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Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (October 31, 2008)Angelina Jolie is a girl, interrupted, again when people decide she’s insane for thinking that her son isn’t really her son in Clint Eastwood’s new movie, Changeling. I’m intrigued by the trailer, but part of me worries that the whole “he’s not my kid!” mystery is just a metaphor for the psychological alienation of the main character. If a slimy tentacle doesn’t slither out of the kid’s mouth at some point, I’m totally demanding my money back.
The Changeling trailer: Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom continues to clean up in limited release (with an amazing $33,000-per-theater debut), proving yet again that conventional wisdom is never wrong. What’s that, you say? The conventional wisdom wasn’t that a micro-budget movie about four gay men of color would set box office records? Who knew!
Jensen Atwood (left) & Darryl Stephens in Out on DVD this week is Journey to the Center of the Earth, which I highly recommend, at least if you’re a fan of cheesy sci-fi and/or Brendan Fraser, who is so adorable that his cuteness must go down to the sub-atomic level, with little kittens and panda bears in place of his electrons and protons.
Brendan Fraser And don’t forget to vote for President and against Proposition 8! And while you're at it, don't forget our 50 Greatest Gay Books Poll, voting for which closes tomorrow! Finally, in addition to the other changes made recently to your profile page, we've now added the ability to embed your favorite video clips to your profile. After all, it's so 2008 to tell the world who you are by your taste in video clips! So who are we? Brian picked the kitty inside the TV licking the screen. Awww, kitty cats! Dennis picked a Sebastian clip from Little Britain USA. Naturally, Michael went with a Torchwood kiss (soooo predictable that one!) And I chose one of my favorite Two Gay Guys vlogs! To add your own video, go to your profile page, click "edit" and then video. It's a snap. Oh, and have a BEST.GAY.WEEK.EVER! Submitted by on Thu, 2008-10-30 20:18.  NUKE, College Politics and Homophobia on CampusSubmitted by
nordic balance (not verified) on Fri, 2008-10-31 01:41.I can't agree with the 1950s thing because we don't actually know what the students on campus at Oakdale U think about the Gay Film Festival or Gay Student Alliance, etc.
If Luke and Noah were attending some large university in a major urban city, I might question the validity of the incidents but it seems VERY likely (particularly given the rightward trend of the US in general over the last 8 years) that a small, local university could have enough homophobic donors to make an impact on a university's budget if they chose ti withdraw their funds because of the Gay Film Festival.
It's not like they're going to Hampshire or some other super liberal school. Even if they were in Chicago, the situation might be different.
It doesn't seem like the story is saying that the entire campus is flooded with gay-hating students but it's enough to make the small minority of gay students on campus feel uncomfortable, unequal and frustrated.
I actually think stuff like this happens all the time on colleges and it just doesn't get discussed openly because it's not something extreme like "gay bashing".
I don't think it's just about being in the midwest (because there are narrow-minded fearful folks all over this country)
But in a small town, a few wealth minds can have an impact more easily. These are the same kinds of town that right now in 2008 want to ban books like "The Bluest Eye" and "Harry Potter" and "I know why the caged bird sings" from their public libraries.
About MorrisseySubmitted by
Sparky (197 points) (41 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 01:45.(Hi! First comment... being a Smiths fan and an asexual girl, I feel I am somewhat qualified to speak to this...) I think Morrissey is actually asexual... it's just that asexuality's an orientation that's just now coming into public awareness, and it sounds like in the past he didn't really know how to describe himself. If you weren't straight, you must be gay, kinda thing. Most asexuals (myself included) have to go through that internal process of elimination on their way to figuring everything out.  I've heard this explanationSubmitted by
 And you may be right. But why not admit his songs were gay? Clearly he felt some connection with gay folks, cause that's what he was writing about.
 I maySubmitted by
dumdumb (43 points) (13 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 12:32.
I may be wrong about this, but I seem to remember hearing both that in the past, M. has stated that he's asexual and that recently he did come out as gay.
Whichever way, he has plenty of songs that speak volumes.
There is a light that never goes out.
 He's not asexual at all. He's a Leather BottomSubmitted by
David Ehrenstein (7805 points) (1725 posts) on Sun, 2008-11-02 11:16.See William E. Jones' great documntary Is It Really So Strange? about Moz and his fans. It has all the skinny.
 On Grabeel and WainwrightSubmitted by
seanID22 (280 points) (56 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 01:52.Two quick points: I hate it when actors make a point of saying they're not really gay when they play gay, in any forum that allows them to. I don't recall Anthony Hopkins making a point of saying he's not really a cannibal. Granted, many, including gay people, do assume things when somebody plays gay - maybe because a gay man playing one would be such a welcome novelty. And maybe I should reread, but does Lucas Grabeel officially say he's straight? He seems to dance around the question, as Clay Aiken did before. On Rufus and other jerky celebrities: These people are paid to act and sing, and if they show up on time and give us our money's worth, I don't really know why we should expect much more. When a few people come up and offer compliments and ask questions, a person should be gracious. When hundreds a day come up asking the same things over and over, it's a crowd control problem. When strangers come up and talk to me, I assume they want something, and that's usually true. And I'm a broke nobody. I'm a lifelong Madonna fan, and I'd never presume to approach her out of the blue for a photo. She'd snap me in half. Somebody whose work you might admire is not necessarily the perfect dinner companion.
 Nicely put...Submitted by
Dave (2088 points) (433 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 10:52...on both counts.
 I have to disagree withSubmitted by
seanb (1479 points) (306 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 13:34.I have to disagree with your take on Lucas Grabeel. I think there are two basic reasons for an actor to publicly proclaim that he's not gay after playing gay. One is totally understandable, and one is unfortunate. The unfortunate reason is if the actor feels there is something wrong with being gay, and he wants to make sure that no one would think such an awful thing of them. The understandable reason is that people in general want (and deserve) to be seen as what they really are. Here's a reverse example from my own life. I recently briefly met a friend of one of my friends (both gay) for the first time. After I had left, the friend asked my friend if I was married, thinking that I was straight. I was NOT happy about that misperception. Not because there's anything wrong with being straight, but because I didn't want to be seen as something other than what I am. Is is not legitimate for straight people to want to be seen as what they truly are for the same reason? In Lucas' case it's even more resonant since his young fans are much less likely to understand the difference between movie roles and real life than are older people. I read comments from him previously on his website that certainly made it sound like he is totally gay-friendly, and only wants to be seen as himself rather than as his roles. I can't speak for you, but I think in a lot of cases when gay people are upset when straight guys who play gay mention that they're straight, it comes out of insecurity. "Oh no, if he says he's straight that means there's something wrong with gay people, and therefore with me. How dare he!" Of course, I'm sure that IS the reason for SOME straight people to proclaim they're not gay, but I also am sure there are many more who just want to be seen accurately, as I myself want to be seen. Good pointSubmitted by
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes PeopleSubmitted by
kuhnsy (192 points) (40 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 07:33.Much like Sean I think that singers and actors shouldn't have their work judged by their personal lives. Idols and role models are different, granted, and when you start marketing yourself you should make sure you have a quality product. Illegal activities, especially in stars, both make you a role model by calling attention to yourself and make you a bad role model by damning anyone who's following your lead. But when people complain about John Barrowman's candid nature or Wainwright's bitchiness I have to wonder, what exactly are they doing WRONG? They're acting in a way that personally rubs someone (and in many cases me) the wrong way. But there are people who identify with that behaviour and who should be able to see people like them who are out and not messing up their lives. When I grow up, I want to be the John Barrowman I see: gauche, tittilating, fearless, and married to a hottie. I think that Rufus and his sister are both talented a-holes; I do not want to be them. Following in either's footsteps clearly doesn't lead to arrest, so I think all the bitchy boys should go ahead and love Rufus while all us hoes can crush on John and any gay boy looking to fault gay men on their personalities should look up to successful models of that lifestyle.
Logo ShortsSubmitted by
Michael (60 points) (11 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 07:50.Thank you for listing the shorts on Logo....I love watching them (Bugcrush still gives me nightmares!) but am too lazy to look online to see whats playing this week.
 I likeSubmitted by
cjordan (67 points) (19 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 07:58.I like George Michael, but I strongly agree with the following point. >As a favor to the rest of us: please get a hotel room.  WainwrightSubmitted by
Wheeler (360 points) (82 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 07:59.Those remarks about Wainwright just seem bizarre to me. I've read so many interviews and profiles and I've never seen him described the way he's described here.
Rufus can come across asSubmitted by
nordic balance (not verified) on Sun, 2008-11-02 09:01.Rufus can come across as arrogant to those who don't understand his sarcastic humor or his massive intellect. You don't have to like him but I wouldn't prejudge him based upon what you've read. A duck isn't always a duck, especially when you haven't heard it quack. Granted, I only had the pleasure of 15 minutes with him but I gathered a completely different impression of him. I agreeSubmitted by
David Ehrenstein (7805 points) (1725 posts) on Sun, 2008-11-02 11:13.Rufus is at heart a very grand queen o f the old school. He's very camp in a post-punk way. Enjoyed his music and enjoyed him in person -- especially at Lance Loud's funeral.
 I'm somewhat amused...Submitted by
Wolfi (467 points) (126 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 09:44....that John Barrowman is scolded for being too out in the same article that praises the bonding of the stereotypical San Francisco drama queens in SHIRTS & SKINS. To be honest, I find watching them even more insufferable than Scotty's mom ;-).
If nothing else, John Barrowman is the perfect example of the Europe that everyone praises for being so open when talking about VERBOTENE LIEBE- a gay man perfectly comfortable in his skin. And Neil Patrick Harris? Sure, he's absolutely great now- but if that Canadian website hadn't quipped, he'd be that funny guy on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER who used to be Doogie. No doubt he'd still be inside that glass closet of shame.
--  Completely agree...Submitted by
WritersBlock89 (15 points) (3 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 18:44.It's kind of funny. And not in a good way. I disagreeSubmitted by
David Ehrenstein (7805 points) (1725 posts) on Sun, 2008-11-02 13:46.NPH and David Burtka had been out and about together all over town for a considerable length of time before that Candian gossip started snarking about Burtka getting a guest star gig on HIMYM. No, they hadn't done the Full Oprah, but they certainly weren't hiding.
Hating on the gaysSubmitted by
Billy Bob The Pirate (10 points) (2 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 11:13.Wow is there actually any gay celebrity other than Neil Patrick Harris that you do like? Yeah obviously a number of people in your list have flaws, but then don't we all? All this negativity has got to be bad for you. Maybe you should attempt to make more of an effort to like these people, many of whom are responsible for breaking down gay barriers. John Barrowman is a gay man playing a bisexual character in a prime time program aimed at the whole family. Yeah Rupert Everett can be a bit bitchy about some people but isn't your taking objection to this a bit like the pot calling the kettle black!?
Maybe it is time to think more positively and champion these proud torch carrying homos.
In my defense...Submitted by
I spend 98% of my writing hours here at AfterElton.com praising and fawning over out gay celebrities. That mention in my column is just a reaction to the celebrities that I find, over and over, that I don't like. At one point, I thought to myself, "Well, if I'm feeling this way, maybe others are too. So why not share?" As always, you're free to agree or disagree, but I thought it might be interesting fodder for discussion. As I say in the piece, do we HAVE to like someone just because they're gay?
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com Average (4 votes):  Not Good BrentSubmitted by
Don R (200 points) (39 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 16:35.Brent, you have the right to say what you want I guess, but to me it looked more of a hissy fit or high school jealousy. Some people will agree with you, and some will disagree. There are countless performers that lead mixed up sordid lives, and are real jerks. We should be supporting the people that are putting themselves out there as gay performers, not hiding the obvious. You wonder why more performers don't come out? I think you have answered that question with your article. I like the stuff you do, but I didn't like this.
 Now, wait a minute!Submitted by
Joseph (7185 points) (1465 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 19:34.I think we all agree that we're happy, even ecstatic that these men made the courageous decision to be out. But does this mean that we should then overlook any aspect of their behavior that we find unappealing or unattractive? Of course not; to do so would be hypocritical; to insist that others do not is akin to censorship. Check out my blog: http://radicalsexy.blogspot.com/  Don't Defend YourselfSubmitted by
isoron (2349 points) (542 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 22:58.I don't necessarily agree with your overall takes but I do think that you have pointed out that we all have flaws and almost everyone is an Ahole to someone (Dean Martin?). And , yes, sometimes we have to vent!
 Another Article Maybe Brent?Submitted by
Strepsi (521 points) (150 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 08:52.I think that part kind of undid all the pro-gay Halloween fun of the *brilliant* 'scary mothers' piece. This topic is definitely contentious, but could be interesting -- could you do it in its own place? DO WE HAVE TO LIKE THEM BECAUSE THEY'RE GAY? Of course, I think there's far more to dislike about Larry Craig or Jeffrey Dahmer that poor sexy well-intentioned and proudly out John Barrowman... But to those who diss Brent for ranting in his articles -- or who say he shouldn't write things -- hey folks, this isn't CNN, it's a BLOG. He can write whatever he damn well pleases.... then we comment. How the blogosphere works. I appreciate thatSubmitted by
But...yeah, probably no full-length article on this one. I try to write pieces for the site in a variety of different tones: some are more objective, some are more opinionated and voice-heavy--a few have even been outright rants. ;-) The point of these is admittedly to provoke discussion (and to be funny, but as someone who doesn't get 30 ROCK in a world where everyone else seems to love it, I know comedy is obviously very subjective). I never try to be provocative for provocative's sake--it's always something I honestly feel strongly about and I'm curious to know how others feel. But it makes me sad if people get genuinely upset, because that's certainly not my intention.
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes Bibi BeschSubmitted by
wagville (863 points) (179 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 11:44.I was happy to see the mention of my wonderful friend Bibi Besch, even if it had to be in the same breath with pseudo-human Ann Coulter. If you want some counterbalance about the bad-mother thing, Bibi (who died of cancer 12 years ago) also played a very good mother to Capt. Kirk's son in the second Star Trek movie. And for further counterbalance, she was one of the best mothers -- in real life -- that I have ever encountered. Her daughter Samantha (Mathis) went on to have an excellent acting career herself (not that that's necessarily the arbiter of good mothering). Truth be told, I would've liked a Bibi-type mother myself, if they were taking requests.
The blog didn't have a mother. It was hatched. How sweet!Submitted by
Thanks for sharing. Her character in MAPLE DRIVE was really interesting--against the stereotype where the mother is more accepting than the father. She really shone. I hope she was proud of that role. And it's nice to know that in real life she was a good mother to a successful child!
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes  Wasn't the son MerrickSubmitted by
Knickie (4010 points) (818 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 15:41.Wasn't the son Merrick Buttrick, who was on "Square Pegs" and died of AIDS? A tragic loss.
Correct, sort ofSubmitted by
Bill S (1844 points) (373 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 19:50.His name was Merritt, not Merrick. He was only 30 when he died. Don't know how he contracted AIDS-but it sucks no matter how he got it. Loved him as"Johnny Slash". Emmy NominationSubmitted by
Bill S (1844 points) (373 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 20:11.Bibi Besch received her first Emmy nomination for Doing Time On Maple Drive, after more than two decades of TV work. (She picked up a second for a guest spot on Northern Exposure.) I recently bought the DVD and was surprised how well it holds up after 16 years. There was quite a lot of talent involved. It was directed by Ken Olin. The dad was played by James B. Sikking (AKA Doogie Howser's father), the gay son was played by cutie William McNamera (who played Montgomery Clift in a tv biopic on Liz Taylor), his fiance was played by Lori Loughlin (their breakup scene is beautifully played),the sister was played by Jayne Brook (recently seen as Bertha Wendall on Brothers & Sisters and Tim Daley's sexy ex on Private Practice). For what it's worth, I thought Jim Carrey was good as the alchoholic brother. Can't agree with you about BarrowmanSubmitted by
David Ehrenstein (7805 points) (1725 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 13:46.He's a total delight. Rupert Everett, on the other hand, is a total mess. He carries on and on as if he were a talentless hack trying to get himself a career. He actually has a lot of genuine acting talent. But he's squandered it hideously over the years. Most people in show business are borderline insane. (NPH is a bracing exception to this rule.) Some can put themseleves together and work (eg. Angelina), others can put themselves together FOR work (eg. Nathan Lane whose great performance in The Lisbon Traviata some two decades ago made me a fan for life) but leave something to be desired elsewhere.
And then there's Moz.
The first version of Little Dorrit was truly great. Derek Jacobi starred in it. Love Russell Tovey in sharp duds. love him stark naked too.
Brace yourselves for a ton of weird stuff being written by alleged adults about Sean Penn's performance in Milk. Some creatures writing in the trades don't seem to know what acting is about -- and they know even less about what it means to be gay -- both now and in Harvey Milk's time. Penn knows exactly what he's doing and he does it beautifully -- as does everyone else in the cast, including the ever-fetching Lucas Gabreel.
I like the election plot on ATWT. It's genuinely silly in the way only a soap plot can be and Van Hansis gets to a lot of emoting. Other cute politiciansSubmitted by
Charles (471 points) (94 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 13:12.As someone who follows politics very closely, I always keep my eye out for those rare things we like to call sexy politicians. I was very surprised as to five men that were left off this list.
These are some really cute guys. I especially like Englin and Rice.  Cute pols?Submitted by
Cat (715 points) (143 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 00:12.If former politicians count, and for my money, the best looking pol ever is Harold Ford Jr. It's a crime he didn't make the Hot 100.
 Rosie O' DonnellSubmitted by
Anthony (235 points) (59 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 15:06.I know she's female but she gets my vote.
 i am not...Submitted by
Liz T (8892 points) (1849 posts) on Fri, 2008-10-31 19:38.i am not big on rufus either...i've had a few fans of his cuss me out for that. "you're a judy fan, aren't ya??!!" whatever.
 RufusSubmitted by
db (3180 points) (661 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 00:10.When I first heard Rufus I didn't care for him but then I heard his songs sung by other people (such as Audra McDonald) so I gave him another chance and really grew to like his work. I would still rather hear other people sing his songs (the same goes for Tom Waits and Randy Newman) but I have really learned to appreciate him. Whether he's a jerk or not has nothing to do with his music--but I've heard all different kinds of opinions about his personality--mostly from people who don't know him. While I think we certainly have a right to dislike gay performers I think we need to keep it in perspective. It too easily goes overboard. I remember the nasty comments on various websites about Lance Bass when he came out. If we're not careful people will stay in the closet just to avoid all the catty sniping. Rename Best Gay Week Ever...Submitted by
Fairypotter (85 points) (17 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 00:59....to Angry Rants of Bitchy Queens, coz honestly that is what this column has become. Sometime back somebody had issues with Superhero movies, then someone had problem with animated movies, now it is gay celebrities, not to mention the potshots at Madonna, to name a few. This column has become like personal blogs of people venting out their frustation.
 Lucas not Gay?Submitted by
Insideguy (2495 points) (497 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 03:28.That boy is a closet door waiting to open and all his giddy girl fans are future fag hags in the making. Was that Ryan looking at the shirtless boy, or was it Lucas?
INSIDEGUY All of the three male leadsSubmitted by
Zeta (65 points) (26 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 14:25.From High School Musical give off huge gay vibes. Honestly, my Gaydar is set off by Efron, Bleau, and Gabreel - in order of gayest to least gay. Which I find ironic given the casting choices.
So do all the other...Submitted by
vm54 (195 points) (39 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 17:40....characters! Watched half of HSM 2 a while back to see what all the commotion was about, and was astounded at how over-the-top, flamboyant and effeminate the characters and storyline were. Yes, the words "gay" or "homosexual" are never uttered -- they hardly need to be. Anyone with two eyes and a few active brain cells knows what's going on in the first two minutes. Had to turn it off at the halfway point as I could feel the IQ seeping out of my head and my brain turning into the material they make marshmallow peeps from. My retinas are still burning from massive pink overload -- no joke. All in all, this is absolutely ghastly entertainment that's been dumbed down well below usual teen fare. American Pie is high art by comparison.
Yes, Brendan Frasier is kindSubmitted by
FAII (583 points) (131 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 05:33.Yes, Brendan Frasier is kind of hellspawn of cuteness. This has got to stop. The Brendan Frasier fantasies won't stop attacking my brain!
Not to mention his bodySubmitted by
Strepsi (521 points) (150 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 08:57.In "Mummy 3" we see he has gone from the lean hairlessness of George of the Jungle to total meaty hairy chested daddy! And so the cycle of Brandan-love begins anew....
Surprisingly good Journey...Submitted by
GaySpouseDotCom (1136 points) (362 posts) on Sat, 2008-11-01 12:31.The new Journey to the Center of the Earth is surprisingly entertaining... especially since it referenced the original book and was therefore not a "remake" in the ordinary sense. Also, when it comes to assessing actors - gay or straight, it is important to remember that there are tons of actors in the world and relatively few parts for them to play on screen so if an actor doesn't take a role, there are tens of thousands that will. Thus, no one is doing us a favor when they take a gay role. They are doing their career a favor by hopefully proving they have mastered their craft - acting. The field is very competitive and new talent keeps appearing so the best actors know to take the roles that show they have range. When an actor is asked what was it like playing a gay [fill in the blank], they should simply say... it was nice to have a job that others would kill for. Those of us who have attended gay-themed or gay-inclusive stage productions know there are plenty of talented gay and straight actors who can expertly portray all sorts of gay characters. And when asked what it felt like kissing another guy, actors should say it felt like being an actor who gets the chance to act and get paid for it! I'm certain there are plenty of us reading AfterElton who would gladly accept a paycheck for kissing another guy! :P |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Gay and Bisexual Men in Entertainment and the Media
by 
Luke and Noah
Hate to Burst Your Bubble
My university is a state school with no (official) religious affiliations and it makes "homophobic" Oakdale U look like a share on Fire Island.
And, yes, I'm talking about today in 2008.
Ooh so harsh...
Don't Touch That Idol!
I think that Wainwright is a better song-crafter than Sparro, otherwise I'd totally agree.
I get to come out again!
Now that I've come out about not being a fan of John Barrowman, I now can come out about not being a fan of Rufus Wainwright: listening to his music is like a combination of nails on a chalkboard, cats screeching in heat, babies crying on airplanes and the high pitched wailing of a dentist's drill--a horrendous, excruciating experience.
Oh, and Russell Tovey in 19th century garb? A gay historian's fetish fantasy come to life!!!
Check out my blog: http://radicalsexy.blogspot.com/
The Changeling is about
The Changeling is about neither psychological problems or aliens. It's about police corruption. Her son goes missing, and some homeless kid claims to be her son. The police close the case in order to look like they are effective at their jobs. Then ship her off to the looney bin when she insists "Um, no - not my kid." It's based on a true story.
And ITA about ATWT. And Rupert Everett. His comment about soldiers still makes me cringe.
I knew it!
Read my books! Explore "Brent's Brain" at http://www.brenthartinger.com no votes