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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2018 15:49:37 GMT
It's the Unicorn thing in particular that swung it isn't it? Definitely! In the more metaphorical sense it can be daunting to call out or question others’ points of view at the risk of becoming a bore or a wannabe activist. I’m still firmly of the belief that these conversations need to be had and it’s refreshing to see I’m not the only one  Oh indeed, indeed. Going back to my point of gay kids want gay actors to be visible, I keep hearing the bit of Neil Patrick Harris' iconic Tony's opening, the bit where he goes 'We WERE that kid' if you struggle to understand why gay kids (and adults) need to see people like them, that's a good paralell: you live in nowheresville Norfolk or Iowa and you suddenly realise there's other people like you in the world. (also to stretch it further, that if Neil Patrick Harris can play a central part in a long running sitcom, wear drag in Hedwig and post cute Instagram pictures of his kids....well that's something pretty nice to look up to as a package....Barney Stinson snigger at package aside) |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2018 17:53:13 GMT
I love to know who the gayers are in Hollywood. I like to know who I have a chance with.
And whose wife I need to avoid. Learn that the hard way.
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Post by n1david on Aug 17, 2018 8:36:51 GMT
Which, hey, that's really great for you, and no one's saying that *you* have to care. But there are kids out there who don't know who they are, or they do know who they are but they're terrified they're the only ones, and for them, it can be extremely validating and life-affirming to know that there are other people out there going through the same things but still living their lives That's not a perspective I'd even considered, @baemax. Very valid and helpful. I guess it comes down to whether someone is the type who does see actors or anyone in the public eye as role models, something I was never susceptible to. For those who are, it's useful, I agree. If you’re an aspiring gay actor, considering whether to come out, I’d say the likes of Sir Ian McKellen or Sir Derek Jacobi would be fine role models. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2018 8:46:36 GMT
Which, hey, that's really great for you, and no one's saying that *you* have to care. But there are kids out there who don't know who they are, or they do know who they are but they're terrified they're the only ones, and for them, it can be extremely validating and life-affirming to know that there are other people out there going through the same things but still living their lives That's not a perspective I'd even considered, @baemax . Very valid and helpful. I guess it comes down to whether someone is the type who does see actors or anyone in the public eye as role models, something I was never susceptible to. For those who are, it's useful, I agree. That actually sounds really, I don't know condescending? or dismissive? why shouldn't actors be role models? Why shouldn't sports stars? And as @baemax was saying, either way it's a really affirming thing to see 'someone like you' in the public eye. Maybe (if I may) as a straight white male, that's not something you consider? But women, people of colour and LGBT people consider every day in various incarnations. I also don't personally think looking up to someone who has been successful in their chosen field is something to look down on, or be dismissive of. I see actors in the capacity of 'role models' the same way I do people who have been successful in academia- someone to look at and say 'hey they achieved what they set out to do in life maybe I can too' and if they are 'like me' in other ways, then yes, that helps. |
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Post by vdcni on Aug 17, 2018 14:43:41 GMT
Also it's just as much about representation and visibility as anything.
When growing up as a gay teenager in the 90's it wasn't that I viewed gay actors, sports people etc as role models it was just heartening to see they existed. When you go through life seeing no representations of anyone like you then you can't imagine the relief you feel seeing someone you can relate to for that part of your life.
And in those days it was often the case that you knew something was different but didn't really understand what that was and you had no one to talk to about it. I mean the first time I ever spoke to someone about being gay was at 19 on my first ever date - at last I didn't have to keep everything inside anymore. Things have moved on but I doubt that feeling has gone away entirely.
It can be as simple as understanding that Martina Navratilova was a lesbian and what that meant to seeing Tim & Gavin on the Brittas Empire live as a couple to watching late night Channel 4 and realising what sex with another man actually looked like.
I know being a teenager is a confusing time for everyone but when you can't even see what your life could potentially look like and don't have anyone who you can talk to it becomes much harder.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2018 16:00:19 GMT
I don't get the fuss about casting a straight person to play a gay part or vice versa. Lots of actors or actresses have played roles opposite to their sexuality and won awards for it. An actor's sexuality is their own business anyway.
Very good point above by Vdcni about Tim and Gavin in the Brittas Empire where Gordon Brittas was oblivious to their relationship.
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