Quote Originally Posted by Oslo View Post
Well, Angels in America immediately comes to mind, especially because it was lauded as this hugely progressive piece upon its debut... and still is often seen as such. However, none of its representations of gay males are particularly empowering. I won't spoil it if you haven't read/seen it, but ultimately, not one of the gay male characters (and there are several) is an agent within his own narrative: they're all for the most part weepy, victimized and self-loathing. Now, almost two decades later in the midst of the "It Gets Better" campaign, things are perhaps worse. In an attempt to engender sympathy for the plight of gay teens, the "victimized homosexual" archetype has become ubiquitous in literature/film/television (ohmygod, don't even get me started on friggin' Glee) to the point where homosexuality has become a universal byword for tragedy.
I haven't seen/read it, but I have to say that the representation of gay male characters as weepy, victimized and self-loathing is rampant and I can't stand it. I see why people are promulgating it in literature and media, though: trying to make the real-life gay teenagers who are feeling victimized and self-loathing (this is completely real and an awful place to be in, trust me) identify with these characters and somehow come to terms with their identity more harmoniously. But I wonder how much that representation actually helps. Wouldn't it be better, as you imply (and as my thesis argues) to have representations of gay teenagers who refuse to be victimized? Who are agents, as you say, within their own narrative? Instead of being pushed around, decide to do some pushing back themselves and exhibit some backbone and courage and gumption, instead of being small?

Yes, I agree this would be a very interesting representation, perhaps very helpful, and insanely overdue. Do you agree?

Anyway, I imagine you are probably a lot more well-versed in this area given your research. I like the sound of your Honours thesis... what's the course?
My undergrad degree was a BA; I'm now doing an Honours course in Creative Writing. I'm not exactly well-versed on all this stuff yet, but my aim is to get there!