I know we are WAY behind but I have a general question on "Gay Films"
Or what some of my friends call "Queer Cinema".
I am bisexual and what in the 90s they called a "Hag". Since I was 11, my best friend was gay, though he didn't come out until we were 12. I've always been around homosexuals, I have always been bi, an ally, a friend, and part of the community.
Well, that brings me around to "Queer Cinema". There are certain films my friends and I love ("Saved", "Priscilla,Queen of the Desert", "Boys don't Cry", "But I'm a Cheerleader", "Transamerica", "To Wong Foo...", "Philadelphia", "Brokeback Mountain" and a personal favourite, "Orlando"). Then there are some pictures that I just don't know if a lesbian or COMPLETE homosexual (since I am 'just bisexual', some people think I don't really count) would find offensive or enjoyable.
The reason this has been on my mind is, obviously we have all been very busy lately.. but while I was online fundraising for a family in crisis, I had the Telly on and the 1996 movie "The Birdcage" was on. I saw it in the theaters when I was 16 and a couple times since so I half listened as I did what I had to do on the computer. As most know, it's like John Water's "Hairspray", because it started as a French Film in the 70's, "La cage Aux Folles", was turned into a musical on Broadway in the 80's and won a few Tonys, including show of the year if memory serves... then was recycled in the 90's as "The Birdcage" with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as the main, middle-aged, gay couple.
Knowing at least Nathan is gay made it enjoyable at the time and a little now, just as I feel more comfortable laughing at a comedy when one of the actors is actually gay. That way it doesn't feel like they are making FUN of homosexuality but moreso the humour in the scene they are playing.
While watching bits and pieces..thinking what a dick the son was, how hot Christine Baranski still was/is and laughing at Hank Azaria as the maid, I wondered: Is this funny or offensive to a gay MAN. I also wondered, what "queer cinema" did those in the LGBTQetc community find funny, touching, and positive in it's message and what missed the mark?? What films offended homosexuals or their friends/family and why. I know 'Crusin'' might get mentioned, but beyond that, what films did you feel addressed homosexuality or gay characters in a positive way and which did you feel was offensive or just plain WRONG. Straight people, please feel free to answer this as well. Did it surprise you that you cried at the end of 'Brokeback Mountain' as my partner did or did you feel the gay sidekick in such and such show was demeaning and off the mark??
Any and all opinions are desired and open for discussion. Feel free to also throw out films that you think helped or hindered the cause of tolerance and or bigotry on this important matter.
Z.
I am bisexual and what in the 90s they called a "Hag". Since I was 11, my best friend was gay, though he didn't come out until we were 12. I've always been around homosexuals, I have always been bi, an ally, a friend, and part of the community.
Well, that brings me around to "Queer Cinema". There are certain films my friends and I love ("Saved", "Priscilla,Queen of the Desert", "Boys don't Cry", "But I'm a Cheerleader", "Transamerica", "To Wong Foo...", "Philadelphia", "Brokeback Mountain" and a personal favourite, "Orlando"). Then there are some pictures that I just don't know if a lesbian or COMPLETE homosexual (since I am 'just bisexual', some people think I don't really count) would find offensive or enjoyable.
The reason this has been on my mind is, obviously we have all been very busy lately.. but while I was online fundraising for a family in crisis, I had the Telly on and the 1996 movie "The Birdcage" was on. I saw it in the theaters when I was 16 and a couple times since so I half listened as I did what I had to do on the computer. As most know, it's like John Water's "Hairspray", because it started as a French Film in the 70's, "La cage Aux Folles", was turned into a musical on Broadway in the 80's and won a few Tonys, including show of the year if memory serves... then was recycled in the 90's as "The Birdcage" with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as the main, middle-aged, gay couple.
Knowing at least Nathan is gay made it enjoyable at the time and a little now, just as I feel more comfortable laughing at a comedy when one of the actors is actually gay. That way it doesn't feel like they are making FUN of homosexuality but moreso the humour in the scene they are playing.
While watching bits and pieces..thinking what a dick the son was, how hot Christine Baranski still was/is and laughing at Hank Azaria as the maid, I wondered: Is this funny or offensive to a gay MAN. I also wondered, what "queer cinema" did those in the LGBTQetc community find funny, touching, and positive in it's message and what missed the mark?? What films offended homosexuals or their friends/family and why. I know 'Crusin'' might get mentioned, but beyond that, what films did you feel addressed homosexuality or gay characters in a positive way and which did you feel was offensive or just plain WRONG. Straight people, please feel free to answer this as well. Did it surprise you that you cried at the end of 'Brokeback Mountain' as my partner did or did you feel the gay sidekick in such and such show was demeaning and off the mark??
Any and all opinions are desired and open for discussion. Feel free to also throw out films that you think helped or hindered the cause of tolerance and or bigotry on this important matter.
Z.