Is Left Hook Dead? We Report, You Decide

Dear Left Hook Readers,

A week ago we marked our second anniversary and announced our semi-annual fund drive, the proceeds of which help us keep fighting the good fight.

But there's one problem: in seven days, we have only received 9 donations for a total of $240. That's far behind the rate needed to achieve our November 31 goal of $2,500 - already significantly downscaled from our last fund drive's target goal.

At first we wondered whether an internet blackout had struck, or if Bush had praised us on television and driven away all our readers. But none of this happened. Which leaves us asking the question only you, our readers, can answer: is Left Hook dead?

Without a serious surge in donations, we may have to shut down by month's end. This is not a matter of alarmism, folks, just plain truth: as an independent political journal, we cannot survive without concrete support from our readership. Our material appears freely, but it does not freely appear: real people spend real time doing the writing, editing, outreach, and design that makes Left Hook happen. And while right-wing rags can count on corporations for funding, but we depend upon - and serve - only you.

Broken down per hour of labor, our fund drive totals never meet even the minimum wage - so we're not exactly in this "for the money." But we do have to maintain some level of funding to keep this viable.

We started and stuck with this project for two years because we believe in trying to move this country in a more humane direction "from the bottom up" - through America's youth. We know there are tens of thousands of you who believe the same, because at least that many visit this site. We also know you want to see a stronger leftist presence in the media, in politics, and among youth - all of which we represent - to counter growing conservative hegemony over our country. But none of this will happen unless you help out and pitch in.

So please: don't let Left Hook disappear. Make a donation today.

Sincerely,
The Editors
Derek Seidman and M. Junaid Alam

13, Bisexual, and Fighting Prejudice: Interview with Shea Bryant

M. Junaid Alam with Shea Bryant

In a fair society, Shea Bryant would be considered just another young kid embarking on her teenage years. But in American society, things turn out quite differently. Bisexual, 13 years old, and living in Vermont, Shea feels isolated and frustrated that her bisexuality sometimes provokes fear and contempt. Through her parents, Shea reached out to Left Hook to seek support and discuss her experiences. She also showed a resolve not to let others' prejudice dictate who she is - or prevent her from defending the right of others who do not fit in with heterosexual norms.

In earlier correspondence, relating what she would like to tell President Bush about his opposition to gay marriage, Shea wrote: "Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are all human. Why not let them live their life, as you live yours?"

Shea, starting your teenage years is always a bit scary and stressful. But in your case, you face the additional pressures and prejudices that come with being bisexual. When did you discover for yourself that you were bisexual? If you told people, how did they respond?

I discovered I was bisexual at a young age. My friends and I were having a conversation about how being gay is wrong. But, I thought that it wasn't. That was when I first realized that I wasn't as normal as others. Then in sixth grade, I started to like this girl, and thinking of her as attractive. So, when I was 10, 11, or 12, I knew I became bisexual. Most people responded the total opposite of what I ever expected. Only three or four people stopped being my friend. But most of them accepted me for me.

You mentioned in our earlier conversation that you have an older sister who is a lesbian. Are you able to talk with her and share your concerns with her?

Yes my sister is as of some help to me. But, she still thinks that I am too young to know what I really am. But, other then that, I can talk to her about it. She tells me her advice on what to do and such.

You also mentioned something that happened in your sister's life that really disturbed you, an attack on her girlfriend. Could you explain what happened, and how it made you feel?

My sister's girlfriend was run down by a biker, she was being yelled and screamed at. The biker was saying that she was a faggot, and that she didn't belong on earth. It made me really amazed on how someone could tell another that they don't belong on earth just because they are different from them. Then it made me sad because she was crying and I was scared for her. Then, it made me very angry, I wanted to hurt that kid.

The Republicans are seeking a federal ban on gay marriage as well as state laws that would make sure only gays can't be married or get the economic benefits of marriage. Republican activists attack gay marriage as evil and as a sin. What do you think about those positions and statements?

I hate that. I think that everyone should be able to marry whomever they want to. Gays love each other, just like a black and white couple love each other. Right?

How does it make you feel when people say bad things about gays in general conversation? And how does it make you feel when people reject you or try to stay away from you because of what they think about your sexuality?

It makes me so mad when people talk badly about gays in front of me. I say, every time, that I am one of them, and that they should not talk badly about them just because they are different from you or anyone else. It hurts when people reject me just because I am different from them. No one is the same!

Even though this is a leftist youth journal, you're a lot younger than probably anyone who will be reading this interview. Is there anything you would like to say, that you think is important, to youth activists who are also fighting against prejudice toward gays and bisexuals?

Well, I think, - no, I know - that young people have a harder time of getting heard, because they are young and called 'immature'. But, if you are young and you have topics or discussions you want to talk about, go ahead. We are the next generation. We are the ones that matter. Don't let anyone shut you down for your age! Just because you are younger than them, doesn't mean you don't have your own opinions about something like bisexual/lesbian/gay prejudices. Speak your mind. Thank you.

Note:Those who want to recommend resources and supportive online communities for Shea can e-mail me with them, at alam@lefthook.org.

This interview was slightly edited for grammar.

---

If you found this piece useful, please keep us alive by making a donation to our second anniversary fund drive .

M. Junaid Alam, 22, is co-editor of this journal, and a journalism student at Northeastern University.