K/S is B.S.
| Meta | |
|---|---|
| Title: | K/S is B.S. |
| Creator: | Ann K. Meyer |
| Date(s): | late 1983 |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Topic: | |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
K/S is B.S. is a 1983 essay by Ann K. Meyer. Meyer became Bill Hupe's wife, and together they ran a vast empire of zine publishing and agenting.
It was published in Abode of Strife #1.
The topic of the essay is slash and Kirk/Spock.
The crux of the argument is that the premise is flawed because Spock is a Vulcan and logical by nature, and "homosexuality is completely illogical since it serves no purposeful goal." That, and "even in the throes of plak-tow, logic may crumble when a Vulcan is in heat, but dignity always prevails." That, and lesbians are "strange."
For additional context, see Timeline of Slash Meta and Slash Meta.
The Essay
(The following message is from a non-profit organization, and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the editors.)
There has been an epidemic of homosexual stories now being published in increasing number of fanzines, the thought being that today's society is sophisticated enough to handle stories concerning homosexuality. And since homosexuality pervades in this century, many writers for fanzines have assumed that it will exist in the time period of the Federation (perhaps under less social taboos). We are not opponents of this new trend of literature. We like the idea heterosexualIty Is not the only facet of sex being represented In fanzine literature. However, we do oppose the K/S stories.
For those unfamiliar to the term "K/S", It stands for "KIrk/Spock". This is the genre of stories in which Kirk and Spock are homosexual partners. These writers contend that there Is evidence that such a relationship between Kirk and Spock is possible. They will state that Kirk and Spock are very very close friends, each willing to sacrifice his own life to save the other. (This fact has been exclusively shown In many of the episodes.) So because of this friendship, these writers believe that Kirk would offer himself to Spock If the Vulcan was in plak-tow with no available female. Also, Spock is half human with humanly sexual desires and needs. Who else but Kirk would understand and even relieve this conflict?? Who would Spock ever turn to In the time of emotional trouble? So why can't Kirk and Spock be homosexual partners?
We, however, think there Is a flaw in their seemingly "logical" extrapolation. First, Spock has COMPLETELY identified himself with Vulcan. Sex is revolting and only performed for the sake of procreation. But homosexuality is completely illogical since it serves no purposeful goal, and satisfying sexual desire is not considered to be important to the survival of a species.
Second, if Spock did harbor such desires within him, he would keep these well hidden and never approach Kirk. Even if Kirk proposed the suggested, Spock would refuse to participate—even in the throes of plak-tow. Logic may crumble when a Vulcan is in heat, but dignity always prevails.
So why can't they try some other combinations? What about Kirk/McCoy? (McCoy always did have that paternal aura.) Or McCoy/Scotty? Chekov/Sulu? Kirk/McCoy/Scotty? (And for those who are a bit more shy and self-conscious, why not a KIrk/Kirk story?) And let's have equal time for lesbians too! Rand/Uhura? Uhura/Chapel? After all, we all know how strange these Terrans can be.
(Paid for by the Society for the Preservation of Vulcan Dignity Concerning Sexual Matters.)