button-up shirt. We
70s and 80s menswear LOVE the deep-V shirts. The reason we’re such avid
in major fashion trends fans is because men get to show off their chests
and we are starting to while drawing your eyes to the center of the body.
slowly (like, turtle-pace You can even spice it up by layering some chains,
slow) see men become some body glitter, or just show off that growing
more experimental with chest hair.
their choices of tops. These fashion options are as daring as they
Firstly: the crop top. You seem, so don’t get spooked. Men are too often
can never go wrong with put into boxes based on the fabric they put on
one! It’s simple, you can their bodies. Just because a man wants to wear
make one at home, it crop tops or sparkles does not mean they have
makes your outfit look to identify with the queer community; although it
proportionate, it’s easy is worth mentioning the trend of adapting queer
to throw on, comfy, you aesthetics for the purpose of attracting women or
don’t get too hot or too attention (or both!). We all saw the stream of TikTok
cold, and when men videos in quarantine of men painting their nails and
stretch their arms you advertising them as a genius way to pull women.
get to see their slutty Some critics of Harry Styles even call out his use of
waists, happy trails, flamboyant costuming and makeup, arguing that he
and their torsos. It’s the shouldn’t be profiting off of a persona specifically
perfect staple! Another catered to LGBTQ+ audiences without himself
trend making its rounds coming out as one. But he doesn’t owe anyone a
is skin-tight, sheer label and neither do you!
shirts. Sheer shirts are
such a cute look; they
allow people to see you
have a sense of style
while also giving them
a slight preview of their
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GAWK
FORM AND FUNCTION: How to dress like... CLOSET CASE:

FANCY NANCY TWIN FLAMES

JERK
Words by Cassia Soodak Words by Makenna John

JERK53-66
EXCESSIVE ACCESSORIES:
Photo by James Hutchinson Photos by Noa Putman
Modeling by Ashlee Cypress More accessories = fancier fit. Art Direction by Makenna John

3–21
It’s simple math (and the only
math Nancy is willing to do).

It takes two to make a thing go right, two is better than one, you’ve heard it all. So why not elevate your
self-expression by multiplying it by two with your best friend?
Although Fancy Nancy is kids
media and doesn’t necessarily talk
about gender and sexuality, her way
of living – her celebration of the SAM OATS: I met Megan the first night of freshman MEGAN KAYSER: We always say that
extravagant – is inherently queer year and our friendship has become synonymous we’re synonyms because we are so alike,
representation. For Fancy Nancy, with my time at Syracuse. We love to go thrifting and we’ve been besties since the first day
personal style isn’t about standing together, and sometimes one of us will pick out of freshman year. The matching shirts
PUFFY SHIRT: Big sleeves,
out, it’s about being authentic to lots of lace, and lots of layers. something that makes the other one go “Oooh, if were inspired because we go almost
who she is. As a child she isn’t Wear it like royalty. you aren’t getting that, I am.” I feel like we are just everywhere together even when only one
“supposed” to be obsessed with drawn to the same things. We joke about combining of us was invited (buy one, get one free).
fancy culture, but her unapologetic
our closets and basically do whenever we’re getting
self-expression is similar to the way
ready for a night out.
queer people have always stood
out regardless of the norm. Drag FLUFFY TUTU: The
Coordinating outfits isn’t always intentional and
and ballroom culture are just a few pinker and fluffier the
examples of how queer people, I feel like it’s a product of being best friends and
better. Consider this
specifically Black and brown trans your ballerina era. roommates for so long. We like to call it “having
women, have revolutionized queer our Bluetooth turned on” when we have the same
culture. Fancy Nancy follows in thoughts or get ready separately and end up wearing
their footsteps. outfits that complement each other.

BLANKET
AROUND WAIST:
Blankets are more
versatile than you
might think! Tie
one around your
waist for warmth,
SKIRT OVER PANTS: Fancy or
a nap, or a picnic
early 2000s, either way you’ll be
on the quad.
thanking us in the colder months.

PATTERNED SOCKS AND HEELS:

Lost a sock in the dryer? Mismatched
socks are highly encouraged to pair
with your most fabulous heels.
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JERK 53-66
Inked, Out,
and Proud
The good, the bad, and the fabulous within the queer tattoo industry.
Words by Sadiya Kherani and Teddy Ryan
Photos by Maya Lockwood

Tattoos are a form of self-expression. Whether Jennifer Cordero (she/her) is the co-owner of
gay or straight, man, woman, or nonbinary, and no Cordero Collective Tattoos and Beauty Bar. Run by
matter your ethnicity, tattoos are something you Cordero and her wife, the pair design tattoos and
can use to tell a story on your body - and that body permanent makeup. Cordero specializes in portrait
mod starts with the artist. designs, hand drawing all of her pieces, while her
Most of the tattoo industry remains hidden wife works in cosmetics.
behind closed doors, including the experience of Jennifer Cordero is welcoming, eccentric and
queer women. While these women are helping to chatty. Her door had a huge pride flag, and cute
tell clients’ stories, the artist’s background plays an Halloween decorations were hung up around the
important role in their work too. studio, along with plants and gorgeous displays of
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JERK 53-66
some of her personal art. Cordero’s career began Becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t always in the truly unique to the area, as Cordero’s wife runs the move to Toronto, which was cited in recent polls
in Dallas, TX. While her work ethic was always cards for Cordero. Originally thinking of going to cosmetic side of their business, offering permanent as the second most LGBTQ+ friendly city in
compared to men, she was hardly ever given time art school, she decided to learn the ropes from her make-up services in the back room of their studio. North America. Cordero and her wife are excited
off, and she was forced to do a lot more cleaning local shop in Texas to make some money for school. Together, the two have become a voice for the to bring their perspectives, culture and business
than her male coworkers. “I only hired you because She eventually decided to stay in the tattoo space. queer community in Syracuse. They represented experience to Canada, and distance themselves
having a brown person is a gimmick and having a “A lot of artists make money after they die, like their their studio in the Central New York pride parade as from the concerning trends they see with women
female is a gimmick,” one of the owners once said work is important after they die, but with tattooing well as an event called Still Not Asking For It where and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
to her, recalling he was: “literally using me as a it is instant, I am creative every single day.” While all proceeds went to sexual assualt victims. Cordero Collective Tattoos is a family-run, pride-
sideshow.” working as an artist, Cordero nearly quit three While she hasn’t had a ton of opportunities loving tattoo parlor in Syracuse. The owner has
No one wants to hear they were hired for their times due to the boys club culture, and blatant to design queer-themed tattoos, she enjoys come from such an interesting background, puts
identity, rather than what they offer. Working in homophobia she faced. incorporating her sexuality into her work whenever the love of tattooing into all the work she does, and
the south, the sexist environment didn’t end there. After many years in Texas Cordero made possible. “I don’t tattoo that many queer people... engages in the local community however she can.
“If one of the guys was having a threesome with her way up to Central New York and landed in I have a relatively diverse, but straight clientele. You can find her on instagram @corderocollective
somebody that night, [they’d say]‘I need tomorrow Syracuse. She worked at a studio here for about When they walk in the shop, we try to make it a and, of course, go get some fab tattoos from her!
off I’m having a threesome’ ‘alright dude cool’.” five years before meeting her wife. Eventually, point to represent [the queer community].”
When Cordero requested time off work, she was the two decided it was time to move on to bigger Looking ahead, she and her wife intend to
usually disregarded. things and opened their own business. Her parlor is
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year, with those who actually attempted more likely in the media can be a part of carving the path for

WE’RE HERE,
to be POC. Additionally, 60% of the community’s normalizing our community in society.
youth who attempted to seek mental health care Allow this package to be a starting place if
were unable to access it. Increased education on you have yet to engage yourself with the LGBTQ+
these subjects is necessary if we want to normalize community and their continued fight to be

JERK 53-66
the community’s existence and ultimately secure recognized as equal. Take the time to embrace new

WE’RE QUEER
proper support. Without including queer narratives perspectives and to further educate yourself on the
in media, individuals will continue to be alienated community. It is not too late to contribute to the
by their peers and risk developing serious mental cause, and I truly hope what we here at Jerk present
health problems. to you in this issue helps to encourage you to do so.
Queer communities must remain at the forefront
A dive into queerness – past, present, and future. of discussions around equality. It is vital that queer
stories continue to be shared, queer history is
Words by Gray Reed accessibly taught, and that queer representation
Art by Lang Delapa

To sum up queer history and culture in a single are more susceptible to socioeconomic struggles
piece of media is likely impossible. To do so would than their non-queer counterparts, with 27% of the
require understanding queerness in every sense of community reporting some form of food insecurity
the word, a feat that no member of the LGBTQ+ and 25% reporting an annual income of less than
community would be able to accomplish. There is $24K in 2017.
so much more to the queer community than fighting Additionally in various regions across the
for same-sex marriage rights – there are unique country, self-identifying queer populations contain
experiences held by each individual and differing more people of color percentage-wise than straight
perspectives as a result of intersectionality. populations, according to the Williams Institute. In
In this issue, Jerk hopes to explore different the Northeast alone, 31% of the queer community
facets of the queer experience. You will read reported identifying as either African-American or
a first-hand account about experiences with Latino in comparison to 23% reporting from non-
queerness, hypersexuality, and prudishness. Let queer communities.
us walk-through through the history of queer The struggles queer individuals face are not
criminalization, examining through a unique lens solely based on their queerness, but on how
just some of the legal discrimination the LGBTQ+ that label intersects with class, race, and other
community has overcome. Jerk will explore media identities. This means the fight for LGBTQ+ rights
representation of queer individuals - are these is an intersectional issue.
portrayals harmful or beneficial to the community? In addition to recognizing intersectionality when
Discussing these experiences of the queer fighting for queer rights, it is equally important to
community is one step in the right direction, ensure queer youth are provided with the support
although it is important to note that the discussion they need to find acceptance in society. With the
does not end here. Actively listening to queer passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida this
people and their stories, regardless of whether or past March, legislation which largely prohibits the
not their life experiences mirror our preconceived discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools across the
notions of queer identity, is crucial in understanding state, it has become apparent that some of those in
our multi-layered, complex community. office do not have the best interest of queer youth
While major strides have been made toward in mind. Queer youth already face higher than
equality for queer individuals, the pursuit of average mental health concerns, with the Trevor
equality continues. Findings presented by the Project reporting in their 2022 National Survey on
Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law Queer Youth Mental Health that 45% of LGBTQ+
reveal LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States youth have seriously considered suicide in the past
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romanticized settings and beautifully shot of these pieces of media is incredibly important,

LOVE, ACTUALLY?
cinematography, such as Call Me by Your Name and but this does not mean that queer depictions are
Portrait of a Lady on Fire end with heartbreaking anywhere near perfect.
endings for queer characters. The assurance in Sarah Beck, a sophomore at Syracuse, says
many straight-led films that the main love interests she also saw very little representation growing

JERK 53-66
will always find their way back to each other is up and the representation offered was rooted in
Despite recent pushes for inclusivity, LGBTQ+ people are still left out
nowhere near guaranteed in movies centered on stereotypes. “In shows, if there are two gay men
of entertainment. LGBTQ+ relationships. While these films may be they’re always very flamboyant and the butt of
stunning in their own right, it is also true that they every joke. It’s not their personalities that matter,
Words by Chloe Langerman are popular depictions of queer relationships that just that they’re queer,” she said.
Art by Lang Delapa do not center on love. This absence of wholesome This pattern of queer media made for straight
queer love stories leads to invalidation as LGBTQ+ people’s enjoyment is very harmful to the LGBTQ+
people grow up and do not see queer love community. “On Netflix, you see a lot of queer
The modern rom-com is a predictable often ignorantly written and stereotypically represented in the media. white men shows being preferred over women-led
production: boy meets girl, their eyes link, and it’s portrayed. Although in 2022, nearly 12 percent of “I experienced a lot of internalized homophobia POC shows. You have to understand that not all
love at first sight. While girl isn’t looking for love, boy all TV characters have been LGBTQ+ according growing up. Not seeing representation made me representation in the queer community is equal,”
just perfectly falls into her lap. Despite the typical to a GLAAD study, this does not mean that all feel like I was not normal,” says Seth Wintermute, a said Wintermute.
plot points that may get in their way (disapproving representation has been accurate. Often, when sophomore at Syracuse. Organizations like GLAAD work to promote
parents, all-too-convenient job transfer across the queer characters are on screen, their roles Many young people consume the majority media that “accelerate[s] acceptance” and affirms
country), we’re always expected to believe in these are minimized to caricatures and tokenization. of their media online, such as on YouTube and that everyone can see themselves in a character on
characters’ love. But where do queer people fit into Even if a queer couple is at the center of a work, Instagram. In the earlier days of these websites, screen. There is immense importance in being able
this narrative? their romance takes second place to themes when today’s college-age students were in middle to learn from people who have not seen themselves
Historically, LGBTQ+ people have rarely surrounding struggles regarding their sexuality as or elementary school, a phenomenon of coming- represented for their entire lives and supporting
been represented in the media, if at all. With the main narrative arc of the relationship. out videos swept YouTube’s platform. those who want diverse media representation.
the rare LGBTQ+ rep that is out there, it’s most Many fan-favorite films, applauded for their “At the time, you had to definitively say if you There are an infinite number of stories that have
were one sexuality or the other,” says Wintermute. been told and are yet to be told in the media. And for
These often-emotional videos were one of most of history where media has been consumed,
the only places Wintermute says they actually LGBTQ people have not been included. It is crucial
saw queer representation growing up. While for queer people to see themselves on screen as
these videos often helped young queer people a form of validation and normalization that will
feel validated, it is also true that heteronormative make queer people less uncomfortable around
society still largely expects everyone to be straight those who are straight and cis. While there’s no
unless proven otherwise. Coming out videos turn doubt that cliché Hallmark romcoms will continue
LGBTQ+ people’s personal experiences into to teach us the spirit of Christmas, the future looks
something very public. bright for more queer stories to be told.
In today’s media, strides have definitely been
made in representing queer characters. Two
thousand sixteen’s Moonlight, a film that centers
on a gay black man and had the first all-black cast
to win an Academy Award, is one shining example
of representation. 2022’s Fire Island, a queer
adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
that is raunchy and fun unapologetically. Despite
the film’s flop at the box office, BROs is probably
the closest thing to the sugary romcoms of the past
decades but through a queer lens. Netflix’s Young
Royals, a Swedish TV series about a teenage gay,
couple sheds light on the restrictions class and
race place on young people. The representation
61 62

NOISE
MONUMENTAL
This is a timeline of monumental moments in queer history, but by no means reflects
every single significant milestone to date. It merely highlights several major events that
are important to recognize and understand as you read different articles throughout

MOMENTS IN QUEER
this issue of Jerk.

JERK 53-66
HISTORY In the last decade, countries like
Your Crash Course on Queer Criminalization. Gabon, Angola, Jamaica, Botswana,
India, Belize, etc. are rewriting
Words by Isa Naro their policies and abolishing laws
Graphic by Lilly Chidlaw-Mayen targeting and criminalizing same-
sex relationships.

In 1981, the first official report of an AIDS

diagnosis in LA was made after dozens of
healthy gay men reported symptoms of
pneumonia. This epidemic took over the
The 1978 Briggs Initiative in California was an 1980s and 90s, killing almost 40 million
attempt to ban queer individuals from working in people to date, and infecting double that.
Starting in 1962, Illinois repealed educational settings. Luckily, the attempt failed Millions of lives could have been saved if Finally, in 2004, Massachusetts
its laws on sodomy, becoming thanks to San Francisco’s openly gay politician the government responded urgently to the became the first state to
the first state in the country to Harvey Milk, whose persuasive letter to President AIDS epidemic and created a public health legalize gay marriage.
decriminalize homosexuality. Jimmy Carter and “Hope Speech” ultimately policy to support the American people,
defeated this legislation. rather than treat the crisis as a “gay” issue.

1960s 1970s 2000s 2010s

1980s 1990s

In the 1969 Stonewall Riots, queer bar The 1979 March on Washington was After years of discriminatory The Ashes Action Protest of In 2015, landmark case
patrons fought back after constant police the first national march for LGBTQ+ laws against queer people, 1992 was a protest on the Obergefell v. Hodges argues
raids on gay bars. These riots were a huge rights. It took place in Washington, decriminalization expanded in White House lawn in response the stance on same-sex
launch in LGBTQ movements against D.C. was attended by almost 80,000 Europe throughout the 1990s. to the government’s very marriage licenses. Obergefell
harassment from law enforcement and protestors. This march marks a very The European Convention on minimal response to the AIDS ended up overturning
a major turning point in the fight for important point in the evolution of Human Rights prohibited the crisis of the 1980s and 90s. Baker (the opposing voice),
equal rights. Protesters challenged the LGBTQ+ advocacy as it nationalized criminalization of same-sex Over 400,000 people died requiring all states to
classification of homosexuality as a mental the gay movement, which had been activity, which was a successful from the lack of governmental issue licenses to same-
illness in the DSM, which was finally previously minimized to local struggles. effort to spread democracy urgency. Protesters scattered sex couples, recognizing
declassified in 1974. throughout Europe and highlight the ashes of lost loved ones the validity in same-sex
the prevalence of same-sex right outside the White House. relationships.
relationships.
63 64

AFFIRMING IDENTITY BUT I’M NOT A

NOISE
Coming to terms with our authentic selves, in past and present.
CHEERLEADER

JERK 53-66
Words by Joelle de Poto
Art by Lang Delapa In which Santana Lopez influences my relationship with sex.
Words by Zoe Glasser | Art by Lang Delapa
‘I’m not gay, but...” had always seen the heteronormative standard
This phrase. This fucking phrase. It is the for romantic and sexual relationships, whether it
bane of my existence, and yet I’ve probably said was through the Biblical Creation story or through About a year after I came out, a French film comfort with her sexuality. But she and her best
something similar to myself at least a couple Catholic marriages and teachings. I had a very called Blue Is the Warmest Color exploded into the friend-turned-girlfriend Brittany S. Pierce were
hundred times. For a good portion of my life, I binary idea of sex and gender, and I had believed indie-kid zeitgeist. The hype online was paralleled similar to Adèle and Emma in ways that I didn’t
experienced internalized homophobia, which that all women NEEDED men to be happy, even only by My Chemical Romance and jeggings. On a yet understand. They exclusively wore short cheer
manifests itself differently from person to person when I began to identify as a feminist. chilly day after school, I leaned back on my twin- uniforms. They sang sexual songs on a regular
but generally results in repressed sexuality. Here’s It was weird. I was trying to understand my sized bed, and let Netflix roll the tape. I watched basis– far more so than our darling Rachel Berry.
the thing about internalized homophobia: it does queerness while also having this indestructible the protagonist, Adèle, and her blue-haired love They were referred to as “best friends with benefits”
not give a shit about how accepting your culture desire to attain male attention and validation. interest Emma develop their romance, culminating prior to them even dating. They embody what I call
or environment is, how accepting your friends and At the time, I was questioning whether I was in the first lesbian sex scene I ever saw. I remember the “queer cheerleader” archetype– the girl who
family are, or even how accepting YOU are. It may bisexual, and I was pretty confident that I was, but peeking through my fingers and squinting, an seems super straight must wrestle with herself to
seem like internalized homophobia cannot affect I never felt like it was acceptable for me to voice invisible force pressing on my ribcage. Sure, it’s not embrace her identity as a hypersexualized queer
those who are tolerant of others’ sexual orientation, this feeling about my identity. If I’m gay, I can’t be abnormal for a 13-year-old to be squeamish about woman.
but the fear of straying from the norm can have a married in the Church; I can’t kiss my partner in sex; after all, they only learned about it yesterday. Without realizing it, Santana and Brittany and
chokehold on almost anyone. public without feeling paranoid; I can’t have the The thing is, I sometimes feel that invisible force Adèle and Emma held equal weight in shaping my
If you have suppressed who you are, in order to white picket fence. Hell, I didn’t even want the squeezing my chest at age 21. view of sex with women into one of shame and
start the process of reconciling with and accepting fucking white picket fence, but to think that it could When I came out, I immediately dove into the awkwardness. Naturally, so did other factors; my
your identity, you must unearth the reason behind be taken away from me was frightening. world of my identity, scouring the internet for queer complex relationship with my own body and health,
your shame and fear. As a queer woman, I find that Instead of thinking about what I would gain from politics, history, literature, and anything else I could my neurotic Virgo tendencies, and my general fear
the most pervasive issue in my coming-out journey coming out, I focused on everything I would lose. Of get my chipped-black-nail-polished hands on. of others’ judgment, to name a few. Still, when we
has been the influence of patriarchal beliefs and course, coming out does have its trade-offs. There To this day, my friends sometimes call me “queer talk about representation– buzzword alert!– we
institutions. Since I was raised to be Catholic, I may be disappointed family members, friendship elder” because I know so much about the LGBTQ+ often discuss how crucial it is for young people to
fallouts, weird stares, and so on. In extreme cases, community. But there’s one topic that still catches see themselves on screen. As one of my professors
staying in the closet may be a matter of survival. in my throat, even after almost 10 years: sex. once said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
However, there is a lot you can stand to benefit In the front of my mind, I have no problem with Although I saw lesbians in entertainment, I never
from coming out. Even though it forced me into sex. Would I be on Jerk if I did? And yet, when it saw lesbians who were awkward, insecure about
feelings of vulnerability and discomfort, coming comes time to chat about crazy hookup stories or their bodies, and, let’s face it, not conventionally
out allowed me to better understand my identity. write at length about it, I fall uncharacteristically attractive. I only ever saw the queer cheerleader.
I am now able to explore my sexuality freely and silent. Now, at age 21, I’m trying to fight that chest-
without an all-consuming sense of fear. At the end The first lesbian I ever saw was Santana Lopez. crushing force, and attempt to be what I never saw
of the day, there are certain things about yourself I’m serious– whenever anyone asks who my gay as a teenager.
that you can’t change. You will not go through a awakening was, I tell them that it was Naya Rivera’s
metamorphosis that modifies who you love. What bitchy cheerleader character from Ryan Murphy’s
you do have control over is how you explore and acclaimed TV show Glee. Her performance in the
express your identity. Even though you may be Rocky Horror episode completely (ok, maybe not
challenged by others because of who you are and completely) aside, Santana was the first person I
who you love, absolutely no one can take your ever saw on television who referred to themselves
identity away from you. End of sentence. as a lesbian. Though she struggled with her
identity at first, Santana ultimately developed a
65 66

NOISE
AMPLIFIED: REWIND:

SAINT LUKE MAN EATER

Saint Luke discusses bedroom pop, his influences, and how to be How Jennifer’s Body subverts and reinforces archetypal queer women.

JERK 53-66
the shit. Words by Sydney Gold | Art by Katie Cefalo

Words by Jackson Barnes

Photos by JJ Tanaka
Everyone knows Jennifer Check. An more subtly coded, and I think that coding is key.”
indomitable mean-girl force, Jennifer floats down While Jennifer’s queerness is alluded to in the
a cleared runway. She gets into local bars without film, it’s also easy to cast off, particularly for viewers
Saint Luke is a true internet age artist. When fully display everything he can do by himself, with so much as a second glance despite being firmly predisposed to projecting a heteronormative lens
he was 14, he saw Steve Lacy’s TedTalk about nothing to focus on but what [he] loves.” in her teens. She cheerleads/dance-teams for at on media. By leaving an element of ambiguity,
using iPhone GarageBand. As someone who felt According to the singer, he “gets anxious before least one scene. Everyone wants her and wants Cody allows different viewers to draw different
“held back by [his] gear, Luke was inspired after a show… but when it’s time to shine he “puts on this her attention. meanings. For straight women, the interpretation
seeing a major influence of his use of the same persona” and all his “charisma can come to the Jennifer is the perfect monster because no one may focus on power dynamics in heterosexual
entry-level tech that he did. forefront.” Luke, generally a very humble person, would ever assume her to be one. Even as her skin relationships. For queer women, it may represent
“Now Steve Lacy is on the radio, something will freely admit that he is “The Shit.” It’s important dulls and her nails chip, her hair grows greasy and what it feels like to navigate a world that oftentimes
I thought only really big people got to do, and to him that he acknowledge his accomplishments. flat, the viewer never once worries she’ll be caught forces you to comply with certain cishet norms.
it’s inspiring because he started at the same Before shows, he likes to take time for himself to by the town. How could there be something bad This subtler approach isn’t new:
place I did,” says Luke. But he doesn’t want that remember that he is, in fact, worth the hype. And inside Jennifer’s body? “A queer-coded monster can be identified and
homemade, bedroom pop style to contain him. after a show, Luke expresses that he always tries Writer Diablo Cody, at the time fresh off decoded by those in the community while not
“We need to rebrand bedroom pop, because it to appreciate the “really cool” moments of his set. enduring cult favorite Juno, plays Jennifer on a necessarily being noticed by those outside that
automatically diminishes what you expect when For all those seeking a little indie, a little hip couple of levels. As a man-eating demon, she’s an community,” said Phillips.
you’re listening to something that bears that label,” hop, maybe a touch of jazz, and true creative undeniable femme fatale. In line with the classic While Jennifer spends most of the film luring
he says. A range of artists and genres influences spirit, go listen to Saint Luke. He’ll be performing literary trope that sex equals death – except for and eating her prey, including Needy’s boyfriend
his work; from Mumford and Sons to Drake to the at Westcott Theater on October 29th. You can find Jennifer, who only survived her attackers because and ultimate final boy Chip Dove (perfect name),
fluidity of jazz or the intricacy of classical orchestra, him @SaintLukeMusic. she wasn’t a virgin – her victims are punished for the central relationship is always between the
Luke is multigenre to his core. As a young artist, their lust. Jennifer is also arguably in love with two leading ladies. That intensity has helped
he speaks to quarantine’s influence on him, which Needy, her long-time best friend with whom she usher Jennifer’s Body into the pantheon of queer
gave him a lot of new freedoms to explore his shares iconic wisdom such as “they’re just boys, cult classics since its release, despite horrible
medium. Luke considers himself an introvert, and mortals, we have all the power.” The film also reviews early on. Still, the film is a classic
notes that “quarantine gave [him] a chance to includes a queer makeout scene and an admission incarnation of the queer-coded
by Jennifer that she “goes both ways” during her monster trope. Jennifer is a sexually
final confrontation with Needy. Reading Jennifer embodied, confident, and
as queer is not only pretty well substantiated in conventionally attractive young
the work itself, but offers an entirely refreshed girl in a society set on shaming
interpretation of a film largely misunderstood upon that kind of womanhood. She
release. is unable to control a world
“Monsters threaten social norms and are by that sees her as an object
their very nature transgressive. There is a long and unable to control her
history of marginalized communities finding a own sexuality. In that
sympathetic connection to monsters and I think way, she is not unlike so
Jennifer is another example,” said Communication many other young
and Rhetorical Studies Professor and horror film women, and in
scholar Kendall Phillips. “Of course, most monsters that way, she is
are not explicit representations... they tend to be a monster.
Do you listen to Girl in Red? No, I read Jerk.

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