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Jed Phoenix 

    Jed Phoenix

Queer Techno Fetish Punk 

Jed Phoenix is a self-described Queer-Techno-Fetish-Punk (Q-T-F-P). Her style and identity draw on differing, sometimes overlapping interests in her life. This consciously avoids simplistic categorisation and the uniformity of single subcultural identities in favour of an assertive individualism. In an oral history interview for Brighton & Hove Museums Renegade collection she explains her style and identity:


'My influences are the queer side of things because I came out as queer when I was in my late teens. I'd sooner label myself, if I need to use any labels myself, as queer, as opposed to gay....queer just sums up an awful lot of other things as well....Queer is a sexuality thing and it's a lifestyle thing as well. The Fetish is important because I was involved in, been involved in a Fetish scene for about seven years; done lots of performances in the Fetish scene. Techno because I like techno music and Punk because I'm on the edge and a bit subversive so it has to be the whole Queer-Techno-Fetish-Punk.'

Jed Phoenix, oral history interview, OH000118


The Queer Lifestyle

Queer identity began to emerge in the early 1990s as a radical rejection of the blanket term 'gay' and its assimilationist culture. Many felt that the term gay had outlived its use, having come to represent the limited interests of a middle-class white male identity. Overtly political, Queer opened up the possibilities of an identity or identities based on difference, giving a voice or visibility to those who were marginalised by, or disagreed with the mainstream gay scene and its commercial interests. Queer suggested a rethinking of gender, sexual and political identities, and of the assimilationist stance taken by the mainstream gay lobby.

 Jed Phoenix on a demonstration

      

The Q-T-F-P outfit in Brighton Museum's Renegade collection was worn by Jed Pheonix and designed by her under her clothing label Obscure Labels. It is an example of how the four different influences in her identity are brought together in one outfit.
 Jed Phoenix on a demonstration  

 

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