Journal #2: Feminist in History

Growing up in Jamaica, Staceyann Chin experienced firsthand the dangers of being openly gay in a homophobic and violent society. These experiences influenced her to become a poet, writer, performance artist, and LGBT rights activist in her adult life. Chin co-wrote and starred in Def Poetry Jam on Broadway and has made appearances in one-woman shows Off-Broadway. She also uses her talents to spread her message and teach others through poetry workshops. Through her work Chin explores LGBT, racial, and gender inequalities and works to advocate for members of oppressed communities.

Jamaica is infamous for it’s anti-gay prejudice. During her time in university, Chin was targeted in extremely violent hate crimes for being an out lesbian. In Jocelyn Fenton Stitt’s “Disciplining the Unruly (National) Body in Staceyann Chin’s The Other Side of Paradise,” Stitt’s reflects on Chin’s traumatic experiences while in college. Staceyann was a victim of corrective rape. “Corrective rape is a form of homophobic violence used as a means of punishment or to “convert” lesbians to heterosexuality in many regions of the world.” (Stitt 8) Six of her fellow, male peers attacked Chin in a bathroom and raped her in attempt to rid her of the sins brought on by her homosexuality. However, these men’s actions did not silence Staceyann. Instead it impassioned her to raise her voice and Chin refused to deny who she was and who she loved. To this day, Chin continues to advocate for LGBT rights through her writing and performance art. In her poem “Three Frenzied Days,” Chin reminisces on her fond memories on Jamaica, but quickly reminds her audience that it is illegal to be gay in her homeland and the shame her family feels because of her sexuality and her writing. Chin’s passionate voice in the LGBT community has helped raise awareness of homophobia in America and across the globe.

Being of Jamaican and Chinese descent also posed serious obstacles and difficulties for Staceyann Chin. In Jamaica she faced the problem of not being “black enough.” Whereas, when she moved to New York City to seek refuse from the homophobia she faced in Jamaica, she was “too black.” Chin states that, although it is dangerous to be gay in Jamaica, “I realized that in the Greater USA, it is almost as, and in some ways more, dangerous to be Black.” (Chin 253) As a child, being passed from relative to relative, Chin was sexually abused by her male cousins. This was racially charged sexual violence. Her relatives ridiculed her for her Chinese ancestry and used it as fuel for their hateful actions against her. “They also sexually violate her at night, secure in the knowledge that as a mixed-race child who does not fit into their family and who is disowned by her father, Staceyann has few resources of protection.” (Stitt 5) While living in America, Chin experiences the ignorance surrounding racism and feels the danger of being an immigrant. Her poem “All Oppression is Connected” directly addresses white apathy towards queer people of color. She states the just because we may not directly see the effects of homophobia and racism in our daily lives, for some it is a constant threat to their well being and a battle they fight daily.

Staceyann Chin’s poetry is extremely powerful and influential in the feminist movement. Her words preach self love and empower women of all ages, races, shapes, sizes, sizes, and sexualities. Chin’s poem “Not My Fault” addresses and scrutinizes rape culture while also celebrating women. It’s basically the definition of pussy power. Chin states that girls are taught at a young age to cover up for men. They’re also taught that, when men or any person violates them, it is in some way their fault so they quickly clean up and accept it. However, despite the unfair expectations placed on girls, Staceyann revels in the beauty and wander of what girls are capable of. “My pussy can do something no dick or tomcat can,” Chin proclaims. This encouragement and empowerment of women is important. Through her writing Chin is able to elevate women in a society that constantly seeks to tear them down.

Staceyann Chin’s work as poet, performance artist, and LGBT rights activist has been integral to the modern day feminist movement. Her past, although tragic, made her the strong and courageous woman she is today. Fortunately, she is still alive and well at age 42 and we can expect to see more from her and her first daughter, Zuri, in the future.