The Butch Factor

Last night I caught a screening of a very interesting documentary at the LGBT Center, The Butch Factor, presented by Frameline. It explores the issue of masculinity - how it is constructed by society and ourselves - particularly in reference to gay men, who are really left to construct their masculinity - or lack thereof - on their own, since male homosexuality is not generally compatible with "manliness," at least in our society. (Socities in the past, like the Ancient Greeks and Romans, didn't seem to have this problem so much...) The subjects interviewed for the film - a number of whom were on hand for a Q&A afterwards - covered the masculinity spectrum from effeminate sissy and FTM transgendered to a number of brawny, hairy specimens more overtly masculine than most straight guys I know. They all articulated themselves quite well. Jack Malebranche, author of "Androphilia," appeared in an interview segment, asserting his feeling that gay culture is all about trivial shit like fashion and has no place for integrity, a sense of honor, pride in one's accomplishments - a view I still have a problem with and see as rather simplistic: I like clothing and shopping and more on the sissy end than the butch one in the masculinity spectrum I'm sure, yet I like to think of myself as a person of integrity and, dare I say, even HONOR, and I don't see any necessary conflict there. I noticed that, in contrast to Malebranche's obvious antipathy for queeny gay guys, a couple of the other very masculine, Lou Ferrigno-looking guys not only didn't express any dislike for effeminate gay guys, but even complimented them a couple times, saying they were really the tough ones, since they'd had to learn to defend themselves from an early age and "don't take shit from anybody." One of the two "sissy boys" interviewed made a very interesting point about how this very condition has resulted in him developing the BITCH side of his persona, which is unfortunately then carried over into relationships with others WITHIN the GLBT community itself - a reality I've thought about and commented on myself in the past. All in all, an excellent documentary, and I'm looking forward to the spin-offs it may produce - "The Adonis Factor," which director Christopher Hines said will deal with issues of body image, and maybe others that could take the issues touched on in "The Butch Factor" in other directions, such as adding the element of race, and also maybe a flip-side doc dealing with the (de)construction of femininity amongst lesbians. That I want to see, since I've always had a fondness for butch women.

You down with MSG?

In Portland when I lived on scenic N.E. 82nd Ave (that's sarcasm) there was a pho house not far from my house that I'd eat at sometimes, and I noticed I generally got a weird, unpleasant sensation starting after I'd finished a big bowl of pho, continuing for an hour or two. I thought maybe there was some unusual herb or other they used that gave me the weird feeling, but my friend who ate there with me said, "I bet they use MSG." (Vietnamese Restaurant Syndrome?) Alternately, when I worked in Glacier National Park in summer 2008 we sometimes had these virtually unidentifiable MEAT SLABS served in the employee dining room. They didn't look very good but tasted amazing, and I'd go back for seconds and thirds. The cook later told me they were so tasty because "they have tons of MSG," which according to him isn't really as bad as it's hyped up to be, but rather "just a type of flavored salt." So, what gives? Is MSG really the scourge of Asian cuisine, or not really such a big deal? From what I've read, it sounds like some people who have a special sensitivity to it should avoid it, since in that case it can lead to serious consequences, but that all in all, it's not as bad as it's made out to be. I mean, lots of Asians eat it regularly, right?

Franco at the Castro

James Franco is going to be at the Castro Theatre on Sunday, for a film screening + discussion, only $7, but I can't go 'cause of work!

Here's Johnny!

A couple weeks ago I caught a screening of "Pop Star on Ice," part of the San Francisco Documentary Film Festival, at the Roxie Theater in the Mission District. I didn't know much of anything about Johnny Weir before, other than that he is currently my mother's favorite figure skater (and "the new version of Rudy Galindo," according to her, which also signified nothing much to me, since I've never followed figure skating any more than I've followed football). But the blurb about the film piqued my interest, and the fact that it returned to the DocFest after screening for the first time LAST year seemed to indicate a fan favorite. And so it was. The theater was small, but packed, and enthusiastic, for the screening (one of only two) that I attended. There were a number of moments when we all laughed together, and I joined in the ovation at the film's end. Johnny Weir is a young athlete of great charisma. His press conference antics, youthful fearlessness and outspoken individuality do not obscure his amazing and innate talent as a skater, but only enhance and embellish it. I came away feeling - and hoping - that he could indeed one day "take the Gold." I always respond passionately to people brave enough to really communicate who they are to you without the fear and boundaries and inhibitions that most people have. It makes them vulnerable, but also uniquely lovable - because there just aren't that many of them. It's so much easier to play it safe. As far as the question of his sexuality goes: on the one hand, I do think it's a little silly for Weir to play coy about officially coming out of the closet, when a CHIMP watching "Pop Star on Ice" would think it blindingly obvious that he's gay. On the other hand - it is UP TO HIM, public figure or no, and in the times we live in, when announcing that you're gay to the press results in People Magazine covers titled YES I AM! - in other words, it amounts to a press conference and exactly the sort of "spectacle" Weir has spoken of in interviews, as something he wants to avoid - I can't blame him for not wanting his sexuality to overshadow his talent as an athlete and performer. Of course, when he does finally make the statement - if only to appease those tiresome enough to require such a statement of the obvious - I will be his loudest supporter. Let your bright light shine, baby! You are beautiful! It's true.

And you just took second place in the first day in the Grand Prix at Nagano.

Now, when will 'Pop Star On Ice" be released on DVD stateside, eh?

Not gaga for feminism

"I'm not a feminist. I hail men, I love men." So said Lady GaGa recently. I wasn't too into her before I read this quote. She strikes me as an obnoxious club kid pandering to the gay community as an easy way to build an instant support base. And reading this quote seems like a contrived way to stir up controversy, while at the same time revealing the mind of an ignorant youngster who doesn't really know what she's talking about. I realize my gender may preclude my having a relevant opinion on this subject, but is it not possible to be a feminist AND love men? In other words, to love women as well as men.

Of course it is.

Here's an interesting discussion on the topic from Bitch Magazine.

Caligula Remake?

So, this is weird, and the more I read about it, confusing...apparently it's the trailer for a remake of Caligula directed by Gore Vidal, in which both Francesco Vezzoli and Courtney Love play Caligula (?) But then it turns out that it's not an actual film, just a trailer for a film that doesn't exist, sort of a joke trailer made for the Venice Biennale several years back. It's worth watching, if only to shudder at how awful it looks like it would be as a fully realized film.

Meaning no disrespect to Gore Vidal, whom I love and respect. Actually, as a sort of in-joke conflating the current worlds of Hollywood and high fashion with decadent ancient Rome before it fell, it's pretty satirical and funny.

Ben Whishaw's "Cock"!

Oh, I wish I could see this on the stage!

"Cock, a new play by Mike Bartlett, will open in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court on 18 November (previews from 13 November). Directed by James Macdonald, the cast will include Ben Whishaw, with design by Miriam Buether and lighting by Peter Mumford."

Here's the link.