Transgress: 1. To violate a law, command, moral code. 2. to pass over or go beyond ( a limit, boundary, etc. ) . 3. To go beyond the limits imposed by a law or command. 4. To step across.
Progress, be it in the arts or the sciences, has historically been the product of transgression. It is the nature of evolution and the spark that initiates change. Advancement occurs when groups or individuals step outside social or intellectual norms to challenge the status quo. This world of outlaws and outsiders is no place for cowards. It is those passionate artists, activists, thinkers, and doers who are remembered for their deeds and most importantly for living authentic lives. The need to express that truth and urgency within has a power far greater than any outside attempts to silence or control it. It is the transgressors who continue to shape our world by taking pride in the their difference and refusing to compromise. It is that difference, that hunger, and that refusal to be beaten down by conformity that we celebrate with this year's theme.
As the editors for this year's Windy City Times Literary Supplement we were fortunate enough to receive over 400 submissions from lesbigaytrans writers worldwide. Needless to say we were overwhelmed. The high quality of the writing and the unique spin so many writers took on the theme made reading the entries a joy. With the limited space available the final decision process proved especially difficult. However, we are confident that these fifteen pieces celebrate the diversity of our community and give ample voice to the inherently queer theme of transgression.
With thanks and well wishes for a joyous Pride every day of the year.
Kathie Bergquist and Owen Keehnen.
Kathie Bergquist is the co-author of A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago ( with Robert McDonald ) . Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including OUT, The Advocate, Diva, Girlfriends, Curve magazine, and the Harrington Lesbian Literary Quarterly.
Owen Keehnen is a Chicago based writer currently working on a horror novel and a humor novel. His latest collection of porn star interviews, MORE STARZ, is due out in July. He lives in Rogers Park with his partner Carl, his pup Flannery and a cat named Kitten.
