Clan Blue Feather |
Clan Blue Feather |
About the name: the Blue Feather as a symbol and referent for the gay/lesbian/bisexual members of the Society is based on the custom of the female Italian troubadours, who wore a blue feather in their hair to indicate that their desires were for the gentler sex. Our badge ("Argent, a feather azure") was registered by Lord Laurel in December 1990 to Moses von dem Falken for House Blue Feather.
About the organization: There isn't any, really. - There are two newsletters that serve as information sources and maintain a contact list, but there is not a "Head of Clan Blue Feather" and group activities are organized either by consensus or by an interested person. The group began when an advertisement appeared in the June XXUI issue of Pikestaff, the newsletter of the Eastrealm, calling for interested people to contact Seosamh 6 Ch6da. Seosamh began publishing ... But Its Period! in July, and the name was chosen at Pennsic XXV. Since then, there have been several meetings at Pennsic, a number of Blue Feather events, and a second newsletter has begun, The Blue Feather, published by Tristan Alexander.
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Anyone who wishes to do so. We encourage our supporters, gay and straight, to display our symbol and badge. We only ask that you wear it with honour and courtesy.
What is the difference between light and dark blue feathers?
As a general rule, dark blue feathers are worn by homosexuals and bisexuals, while light blue feathers are worn by our supporters...
If I'm straight, can I belong to Blue Feather, camp with the group, go to meetings and so on, or can I only be a 'friend'? Do I have to be asked to join?
Anyone can participate, so long as they commit to display honour, chivalry, and courtesy to all, no matter what their sexual orientation. Several of the 'Founding Members" are straight.
I always wear blue feathers as part of my garb, and I don't want anything to do with Blue Feather. What should I do?
If anyone asks you about the blue feathers, simply state that they're part of your garb and are not meant to show any special affiliation. If you're really worried, you might tattoo a disclaimer on your forehead. Something like "This blue feather is not an official publication of Clan Blue Feather, and does not delineate official..."
Why bother with all this, when gay people were just burned at the stake?
Sometimes, someplaces, yes, they were. Each culture has its own attitudes concerning homosexuality. In many societies ... bisexuality was considered the norm. Try finding out what your personna's attitudes would have been. (and remember, your attitudes were probably formed in twentieth century North America, one of this world's more homophobic cultures...
What if someone makes a pass at me because I'm wearing a blue feather?
No one should assume anything because a somebody is or is not wearing a blue feather. If you want to know why a person is wearing one, ask them politely. Most gay people go through the same approach and courtship rituals that straight people do. (In fact, in many cases, a gay person will be more tactful and circumspect than a straight person would ... a homosexual proposition still carries five to ten in some states, not to mention the risk to life and limb if the proposed-to takes offense.) If you don't respond to the initial overtures, they'll probably assume that you aren't interested. If worse comes to worst, try, "I'm flattered by your attentions, but my interests lie elsewhere." End of problem.
Condensed from an article by Sine ne Moriag that originally appeared in the April XXV issue of AEstel, the newsletter of the Principality of AEthelmearc.
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Inasmuch as Blue Feather is the gay/lesbian/bisexual study group within this Our Society, and
Insofar as We are well-pleased by the efforts and endeavours of the members of Blue Feather within this Our Realm, and
Being minded to encourage research, education, and among Our subjects, and
Whereas We are desirous of recognizing the contributions, past and future, made by the members of Blue Feather,
Now therefore are We, Timothy and Trista, King and Queen of Caid, pleased to Create, Charter and Recognize Blue Feather an official group within this Our Realm and Domain, with all the prerogatives, privileges, and responsibilities thereto appertaining
Timothy, Rex Caidis -- Trista, Regina Caidis
In witness whereof We have upon All Hallow's Eve, the 31st day of October, XXVIIas, (being 1992 in the common reckoning) set Our hand hereto, and caused the Great Seal of Caid to be affixed.