The media coverage of the movie was largely negative And many public figures spoke about how "dangerous" this movie was and how showing same sex attraction as anything other sick and evil was wrong. At the time, as a young man struggling with my own sexaulity those messages of hate and fear made a lasting impression. I remember when the film came out, I was in middle school going through puberty and terrifed by the fact I was attracted to other boys, not girls.
While growing up , Gay charnacters in movies and TV were either 1) super creepy villians or 2) campy comic relief . The HBO documentary “The Celluloid Closet” brilliantly examines the history of LGBT representation in movies.
One recent series is “Until We Meet Again”, adapted from the Thai novel of same name. It’s the story of two college students who fall in love in 1988, but their families are furious when their romance is discovered and they try to forcibly separate the lovers, driving them to commit double suicide. Both of the Fathers, horrified by what has happeend bury the two lovers side by side with a red thread tied to each of their hands, connecting them. In hopes that in their next lives the two will find each other again. Which is where the story begins. Thirty years later, the two reincarnated lovers meet on their college campus and struggle to understand why they are drawn to each other.
It is really interesting how programs being produced in Asia are far bolder in the portrayal of same sex relationship than most anything currently being made in the US. Cable and streaming service shows like Queer as Folk, The L Word, and Looking were all groundbreaking, but have since left the stage. Leaving American audiences with the (admittedly very funny) yet increidbly santized WIll & Grace reboot.
What makes many of these programs truly remarkable (even in the context of the "BL" genre.) is the very POWERFUL and POSITIVE message of inclusion and equality that runs through them
The content coming out Asia is wonderfully produced, well written, with amazing soundtracks, and talented, engaging casts that give truly remarklable performances. In terms of positive portrayals of same sex relationships, these programs are far ahead of anything that is currently being made in America or Europe.
What I would give to have the 13 year old me be able to watch some of these programs. Yet the good news is, even while some places in the world desperately cling to their homophobia, there is progess.
But recently there has been an amazing development in Asia with a new surging trend of dramas with LGBTQ content.
What started as a cult phenononon in Japan’s graphic novel (Yaoi) world has made the jump to the small screen. With more and more programs being produced each year. With so many running that it is hard to keep track of them all.
Leading the charge are studios in Thailand which have produced some of the most popular shows.
These series's in some cases are so popular, that the actors in many of these programs have become rock star level celebrities acoss Asia. Attending official “Fan Meet and Greets” where thousands of fans show up to see their favorite stars (often renacting scenes in character). The plots for many of these shows tend to be pretty standard. Most are set on a college campus where a group of students meet, become friends and invariably chemistry sparks between various pairs, both same sex and opposite sex.
What makes it interesting is all the romantic storylines are treated the same. The two boys fall in love and face the same ups and downs and the boy and the girl do. Recent programs have had storylines tackle far more serious issues. Recent productions have dealt with Gay Bashing, HIV/Aids, sexual assault, workplace harassment, homphobia, family rejection, and even LGBT youth suicide.
One recent series is “Until We Meet Again”, adapted from the Thai novel of same name. It’s the story of two college students who fall in love in 1988, but their families are furious when their romance is discovered and they try to forcibly separate the lovers, driving them to commit double suicide. Both of the Fathers, horrified by what has happeend bury the two lovers side by side with a red thread tied to each of their hands, connecting them. In hopes that in their next lives the two will find each other again. Which is where the story begins. Thirty years later, the two reincarnated lovers meet on their college campus and struggle to understand why they are drawn to each other.
( Now let me say; I love Will & Grace, but the most accurate desciption of the show I have ever heard was “Will and Grace is not a show about Gay people. It is a show about four people who are, for all intents and purposes married to each other (Will/Grace and Jack/ Karen) but will never, ever have sex.)
What makes many of these programs truly remarkable (even in the context of the "BL" genre.) is the very POWERFUL and POSITIVE message of inclusion and equality that runs through them
The content coming out Asia is wonderfully produced, well written, with amazing soundtracks, and talented, engaging casts that give truly remarklable performances. In terms of positive portrayals of same sex relationships, these programs are far ahead of anything that is currently being made in America or Europe.
What I would give to have the 13 year old me be able to watch some of these programs. Yet the good news is, even while some places in the world desperately cling to their homophobia, there is progess.
