Homonationalism, Culturally Queer, Queer Filmmaking, & Democrats
Prism & Pen Weekly Digest 15 September 2024
by James Finn
Is it possible to be “culturally” queer? How does the far right use “homonationalism” to divide and conquer LGBTQ people? Is the Democratic Party finally a true queer ally?
We lead off with those contentious topics this week, while filmmaker James Patrick Nelson discusses why his thoughts on queer film are important memoir rather than criticism.
Also, don’t miss moving pieces about bisexual shame, queer childhood, queer elders, and the critical character of queer friendship.
Are you following our supernatural thriller about witches and demons? Torshie Torto is writing her heart out, and I LOVE sitting down to each chapter, just about as much as I love figuring out whodunnit in Elle Fredine’s “Gay Detective” episodes.
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* Discover P&P Diversity in Four Stories *
When the Radical Right’s Islamophobia Catches on with LGB People
Although radical right groups are traditionally anti-gay extremists, some today are using a concept known as “homonationalism” to appeal to LGB people. I’ll focus on clear examples of this in Western Europe and the United States. It’s also happening in the Middle East, including Israel and some African countries.
On the one hand, you have the radical right-wing elements of Evangelical Christianity intentionally chipping away at LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. On the other side, you have the idea of LGBTQ+ being promoted by countries such as Israel as a sign of the country’s moral enlightenment …
LGBTQ in America: The Glass is Half Full… and Still Filling!
So, I do have some bad news for y’all, specifically the fine print about LGBTQ in Project 2025.
Before I get to that, however, let’s talk about the glass that is half full.
The Democratic Party and LGBTQ folk are solidly and totally together, hand in hand, like peas and carrots, to quote Forrest.
It has not always been that way …
Darren Criss of Glee Says He’s ‘Culturally Queer’. Is That a Thing?
In April of this year, Darren Criss, the actor famous for playing the gay character Blaine Anderson on the TV series Glee, was interviewed at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. He described himself as “culturally queer”, sparking quite a controversy within the community given that Darren is actually straight and cisgender.
I first heard of this controversy on TikTok, where a creator was reporting the story and ranting about how bad of a take this was on Darren’s part. I’m not one to think that a 30-second video is enough for me to form an opinion on something, …
No, It’s Not a Review: Writing About Queer Cinema is a Form of Memoir
With great respect to the handful of really remarkable critics out there — some of whom, it could be argued, have made an art of it themselves — I have always been very wary of commentary from the “cheap seats.”
Echoing Brown’s mantra — “If you’re not in the arena, getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback” — has taught me to give less of my power away to anyone who tries to prop themselves up by making me feel small.
So, it makes it all the more disquieting to find myself sat in a chair, writing so often about other people’s films in a way that — at a cursory glance — can seem like “a review”. It makes me compelled to articulate a distinction.
* From the Editors *
The Best of Prism & Pen? Calling All Readers and Writers: Help, Please!
Prism & Pen is considering launching a new publishing project to amplify queer stories and voices. To succeed, we need YOUR help, whether you’re a regular reader or a writer. To help get get this effort off the ground:
* This Week’s Essays & Creative Non Fiction *
Crossing the Intersection of the Lost Trans and Queer Childhood
I stood in the changing room, mouth pursed in frustration and holding a bra. Even on my best days, my hands and I rarely get along. Any finer handiwork is a consistent ordeal — like, say, hooking together tiny clasps behind my back.
Perhaps sensing the bat signal had lit, Jake stopped outside my changing room. Given that we’re both transitioning in opposite directions, we’ve offered one another a leg-up on more than a few occasions.
What I Learned in Transgender School
Technically, I am a late-in-life, male-to-female transitioning transgender woman* … Whew, that is a lot to establish before I share what I learned, but I felt you needed to know what I’m basing my opinions on.
As they say in car commercials, “Your mileage may vary”. Experiences differ.
My Bisexual Shame Hurt Someone I Love
Since coming out for good some 14 years ago, I’ve been operating under certain assumptions …
After living a lie for years, I was finally owning up to my truth and living it out loud. Come on, I flattered myself, didn’t I deserve some credit for that?
Apparently, my self-congratulation was premature.
To Be Gay and Old and Celebrated by Others
Alan Teller, an acquaintance and friend of many friends, and quickly becoming a friend of mine, recently opened an art exhibit of his photographs at Gallery 901 in Evanston, Illinois. For this show, he curated and photographed posters of people over 75 who continue to contribute very actively to society.
As are many of us, he is aware that seniors are often taken for granted, ignored, seem to disappear, and are disregarded or discounted …
Dancing Through the Years: The Lifelong Value of Queer Friendships
The year’s 2009. I’m 19, he’s 18. We’re outside San Francisco’s sole 18+ gay club, buzzing with excitement as Lady Gaga’s anthems blare from the speakers, our prelude to the evening’s festivities ….
He knows every word. So do I. The car fogs up and my friend jokes that any person who walks by would probably think we’re up to something else entirely …
When Gaga plays inside the club later that night he lifts me into the air and we join in an exuberant dance, both scream-singing with unrestrained fervor.
Exploring the Connection Between Gender Identity and Gender Presentation
The most liberating thing I learned about gender this year is that my presentation doesn’t have to match my identity. I was conditioned to believe that gender presentation and identity are the same. And that if you didn’t fit the mould, there was something wrong with you.
Trying to perform girlhood as a transmasc was deeply depressing.
When Jimmy Carter Said “Love,” this Queer Young Man Heard “Acceptance and Inclusion.”
U.S.A.’s bicentennial year. An obscure southern governor named Jimmy Carter was speaking on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, accepting the party’s nomination for president of the United States. The fellow at the mic came across as an exceptionally decent man, gentle and kind in a way that defied the stereotypical macho swagger exhibited by most politicians.
Jesus, Trump & Cats: Food for LGBTQ thought
Sadly, like many of us, I have had to suffer the endless stream of Trump zombies that parade their Trump flags everywhere I go this summer. The Trump flags are on flag poles, streaming on boats, and even flying on the beach.
I am also tired of them adding the American flag to their display as if they are the only ones who are proud to be an American. They try to shove their concept of patriotism down a narrow pipe of hate and intolerance.
A Same-Sex Spouse, I Had to Cope When My Husband Lost His Driving Ability
I know that many members of the LGBTQ community are dealing with similar issues, Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, but there is very little written about it.
I always referred to it as OUR Journey with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. Gregory slowly lost his abilities, and I unwaveringly supported him through these changes. In the end, my primary responsibility was to …
I Was Barely Out of the Closet and This Big Gay Novel Came Into My Life
Joe Guay - Dispatches From the Guay Life!
I can’t recall the timing or exactly why, but my eyes were drawn to the cover art of Ethan Mordden’s 1995 novel, an old-fashioned image of men slow-dancing with men, women slow-dancing with women on a dance floor, and the evocative-to-me title, “How Long Has This Been Going On?”
Indeed, how long had this whole gay life or “subculture” been going on?
The title spoke to what I was struggling with in the moment — the realization that in my sheltered upbringing I’d been lied to.
* Fiction Shorts*
The Gay Detective: The Man Who Murdered Himself
“You wouldn’t play to save my life — maybe you’ll play to save theirs.” The whisper from Harry’s tablet echoed in the eerie silence of the shuttered room. Slanted rays of the late afternoon sun filtered though chinks in the louvers, casting the corners into deeper shadow.
Something underlay the musty, closed-up smell — a familiar scent I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
* Fiction Series*
Her Witch, Her Demon
“He seems… charming.”
“He is. He’s Lucifer’s son after all.” Nyx couldn’t believe she’d even said this about Rexadan. But it was the truth. That fucker could pretty much talk himself out of anything. It certainly explained how he’d convinced her to go after the Durug. Her grip tightened on the steering wheel. “But don’t be fooled by his charisma. He’s untrustworthy.”
Read Episode 20 & Episode 21
That’s it for this week!
And writers? We’ve got a timely new prompt running Let’s talk politics!
Happy reading! Keep shining the love, and send your stories to Prism & Pen.
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