Day 20: Maureen or Joanne? (Or your favorite LGBTQ show or queer-positive show).
Why do I have to pick? I like them both! As for my favorite LGBT positive show, I'm not sure. I love True Blood and there is a strong LGBT presence on that show. And the cast is just sexy, come on. Other than that, I'm drawing a blank. So many shows have such strong, positive LGBT characters.
Queer as Folk is pretty good. Buffy: the Vampire Slayer had "Willow" and her girlfriend. That was probably one of the earliest regular characters I can think of that was LGBT. Bones had an LGBT character if I'm not mistaken. This is hard for me. I watch so much T.V. that I can't really remember. Oh, HawthoRNe has a lesbian nurse. Haha, I guess I'm failing at this.
I will say that I think we are finally being represented pretty accurately on T.V. and in film. I think the fact that there isn't a single stand-out choice is a good thing.
And I'm realizing that the original question said "show" and mentioned RENT. If we're talking Broadway, is there actually a show that isn't at least somewhat LGBT positive?
Showing posts with label T.V.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label T.V.. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sister Wives
I’ve watched “Sister Wives” several times and I always have mixed emotions about the idea of polygamy. It’s not for me, I know. I’m hardwired as a monogamist. But, just like I don’t think it’s fair that the government says I can’t marry another man, I don’t think it’s air for the government to legislate how many people can get married. And in my opinion, you can’t have it both ways. If you’re for marriage equality, you should truly be for MARRIAGE EQUALITY across the board. However, to cut off any craziness that might ensue from that statement, all parties should be of legal, consenting adult age and be able to verbalize. No children, no animals. That’s just ridiculous.
Anyway, on a base level, I’m totally ok with it, assuming that all parties involved know exactly what they’re getting into. No forcing a daughter to marry into a polygamous marriage, no wives/husbands in different states that don’t know about each other, none of that. Everyone needs 100% disclosure up front. If everyone is on the same page, go for it.
But I can’t imagine being with multiple people at the same time…or, ya know, separately. I’m not in favor of open relationship for myself, but again, if everyone involved is ok with it, by all means have fun. I’m not a jealous person, but I think if I knew my significant other was with other people, that might change. I know that polygamy isn’t the same as an open relationship in that all partners know each other and usually don’t engage in sexual behaviors together. But it would still be weird for me.
I do like the idea of having multiple parental units to raise kids, though. How great would that be? It takes a village to raise a child, right? But it would have to be hard on the kids, too. If you homeschool, they’re likely to be socially awkward. Although, with that many kids, maybe not. But the Duggers are… Anyway, but if they go to school, they either have to keep it quiet or face potential torment from peers.
However you look at it, love is love, but polygamy is definitely something to seriously consider before diving in. I can’t help but wonder if even serious contemplation could truly prepare a person for that life.
Anyway, on a base level, I’m totally ok with it, assuming that all parties involved know exactly what they’re getting into. No forcing a daughter to marry into a polygamous marriage, no wives/husbands in different states that don’t know about each other, none of that. Everyone needs 100% disclosure up front. If everyone is on the same page, go for it.
But I can’t imagine being with multiple people at the same time…or, ya know, separately. I’m not in favor of open relationship for myself, but again, if everyone involved is ok with it, by all means have fun. I’m not a jealous person, but I think if I knew my significant other was with other people, that might change. I know that polygamy isn’t the same as an open relationship in that all partners know each other and usually don’t engage in sexual behaviors together. But it would still be weird for me.
I do like the idea of having multiple parental units to raise kids, though. How great would that be? It takes a village to raise a child, right? But it would have to be hard on the kids, too. If you homeschool, they’re likely to be socially awkward. Although, with that many kids, maybe not. But the Duggers are… Anyway, but if they go to school, they either have to keep it quiet or face potential torment from peers.
However you look at it, love is love, but polygamy is definitely something to seriously consider before diving in. I can’t help but wonder if even serious contemplation could truly prepare a person for that life.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Glee!
Glee. It's a show that has pretty much swept the nation, and for good reason: it's a good show. It's great that they've included such a variety of characters on the show and even in just 2 seasons, have really pushed the envelope on lot of socially touchy subjects, especially in the LGBT arena. They have a the obvious character of Kurt, the closeted jock archetype in Dave Karofsky, and the oft-neglected closeted lipstick lesbian in Santana, not to mention the bi-curious Brittany.
But I just absolutely can't identify with a single character on the show. I love that they introduced Kurt and that his sexuality wasn't just glossed over. Early in the 1st season, he came to the realization and was still faced with coming out. They brought that struggle to light in a show that a lot of teenagers watch. But Kurt is so absolutely flamboyant. He's a fashionisto. He likes Broadway, constantly makes obscure cultural references, and drops names of long-dead celebrities like nobody's business. I just don't see myself in that. Sure, I like some Broadway stuff, especially from the last 30 years or so. I'd even venture to say that I have a decent grasp on the fashion world, occasionally embarrassing myself by knowing the proper terms for various types of trim and styles, but I also seem to know a lot about a multitude of other random topics. But overall, I think my interests are pretty average for a guy my age. I don't wear sequins. I don't flit around. I don't dress anywhere near drag. Other than the most base of emotions, I just can't relate to him.
Then there's Dave Karofsky, the football player. I can somewhat more identify with Dave, but not really. Dave's a jock, something I've never even come remotely close to. I played baseball as a kid, but hated it by the time I was 8 and did everything I could not to be put on the field. His fear of coming out is something I can definitely relate to, though. I was 18 before I came out to my best friend of 12 years at the time (19 years now), 20 before I told anyone else, and 24 before I told my mom. I understand that insane level of fear. But that, too, is a very basic way to relate.
The addition of Blaine was really a great happy medium...and it doesn't hurt that Darren Criss has eyes that just draw you in. Being that the character of Blaine is pretty middle-of-the-road, I'd have to say that Blaine is the character I can relate to most, but he's still a tertiary character at this point. And just because I relate most, doesn't mean I really see myself.
I know it's a T.V. show and they're trying to appeal to the masses. I really do get that. And I think it's great that they're reaching out to the most vulnerable people. But just once, I would like to see a normal man, who happens to like men. All that said, I hope they keep up the good work. I'm really excited for the season finale and to see where the show goes in Season 3. Especially since there's been mention of a conservatively Christian character joining the cast. That could make for a really interesting dynamic if done well and it's nice to see inclusion from both sides of the aisle.
But I just absolutely can't identify with a single character on the show. I love that they introduced Kurt and that his sexuality wasn't just glossed over. Early in the 1st season, he came to the realization and was still faced with coming out. They brought that struggle to light in a show that a lot of teenagers watch. But Kurt is so absolutely flamboyant. He's a fashionisto. He likes Broadway, constantly makes obscure cultural references, and drops names of long-dead celebrities like nobody's business. I just don't see myself in that. Sure, I like some Broadway stuff, especially from the last 30 years or so. I'd even venture to say that I have a decent grasp on the fashion world, occasionally embarrassing myself by knowing the proper terms for various types of trim and styles, but I also seem to know a lot about a multitude of other random topics. But overall, I think my interests are pretty average for a guy my age. I don't wear sequins. I don't flit around. I don't dress anywhere near drag. Other than the most base of emotions, I just can't relate to him.
Then there's Dave Karofsky, the football player. I can somewhat more identify with Dave, but not really. Dave's a jock, something I've never even come remotely close to. I played baseball as a kid, but hated it by the time I was 8 and did everything I could not to be put on the field. His fear of coming out is something I can definitely relate to, though. I was 18 before I came out to my best friend of 12 years at the time (19 years now), 20 before I told anyone else, and 24 before I told my mom. I understand that insane level of fear. But that, too, is a very basic way to relate.
The addition of Blaine was really a great happy medium...and it doesn't hurt that Darren Criss has eyes that just draw you in. Being that the character of Blaine is pretty middle-of-the-road, I'd have to say that Blaine is the character I can relate to most, but he's still a tertiary character at this point. And just because I relate most, doesn't mean I really see myself.
I know it's a T.V. show and they're trying to appeal to the masses. I really do get that. And I think it's great that they're reaching out to the most vulnerable people. But just once, I would like to see a normal man, who happens to like men. All that said, I hope they keep up the good work. I'm really excited for the season finale and to see where the show goes in Season 3. Especially since there's been mention of a conservatively Christian character joining the cast. That could make for a really interesting dynamic if done well and it's nice to see inclusion from both sides of the aisle.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Skins
I've been watching the UK Series, Skins for quite a while now. It's a great show. It can be a bit racy, but it's about teenagers, what do you expect? Last week, a US version premiered on MTV, much to the chagrin of the political Right, apparently. I think it's ridiculous. Now, I haven't seen the 2nd episode yet, but the pilot was very good. It reminds me a lot of my time in high school...which is what I think the problem is. People act they were complete angels in high school. They don't like to be reminded that acted a fool, made some bad choices, partied too much. And, even worse, they don't want to think of their own children doing the same thing.
A co-worker of mine, who typically falls on the left side of the aisle, Is appalled by the show...though I seriously doubt he's ever seen an episode. He had a similar reaction when Katy Perry was to appear on Sesame Street. I'm sorry, but when's the last time a toddler saw some cleavage and thought about sex? But I'm getting off track.
The biggest problem people espouse to have is that they're using real teenagers to play the characters, as opposed to the 20-somethings that normally fill those roles. I like it. I think there's something raw about it. And real. These kids aren't remembering what high school was like: they're living it.
This isn't the 1950's. Even then, people were having sex in high school and smoking pot. But the show isn't "condoning it" as I've been told it is. It's simply stating a fact. I think my boss and co-worker were a bit surprised when I told them that t reminded me so much of my time in high school. People having sex, popping pills, smoking pot, partying, sneaking home the next morning, suicide, overdoses; those were just facts of life. I didn't go to some white-bread suburban school. I experienced the real world at a young age. Were mistakes made? Of course. But you live and you learn.
Now, apparently, the producers are being charged with child porn? Other than a few kisses and some oh-so-scandalous shoulders, there was nothing remotely porn like about the first episode. The 2nd episode might prove a bit different, but I'm just not sure.
Another reason I think people are having so many problems is our cultural climate. I mean, come on, our country was founded by a bunch of prudes who thought Europe was having too much fun to make God happy. But things change. I'm hesitant to call anything on MTV art anymore, but this show has potential if it lives up to its UK counterpart. Hell, I've seen British TV movies that showed rape and what would be considered softcore porn in this country.
This whole thing has gotten way out of control, as far as I'm concerned. I'll watch the seond episode once it's online and may have more to say, but so far, my thoughts are that if you don't like it, change the damn channel.
A co-worker of mine, who typically falls on the left side of the aisle, Is appalled by the show...though I seriously doubt he's ever seen an episode. He had a similar reaction when Katy Perry was to appear on Sesame Street. I'm sorry, but when's the last time a toddler saw some cleavage and thought about sex? But I'm getting off track.
The biggest problem people espouse to have is that they're using real teenagers to play the characters, as opposed to the 20-somethings that normally fill those roles. I like it. I think there's something raw about it. And real. These kids aren't remembering what high school was like: they're living it.
This isn't the 1950's. Even then, people were having sex in high school and smoking pot. But the show isn't "condoning it" as I've been told it is. It's simply stating a fact. I think my boss and co-worker were a bit surprised when I told them that t reminded me so much of my time in high school. People having sex, popping pills, smoking pot, partying, sneaking home the next morning, suicide, overdoses; those were just facts of life. I didn't go to some white-bread suburban school. I experienced the real world at a young age. Were mistakes made? Of course. But you live and you learn.
Now, apparently, the producers are being charged with child porn? Other than a few kisses and some oh-so-scandalous shoulders, there was nothing remotely porn like about the first episode. The 2nd episode might prove a bit different, but I'm just not sure.
Another reason I think people are having so many problems is our cultural climate. I mean, come on, our country was founded by a bunch of prudes who thought Europe was having too much fun to make God happy. But things change. I'm hesitant to call anything on MTV art anymore, but this show has potential if it lives up to its UK counterpart. Hell, I've seen British TV movies that showed rape and what would be considered softcore porn in this country.
This whole thing has gotten way out of control, as far as I'm concerned. I'll watch the seond episode once it's online and may have more to say, but so far, my thoughts are that if you don't like it, change the damn channel.
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