H is for Harvey Milk, harnesses, heteronormativity, HIV, Holly Woodlawn, homophobia, homonormativity, and How To Get A Wellesley Girl (2008)

Harvey Milk (1930-1978) – Was a gay rights activist and politician. He was one of America’s first elected openly-gay officials. The movie Milk (2008) is about his life and death.

A harnesses, or strap-on, is a sextoy used to attach a dildo to an individual (more info here).

heteronormativity – “a system that works to normalize behaviors and societal expectations that are tied to the presumption of heterosexuality and an adherence to a strict gender binary” –everydayfeminism.com
(more: Heteronormativity in Queer Relationships)

HIV – “HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life. No safe and effective cure for HIV currently exists, but scientists are working hard to find one, and remain hopeful.” –aids.gov

“The global HIV and AIDS epidemic has always been closely linked with negative attitudes towards LGBT people, especially men who have sex with men (MSM); a group that is particularly affected by HIV and AIDS.” –avert.org

Anonymous HIV counseling and testing are available at MHC’s Health Center

Holly Woodlawn  (1946-2015) was a transgender Puerto Rican actress and former Warhol superstar who appeared in his movies Trash (1970) and Women in Revolt (1972). Lou Reed’s famous song “Walk on the Wild Side” was written about her. (source)

homophobia – “languages and practices that support discrimination against and fear/ hatred of LGBT people.” – Interrupting Heteronormativity

“Homonormativity is a word that addresses the problems of privilege we see in the queer community today as they intersect with White privilege, capitalism, sexism, transmisogyny, and cissexism, all of which end up leaving many people out of the movement toward greater sexual freedom and equality.” –everydayfeminism.com

How To Get A Wellesley Girl (2008) – is a lesbian drama that was filmed at Mount Holyoke which you can watch for free here.