🚀 go-pugleaf

>>I feel that the response I am seeing on the net about a new stereotype
>>for gays is somewhat of an overreaction. 
>> 
>>I think that these movies have shown some positive role 
>>models for young gays 

 
>I agree that the steroetype of gays on TV and movies has greatly 
>improved; over the years no mater how plastic they seem.  
>   .
>   .
>   .
>I know I'm going to get a lot of flames for saying this but I CAN'T STAND 
>effeminate acting gays!  Oh sure, I've got lots of friends that I've met at 
>the local bar that camp it up, but I'd be embarrassed to be seen with some 
>of them in public.  
>   .
>   .
>   .

Jim (and others),

*PLEASE* make a clearer distinction between effeminacy and camping.  
It is camping to which you object, not effeminacy.  You can be 
*naturally* effeminate without calling a man "Mary", dressing in 
dresses, or acting like the characters in Dynasty.  Camping is like 
many other modes of behavior:  when used correctly it is funny and 
unifying, but when used incorrectly it is vicious and self-deprecating.

On effeminacy: 
Do you really want to alienate all gay men who may speak in a soft
voice?  Who may cross their legs one-over-the-other?  Who may not be
able to play sports very well?  Who may be shy?  (Why are these
traits/habits relegated to effeminate/womanly behavior, anyway???) 

What do these effeminate men think when they see these new
clean-scrubbed, butch stereotypes on TV? Do they feel that there is no
longer room for them unless they wear Chinos and win sports trophies? 
Is it effective to portray "gay men" without providing a valid 
cross-section of types? (You may have been upset over 
Emery's behavior in "Boy's in the Band", but why didn't you notice the 
formerly married, butch character who liked to play basketball?  Couldn't 
you relate to him?  Did Emery threaten *his* masculinity or sense of 
gay identity; I don't think so!)

Similarly, are you *absolutely sure* that you want gay males to adopt 
the traditional masculine stereotype?  The stereotype that includes 
all the posing?  The inability to talk about your emotions?  The 
inability to be nurturing?  The self-worth determined by the size of 
the biceps? Do you really want to adopt that pose hook line and
sinker?  If not, where would you draw the line? 

All I am saying is act naturally and be as tolerant of others as you 
would want them to be of you.  It is difficult, but it is worth the 
effort. 

			Gerry Fisher
                        ...decvax!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-dssdev!fisher
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"In a big country, dreams stay with you
 Like a lover's voice across the mountain side:
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