#1
Posted: 11/25/03 at 1:15pm
I know...I should have posted this under Anthony's column...but I find myself fascinated with the topic of why we can't seem to find today's Judy or Liza. And I have a theory I'd like to offer and hear what you all think.
Once upon a time, there was a very dark, almost medieval period in American history known as Pre-Stonewall. During this time, boys who liked boys and girls who liked girls had to live secret lives because, not only was being a homosexual considered sick, it was tantamount to a crime. In these woeful days, these very special people had no real release for all the pent-up emotions they felt. Sure, they could move to a big city (or even small city) and try to find a clandestine group of like-minded folk or, risking life and career, have a tryst in the bushes of a park. Imagine what that could do to someone!
During those times, a few patron saints were canonized by the very special ones. St. Judy, St. Bette, St. Joan...these women, knowingly or not, spoke very deeply to those who couldn't speak for themselves. They were tough, talented women who, against social norms, wielded real power. But I believe it is what they sacrificed that ultimately endeared them to the homosexual community. To get where they wanted to go, they needed to put on some sort of mask and give up parts of themselves for their art. It's that sense of loss and the vulnerability that it produces that clicked with so many who were giving up so much to make it in this world. As the years went by and the homosexual community became the Gay Liberation Front, our icons became loud, defiant 'freaks' who made no more apologies (just like the gays).
So...where are we now? We're all over TV, we're no longer criminals, we're having children, buying homes, driving SUV's and going to parent-teacher conferences. We no longer hide that most intimate part of ourselves, therefore we no longer look to other tragic heroines to speak for us. Are we losing something...a wonderful culture of camp, double entendres and style? Yes...I think we are. Do I regret that? A little bit. But I'd much rather sit by myself in my room, listening to Judy at Carnegie Hall and thanking God that my nieces and nephews and, hopefully one day, my children are growing up in a world where gay icons are obselete.
Once upon a time, there was a very dark, almost medieval period in American history known as Pre-Stonewall. During this time, boys who liked boys and girls who liked girls had to live secret lives because, not only was being a homosexual considered sick, it was tantamount to a crime. In these woeful days, these very special people had no real release for all the pent-up emotions they felt. Sure, they could move to a big city (or even small city) and try to find a clandestine group of like-minded folk or, risking life and career, have a tryst in the bushes of a park. Imagine what that could do to someone!
During those times, a few patron saints were canonized by the very special ones. St. Judy, St. Bette, St. Joan...these women, knowingly or not, spoke very deeply to those who couldn't speak for themselves. They were tough, talented women who, against social norms, wielded real power. But I believe it is what they sacrificed that ultimately endeared them to the homosexual community. To get where they wanted to go, they needed to put on some sort of mask and give up parts of themselves for their art. It's that sense of loss and the vulnerability that it produces that clicked with so many who were giving up so much to make it in this world. As the years went by and the homosexual community became the Gay Liberation Front, our icons became loud, defiant 'freaks' who made no more apologies (just like the gays).
So...where are we now? We're all over TV, we're no longer criminals, we're having children, buying homes, driving SUV's and going to parent-teacher conferences. We no longer hide that most intimate part of ourselves, therefore we no longer look to other tragic heroines to speak for us. Are we losing something...a wonderful culture of camp, double entendres and style? Yes...I think we are. Do I regret that? A little bit. But I'd much rather sit by myself in my room, listening to Judy at Carnegie Hall and thanking God that my nieces and nephews and, hopefully one day, my children are growing up in a world where gay icons are obselete.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."
