Queer Ramblings

[docbrite]

When I was a little kid, there were no gay characters in anything I read or saw, although I latched onto the proto-bromances of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza at a very early age. At eight or so, I read about a lesbian encounter in a biography of (I think) Hedy Lamarr, which I found (oddly) in my super-conservative Baptist paternal grandmother's

Comments

[ginamariewade]

This is why Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover books meant so much to me when I was 15, 16, 17. My mom had a fit about them because they are science fiction/fantasy, if she'd known what they were *really* about she would have had a much bigger conniption.

[volatiletimes]

I think this is why the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is still such a meaningful book for me. I longed for (and still do) want that male companionship; to fit in as "one of the guys".

Oh, and to avoid sounding too much like a fanboy-- thank you.

I find myself much more interested in feminist issues since I completely stopped trying to be female.

I feel the same way. I was wondering if someone else felt that way, too.

[rosefox]

I do too (though I'm genderqueer and not trans).

[writergrrl88]

Hi Doc!

I can't tell you how many times you've inspired me -- not only reminding me that it's "okay" to have blurred lines when it comes to "sexual orientation," but as an indirect mentor regarding functionality and chronic pain conditions.

However, I saw something on telly last night about Chaz Bono's new documentary, and I was wondering if you had seen it. He has certainly blazed trails as far as being an "out" trans celebrity and I thought you might take some hope from his candor (especially because he's also dealt with pain med issues and such).

[ladyeuthanasia]

When I was in third grade (I don't know if I was watching SOAP yet, but I loved that show and especially Billy Crystal's character), a butch little girl named Debbie asked me on the playground if I knew what "gay" meant. I said, "Happy?" sensing that I was wrong. She started to reply, "It's when two men love each other..." and then said, "Nah. You wouldn't understand."

I wouldn't have then, not until I was watching SOAP with my folks (I remember that storyline about Jodie breaking my heart). But I would eventually and have all the love and compassion in the world. Meanwhile, I would be doing historical cross-dressing and learning about La Maupin. We're all on a continuum.

[anaisdjuna]

Why do you think you're more interested in feminist issues now that you're not trying to fit into female?

I had no idea of gay or lesbian much less bi when I was younger. I just remember being very turned on by the Wonder Woman episode with all the wonder women in nighties on wonder woman island and not wanting my mother to catch me watching it.