Anna Paquin comes out — Page 2

Hmmm, that's an interesting question.

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Who's the guy with the hat?

I still don't really believe in bisexuality...

You're right!

"lesbians are far more accepted in the straight community."

While I certainly think that's true, I don't exactly think it's for the right reasons. I think the reason why lesbians are more socially accepted is because of the bro-mentality of "Two chicks kissin'. Hawt.". In all honesty, I think the reaction to Anna Paquin's coming out will lean more towards the positive side because of this bro-mentality. While I think it's a nice thing that these kinds of people are accepting of lesbians and female bisexuals, I just wish that their reasoning would be a lot less ignorant.

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I was thinking of that exact skit as I read AllThatJazz's post, JG2.

I guess coming outs only count if it's an unattractive lesbian, or a hot gay man.

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Updated On: 4/2/10 at 07:19 PM

it makes me want to go back and revisit the deflowering scene in almost famous.

btw, two chicks going at it is hawt. 'specially if one of them is that gap toothed li'l hottie...or jg2.

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"lesbians are far more accepted in the straight community."

Maybe if the lesbians are incredibly hot and the members of the straight community are straight men, but other than that, I have to say: I completely disagree. I mean, perhaps its just the circles I'm in, but virtually every gay male friend I have came out at a younger age (and in the company of greater numbers) than my gay female friends and family members. It seems to me that pop culture is starting to find a real niche (of sorts--though we could go on for forever about it's limitations) for gay men, and I'm not quite sure that's so for gay women.


"I still don't really believe in bisexuality..."

MTVMANN, are you gay? I always find this sort of statement to be kind of ironic coming from anyone who is homosexual. I mean, for every ignorant homosexual who tries to deny bisexuality, there's another ignorant straight person claiming that homosexuality is a choice and can be cured...

"Are you gay or is your experience all anecdotal? Because, you're a girl who likes theatre, so of course there are going to be a lot of annoying gay guys around."

No, I'm not gay...my experience is entirely anecdotal, but that's why I said perhaps its the circles I'm in. I personally have seen much more acceptance in every day social interactions towards gay men than women. I admittedly know nothing of the violence inflicted on anyone because of his or her sexuality. The only abuse I've personally witnessed is emotional and social.

"What does that mean? When people talk acceptance, I think personal safety, not pop culture. Statistically speaking, gay men (or men perceived as gay) are overwhelming the majority of the victims of hate crimes."

Point taken, but I suppose I was trying to get at the idea that pop culture often plays a big role in shaping the way people view race, sexuality, etc.

Updated On: 4/2/10 at 10:22 PM

And in pop culture, it's still more acceptable for lesbians than gay men, I would say. Straight actresses don't seem too concerned with playing gay roles. I wouldn't say the same for men. Look at Brokeback Mountain. It was a mediocre movie that wouldn't have made an echo if it were about a straight couple. Honestly, parts of it were laughable. It was acclaimed and Oscar worthy and the actors called "brave" for their roles.

I am not proud of the story but last year when I came out to my family, my father was having a hard time. (He continues to.) My brother was talking to him about it and said, "C'mon, dad. It's not like she's a gay GUY." I think it's easier for some people to think of lesbians as really close best friends and/or a sexy idea for straight males. Ellen is harmless. Portia is gorgeous. Wanda is funny. They've watched Jodie grow up. There's nothing intimidating there. It doesn't really threaten their idea of womanhood. With gay men, thoughts either go to sex that they don't understand without any kind of emotion or the fear that if they DO get it, they'll be considered gay themselves. From a straight perspective, who are the most famous gay men? Elton John? George Michael? Boy George? Jack McFarland? The effeminate nature of these guys is threatening for some reason. The actors that can pass for straight do so out of fear of ending their careers. I think things are changing for the better with celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris coming out, but it's slow coming.

Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone and I hope that didn't sound too negative. I just think gay men have a harder time and it sucks. lol

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Updated On: 4/2/10 at 11:07 PM

I think we've sort of danced around an issue here. The idea that lesbians are far more accepted by the straight community is a misnomer. Popular culture might assert that "lipstick lesbians" are loved by the drunken-fratboy crowd. That might be true. Drop Lea Delaria and Phrank in the middle of Kansas, tell them to make out, and you can imagine how "accepted" they might find themselves. And while the idea of two hot girls making out might titillate sexual fantasies for some conservative straight guys, it doesn't necessarily follow that they'd want two women living next door and raising children.

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I remember watching a particular episode of Law & Order a long while ago with Ruthie Henshall guest starring as a writer who was a lesbian. I forgot the reason, but her hiding her sexuality had something to do with the case, so, when she was questioned about it, she said something that was very smart and clearly very well written. She said, when men thing about lesbians they think of two things. Either its revolting or can I watch.

I think that is but true. More men are acceptable of two woman making out rather then two guys for the reasons that were clearly stated.

And, I think that it is just dumb to say that someone doesn't believe in bisexuality. Yes, I do believe that someone can be physically attracted to both genders, yet choose to settle down with one over the other.

I think that what Paquin did was a great and bold move.

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She's a starlet? Even with her Oscar?