unnaturalequilibrium:I’mnot going to say anything about the ship itself, because things likethat are
unnaturalequilibrium:I’mnot going to say anything about the ship itself, because things likethat are subjective and shouldn’t be ranked. But the way this story istold stands out and makes it into one of the best and most positiverepresentations of homosexuality that I’ve come across, so far atleast. For such a simple reason that they constantly know exactlywhich words to use, which situations to show and what kind oficonography to bless us with in order to make you as a lesbian feelstrong, brave and a part of something bigger. From love to trauma,from coming outs to falling in love, strength and frustrations. Theytell stories, but they also acknowledge a reality that’s usuallyhidden and ours alone. Getting to see all of our shared experiencesin such an unapologetic manner in what is a mainstream show makes youfeel a lot less lonely in the sea of heteronormativity we spend most of our time trying to navigate. It makes youfeel known and seen. It’s the kind of acknowledgement that spellsappreciation. Makes you strong, makes you tall, makes you feelgrateful and good.Imean these moments with the flag was pure pandering, but how oftendoes that happen, that the world panders to you as a lesbian? So I’mnot complaining, not even a little bit. And to be fair being panderedto in this case simply means that someone who is creating this storyknows how strong a gut reaction you get from seeing a lesbiancharacter draped in a rainbow flag. The symbolism of it is the sortthat automatically sends goosebumps down your arms no matter howjaded and cynical you are about the current meaning of the flag.I’mtrying to break it down into what it stems from. I think in part it’ssuch a simple thing as the flag being another one of those sharedexperiences, like sexual awakening and coming out. If you are gay orlesbian chances are you also remember your own first link to theflag, to what it represents and to what you represent when you linkyourself to it. I remember being brave enough to get a keychain thatI wore on a bag when I went to Uni (many years ago now). Every time Ibrought that bag I felt a little like I shimmed into a full set ofchain-mail with a very visible crest on my chest. In other words itfelt heavy on my shoulders, but I also felt brave in wearing mycolours proudly if somewhat hesitantly. And we’re talking a smallkeychain, this tiny little thing that people probably didn’t evenconsider, but to me it was huge. It was one of those moments bothabout my own journey to being proud and out, but also about findingmy link to my community. And I mean if you see someone wearing theflag in any capacity you always grant them with the knowing littleside-smirk and casual nod of homosexual recognition and appreciation.So I think we all have a link to the flag, it’s part of the processof self-acceptance in a lot of ways.Inaddition to that there is also an incredibly powerful motif in thecontext of the actual show. I mean you have two lesbians in 1976who’s literally been to jail because of their homosexuality, but nowthere they are happy and smiling and part of something bigger. Drapedin a flag that’s meant to symbolism community and strength. And it’snot subtle. I mean we’re not talking a little pin or a small pennon.No, this is a full blown flag as big as them. Which is a sort ofimpressive visual in itself. There’s no squint and you’ll miss it.No, it’s loud and proud and right there in your face. You can’t watchthis show and sweep it under the rug. They literally have this visualof them with the flag across dialogue about how it’s important toknow that you’re not alone and to find strength in each other,fighting for change together. That’s some heavy shit. I’m also veryappreciative of the fact that they included the pink triangle in thisprototype. It’s an extra level and depth of history sewn into it. They went allout on this. You can’t walk away wondering what they tried to do with these scenes, it’s text so frank it should be a hot-dog.It’slovely. The way they’re giving us representation that sounds real.Giving us a space among the straight people. Giving us a dream ofstrength and conviction. And allowing us a solid link to our past. Basically we’re given role models, realism and a history all in the same loudand unapologetic voice. Right there, for everyone to see, even thestraights. It stands out. And it makes you feel less hesitant aboutdoing the same thing. To stand proud and to stand tall. -- source link