[Ansteorra] Royalty - Same Sex Consorts

[franchesca at bush-family.com]

So I have a question. What makes a Queen? Does a Queen have to half the  
right plumbing, wear a dress or other feminine clothing?

I am just wondering because standing behind Queen Amelot at Queen's  
Champion as part of her Entourage, after fighting in two rounds of her  
championship, I saw the importance and emotion to both sides of the  
interchanges. I also sensed that it might have been more special for  
everyone since Her Majesty is a Dona in her own right. I may be incorrect  
on this point however. But is it the title or the person, or both? I don't  
know, maybe the people who might want to have a same sex consort won't mind  
still being a King and Queen. Maybe the Rapier community just wants their  
Queen regardless of sex.

I dont' know the answer. I think the topic is quite interesting. There are  
a lot of issues to be hammered out for all of the SCA. It seems to me more  
people are more concerned about how it affects how the game is played and  
how their personas will handle the changes rather than an overwhelming  
issue with the fact we are dealing with a gay rights issue.

Although, for those who have brought up concern for the kids.... Children  
generally learn by example. In general they are accepting to love and  
respect of others. They do sense when their adults are scared, fearful,  
upset, or distrustful. Hence my step kids are scared of snakes and bugs  
because of their parents reactions. We teach them to be wary of strangers.  
If we react in a way that shows dislike, distrust, fear upon seeing a  
couple that does not meet a preconceived notion of what is a couple should  
look like, then they will begin to look at those couples in those ways.

I know it pleases me to see my daughter approach all people, animals,  
situations with joy and wonder. She has seen same sex couples and  
acknowledge when they are kissing. She has no fear for various shades of  
skin or an abundance (or lack of) wrinkles. While she is only 2, I know  
this is not the case for all toddlers. I am not concerned for her by seeing  
two Kings, or two Queens. Or a King and Queen of the same sex. I don't see  
the point. My daughter knows who the Queen and King are. She also  
recognizes that the King and Queen are not "together" because she knows who  
their respective partners are. (though she does favor Her Majesty over  
Lorenzo for sure. ;) )

So my point is, don't worry that having same sex consorts might confuse the  
children. It won't if you can handle it. They are only confused if they  
sense acceptance from one group and not from their parents/guardians. If  
you don't like that type of relationship, you can use it as an discussion  
point to discuss those feelings you have. I think it only matters really if  
that dislike, fear, hatred (whatever fits) is bigger than your love for the  
game.

Franchesca/Francisca Sastre de Arellano