Advocacy with a side of Heteronormativity

One day after my shift, I went to tell a coworker something as I was leaving. “I actually have something to ask you.” she said, “(manager's name) told me you might know, but... if not...”. My coworker seemed a bit uncomfortable but continued on and explained that she was doing the section on LGBT issues in the next sessions of training and wanted help. We talked about issues, terms, resources, and our own forms/policies that are not as friendly as they could be. It was a fine conversation and I was glad to hear that there were issues she hadn't heard of but was interested in learning about it. I was impressed that she wanted to increase our availability and friendliness towards the community.

I have nothing against this coworker. As I said before she was trying to learn and advocate for a group that was not directly in her life; I am always happy to find an ally. I have always found her to be especially willing to work hard in order to do the right thing, so she's a good one to have. Our conversation got me thinking though. Here we were in the walls of this safe home with policies based upon the very social-workey attitude of 'make your own decisions, unless your hurting someone, we'll help you and not judge'. Despite the atmosphere of the shelter, she felt the need to all but apologize for thinking that I may know something about a topic. Beyond the quasi-apology she also cited a higher-ranking employee as the reason she had for asking me. She wasn't asking me personally about my identity or sex life, just looking for information to be better at her job.

The idea that I may be associated with or even knowledgeable about the community had her concerned that I would be uncomfortable or offended, and that is what made her walk on eggshells for the first part of this conversation. Supporting another group is no big deal, but to possibly be a member of said group is taboo. This taboo was shown by someone who's job it is to be an advocate to others. Even in this open-minded  atmosphere heteronormaitvity is inescapable. 

SP Cedar Rock

 

Quasqueton, 8/3/12, 26/105

 

Signs led up to this park for miles which heightened my anticipation. However this particular one was closed. It appeared to be arboretum like, but just barely meeting rule 2, I can't really judge. Is the red square on the sign an indication of availability?

 Inside view

SP Wapsipinicon

Anamosa, 8/3/12, 25/105

 

I realized while here that I stumbled across this one in the past. That time I was with a friend and multiple predatory birds (vultures?) were circling us.

This time I found caves (no restrictions). My only issue is that I forget to bring spare clothes when I go exploring so I did not get too dirty. The trails from last time were closed. I had forgotten how humungous those pine trees are.

Golf and playgrounds are available as well.

 Trees

 Creek

Caves

Wapsi River

SP Maquoketa Caves

 

Maquoketa, 8/3/12, 24/105

Another return visit for me, this park has-wait for it-caves. A permit is required to enter them, and they did have an employee at least in the big one called Dance Hall. The sides of caves make for okay free-climbing.

Hiking is another option.

 Dance Hall Cave

Dust

Low Point

 Psuedo-climbing

 Lots of views of various caves

SP Palisades Kelper

 

Mt. Vernon, 7/28/12, 23/105

 

The rain cleared up, but I was concerned about my ability to find something interesting here. I have stopped multiple times before and was afraid of George Wyth Syndrome. I was wrong. The entrance to this park is right on Highway 30. Some people live within the park gates but on private property.

The Cedar River was fairly low providing an extra 100 feet or so of park. I took off to the right (facing the river) due to a sign promising a trail I had yet to see. FYI climbing is allowed with registration. Taking the low road, I was soon forced to go uphill to avoid the river. The only issue with this is that there was some of the same plant as at Pine Lake. The good news is that there was a lot less of it and I didn't feel the need to leave.

Many times the trail would jut out to overlook the river and at one point a particularly interesting tree was growing sideways providing a decent plank over the river. The trail intersected with ones earlier taken. I was pleased to find that I had reached the park boundary since this trail was a complete surprise. This is a pretty popular trail, I must have seen close to 50 and the sand doesn't lie.

Private Property

 the low road

 

 low river

 climbing

 river overlook

 flat tree

 

 twisty tree

 end of the road

 shoe prints

 natural fence