Casi Divas

I just came back from seeing a special screening of Casi Divas (or roughly translated, Almost Divas/Famous). It's a recent Mexican film that has made it's way to the United States. Casi Divas is a film about a fictional reality show where the contestants are competing to be the next star for a movie. It's a comedy that as times is filmed as a documentary, reality show, absurd comedy, and expose. It follows the lives of 4 of its contestants: Francisca, Ximena, Yesenia, Catalina. They all come from different parts of Mexico and are a bit stereotyped into it.

The best I can describe the movie is that it's a movie about a reality show that does not take itself too seriously but also tries to bring about topics of importance. It touches on a number of topics that are issues in Mexico - kidnapping, racism, homophobia/transphobia, and eating disorders. In fact, each one of the women is the poster child for each of those issues. It's a movie that makes you think about these things, but it doesn't try to be a part of the movement to change any of the problems. In fact, it brings them to light just so that you know they exist. Ximena sums it up perfectly near the end of the movie: "I am who I am."

No one really learns anything in the movie, and many things go back to the same way they were. But, the thing is. The movie doesn't seem to be a movie where the characters is supposed to learn something new. The purpose was to get people to laugh and to make a satire of a few Mexican things - particularly soap operas.

I had my reservations about tagging this under "101 must see..." because no one in the movie a lesbian. Although, at one point you do think one is. In fact, that character, Yesenia turns out to be wtm transgender. Since I do not have a 101 for the trans community, and since Boys Don't Cry is on this list, I add it to this list as well, with hopes that newer updated versions will include it as part of the 101's as well. Because I do think that this is a movie that lesbians should see, or any woman for that matter. It's a movie about women before anything else. These women supported each other, were at times bitches, but did genuinely care about each other (for the most part).

I particularly liked how the topics were treated in the film. Like I said, they weren't added to start a movement or anything, they were added to simply inform the audience that these subjects do exist, and these are things that people have to live and deal with. And when the camera is off, these problems will continue to be there. Juarez is a place in Mexico that is notorious for kidnapping for women trafficking. Anorexia is something that many women deal with. The pressure to be thin knows no borders, and the fact that it does remain hidden for years, and can continue to be concealed is something that is also real. Racism because of how dark you are, even in Mexico, hell, in South America, is also legitimate. The browner you are, the harder it is. And for the homophobia/transphobia, so much has already been said about those issues, and I'm glad that they continue to be talked about.

This movie was a perfect mix of humor and seriousness. It times it was completely absurd, and then you were brought back quickly to reality. Even then, most of the times it was done as a satire. I don't really have anything bad to say about this movie. It was very well done. Even though it was a bit stereotypical, it was done so that you could laugh at the stereotype. And it wasn't done maliciously, for someone who doesn't know much about Mexican culture, it wouldn't give you a negative perspective on it.

As I've said before, I'm very proud of Mexican cinema as of late. They have produced some truly tremendous films, and this is an example of one of them. It was well written, well acted, and well received.

#70 - Red Doors

In the same way that The Incredibly True of Adventures of Two Girls in Love wasn't a lesbian movie, or a teen movie, Red Doors wasn't a lesbian movie, or a movie about a Chinese family. Instead, it was a dramedy about a dysfunctional family trying to survive.

Red Doors, directed by Georgia Lee, is movie that follows the lives of three Chinese daughters and their parents in the United States. It's evident that all three daughters were raised in the US and have assimilated into the Western Culture. The youngest, Kat, is part of a hip hop dance group, the eldest is engaged to a white man and has been planning a wedding that does not include many, if any, of the Chinese traditions, much to her mother's chagrin.

In case you're wondering, the middle child is the one in the lesbian relationship. In fact, I spent a good portion of the beginning of the movie wondering who was the one who would eventually come out. Honestly, that relationship was not given a lot of attention in the movie, but then again, none of the characters and their stories were given much attention. While a little under developed, I somehow still felt like I had seen enough about each person. It almost felt like most of the action and thoughts happened off camera, and what was shown was the result of those actions.

However, this does not take away from the movie. Red Doors was a quirky film about quirky characters. It's a sweet film about family. Although they all had their own lives, although none of them seemed really connected to each other, at the end of the day they came together. And although the movie is full of jokes and one liners, it also has a serious undertone. The themes they deal with aren't all funny. However, it does appeal to those with a darker sense of humor.

There is one bone I do have to pick with Lee. Julie's sexuality was a bit too ambiguous. I would have liked to have seen some type of lesbian revelation, or or scene where she admits to same sex attractions or something. I'm not asking for a coming out scene, but some type of scene where you learn a little bit about the character. Her sister's had a couple scenes where you got to see the past, thoughts, experiences of the characters, but you never got that for Julie. Let's just chalk it up to middle child syndrome.

However, I still really liked this film. Everyone was amusing and the plot, while a bit zanny was pretty good. If you're looking for another movie about a Chinese family, after watching Saving Face, definitely look into this one.

#88 - The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love

Since his passing, I've had John Hughes on my mind a lot. His movies have always had this quality about them that made them memorable and relatable even in the most extreme of cases. He got you laughing, but also thinking.

I bring him up now because thats the exact same feeling I had after watching The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (try saying that 5 times fast). This movie is right up there with The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. In the best of times and worst of times in the movie, there was this undertone that served as a reminder that these kids were still in high school and had all to face all the things that go along with that.

Plot/Setting

This movie wasn't a lesbian movie, and it wasn't a teen movie, it was just a movie about two teens and their first love, and the wild things that result from it. That's enough of a summary for you. I will also add that I loved the way that the director treated the characters lives outside from each other, and their relationship. From the note passing near the lockers, the awkward hand holding, and the strict parents that no longer understood, and the oblivious, often hurtful "friends" - everything was so iconically high school that it was perfect.

Characters

I loved all the characters in the movie. The main character Randy is this butch lesbian who is self conscious, vulnerable, but also very strong. She stands firm even in the worst of cases and has a good heart.

I wish I had seen more of her leading lady, Evie. Evie is a little bit sheltered, very sweet and smart, affluent African American. She starts the movie as a straight girl and as the movie progresses, so does she. The reason I wish I could have seen more of her is because she had to deal with many things at once in high school. Not only was she trying to figure out her sexuality, but it was also obvious that she was always very aware of her race, and interracial relationships. She talks about her mother's disapproval of her father's new white wife, and asks Randy if her aunt (Randy does not live with her mother) does not like her because she is black. Clearly, Evie was dealing with many pressures from many sides and I would have really liked to have seen a little bit more from her perspective.

The more minor characters were equally as rich in character development and equally as entertaining to watch. You got to see a little bit of everyone and it was really great how it all came together at the end. I especially loved Randy's best friend, Frank, the gay Hispanic male in the movie.

After watching It's in the Water, and having decided that I would not be including that in the newly updated version of the Amazon positive lesbian movie, I was looking for a movie to replace that film. This is certainly it. You cannot really go wrong with this movie. It's funny, its decent, its leaves you smiling at the end. While the ending does not really provide much of a resolution, it does provide enough for the viewer to know that everything will be alright. The dedication at the end of the movie, showed that too.

Blues Clues and Gender Roles

Blues Clues is an interesting children's show. It premiered in 1996 on Nickelodeon and has become very successful and recognizable to many children in the United States and abroad, second only to Sesame Street. The show stars a blue animated dog and the dog's human friend as they solve a puzzles throughout the episode. While no new episodes are not being made, its syndication and dvds have been very successful.

The reason I bring up Blues Clues in this blog is because of the way that gender roles are presented in the program. Blue is a blue dog. One would automatically assume that Blue is a boy, in fact... Blue is a girl. This character completely challenge gender roles. If you look at most shows, hell, if you look at most babies, you can easily ascertain their sex by the color of their clothes, by the things they play with, and by the things they do. Blues Clues however, does not fit into this norm.

I think it's amazing that the producers of this show decided to create the characters in this way. Without a doubt, this must have been on purpose. The funny thing is that when Blue's sex was revealed, it came to a surprise to most viewers. In fact, a small number of parents were angered by the fact that such roles were being challenged. Even right now, if you google up things related to this subject, you will comments posted here and there that talk about how if you let your child watches this show, you are promoting the "gay agenda" and how you are giving a chance for you child to "become gay." People certainly approve of the status quo. In fact, Blue halloween costumes are usually worn by boys.

Blue is not the only character in the show to challenge gender roles. Tomboy dog, Green, also defies what girls do and don't do. She is aggressive, plays sports, and also angers conservative parental viewers. The only cat on the show, Periwinkle is a boy, which is also friggen amusing.

Personally, I love that the creator of Blues Clues challenged gender stereotypes and created a world where they do not exist. I also happen to love that the creator, Angela Santomero has created a new show on PBS called Super Why! From what I have heard, this too challenges gender roles.

While there definitely have been shows that haven't succumbed to stereotypes, there are more that do than those that don't. Even though Blues Clues is already a show that isn't in production anymore I still think it's important to recognize the impact it has had on a whole new generation. And while the kids may not have noticed too much that Blue was blue and also a girl, it did stir some waves amongst the adults and whatever does that is fine by me!

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Yes, I write so many things in this blog, I had to write about her too! Sonia Sotomayor is now officially a Supreme Court Justice of the United States. Needless to say, this is a major step forward for many people. She is the first Hispanic judge, and third female judge on the Supreme Court and her background, both academically and developmentally are sure to have given her the tools she needs to make decisions that are right and just for United States Citizens, residents, and immigrants.

It goes without fail that many people are looking to Sotomayor to see what she can bring to her position. She's Hispanic, she is a female, she had a poor upbringing, she is Catholic, she is divorced, and she is a diabetic. In many ways, she is many things in one. I'm sure many of these groups will look to her to see the decisions she makes and how she makes them. We already know where she stands on many things, but I want to know where she stands when it comes to LGBT rights.

According to Citizen Crain: The Independent Gay Blog, Sotomayor has not faced many cases involving LGBT rights, and this is true. So not much is known about her views. While I don't know much about where Sotomayor stands on this issue, I am very interested to find out. In these years to come, I'm sure that we are going to find many cases involving this very issue, and I want to know where this Judge stands on it.

Judge Sotomayor does seem to one that is more fact based, than ideal based. And this can come to our favor, so I hope that should cases like these do appear, she makes the decisions that does help our community.

Until then, I do extend my congratulations to my fellow South Bronx native, Hispanic woman who went to a high school and elementary school that many of my friends have attended and am glad that her nomination went through. Also, I feel it is necessary that I must add this- Obama is President!

Detective Comics 854-855

DC comics has unveiled a new story line for Batwoman in their Detective Comic Series. Of course, many avid comic book readers already know that Batwoman is a lesbian. A cute, spunky looking one at that. While I only recently got into comic book fandom, I don't know much of her story line, but I did find these two new comics really great and fun reads.

The good thing about comic books is that they are short stories that keep you wanting more. Issues 854 and 855 are no different. While the story line has not ended with these two issues, the series promises to provide some really interesting things happening to our superhero.

So far, I've liked the way that they touched on her sexuality, but did not make a big deal of it. Her relationships were no different than that you may see with any of the other characters in DC. There was conflict between her partner and mostly caused because of her nightly adventures. Clearly, her partner did not know about her secret identity and instead just assumed that she was having an affair. I thought the way the relationship was treated was pretty fair and just like any other relationship. (The above picture doesn't do her justice, she looks much bigger and paler than usual).

The story in itself was also pretty interesting. The above villain, Alice, is this intense woman who is both cruel and lost from all reality. It was awesome! Since these two issues were setting up the story and setting, there isn't much to tell about the plot yet. What we know is that the comics start with Batwoman returning from having been kidnapped and tortured and almost killed, and after recuperating, she is tracking down Alice to get answers. While none have been given so far, the journey certainly seems like one that will hook readers.

I recommend these couple comic books to anyone who has the chance to read them. Even if you're not much of a fan of comics, you will be a fan of these.

New Evidence in Reparative Therapy

The APA (American Psychological Association) has stated that "Gay Therapy" does not work. Although many people have known this for a while, I am glad that the APA is finally recognizing this fact. Too many people are negatively affected by believing that being gay or lesbian is something that can be changed. From family members, to policies, to people who are in the closet and coming to terms with their sexuality - everyone and everything is hurt when you believe that it's a choice. So that have the APA finally recognize it is important. In the past gay therapy has been criticized by the APA, but it is now rejected.

I also happen to like how they do offer alternatives to those whose religious and sexual orientation clash: celibacy, changing churches etc. I do think it is important to respond to the fact that like they said, "Secular therapists have to recognize that some people will chose faith over their sexuality." The APA can do very little in changing the policies of the churches, but in the mean time they can offer alternatives to the religious who are gay.

I can also see where some people might be offended by the fact that they offering alternatives, rather than helping their patient overcome their belief that homosexuality is a sin. Two things must be touched upon those people who would pose an argument, like the article states, "the religious psychotherapists have to open up their eyes to the potential positive of being gay or lesbian." Sometimes there has to be a change made in the religious community if you are going to change the minds of the religious who happen to be gay. It might be the only way. The APA is being proactive. I think it also does people good to remember that these religious gays might be going to therapists/priests/pastors that may be from their religion, or who in the past have advocated that a change can happen. So by rejecting the claim that reparative therapy does help, they are helping these very people who would have otherwise gone to them and suffered tremendous physical and emotional pain.

Overall, I'm really glad that the APA finally opened their eyes and stated that reparative therapy, or gay therapy, does not work. I wonder what type of legal issues will arise because of this, that will lead to bigger change?

#51 - Lost and Delirious

"Like the lost boys from Peter Pan... except we're the Lost Girls.... Lost and Delirious." - Tori

I'm sure most of you gay kids out there recognize this quote. And if you haven't...you should look into it. That's right. I've gotten to the mecca of lesbian movies. Lost and Delirious. You might be hard pressed to find a lesbian out there who hasn't heard of this movie, watched this movie, hates this movie, loves it, or came out or at least felt more comfortable in their skin because of this movie.

I'm probably all those things in one. I'm reviewing this movie, not after a first viewing. On the contrary, I'm pretty sure I've seen this movie quite a few times. And after every viewing, I'm never really sure how to feel. I have my issues with this film, but at the end of the day, I feel it does what it set itself out to do. Be an angsty, teen, movie for lesbians.

I do like this movie, for a number of reasons (and no... one of them isn't because its an all girl's school!). I like the characters, they aren't very real, but not much of this movie is very realistic. Granted, the plot is very much grounded in reality, but it's not very real. It takes itself too seriously sometimes, and makes it more "emo" and introverted than it should be. It depicts the characters as these intense girls who are ruled by their emotions and are at times melodramatic. On second thought... that is exactly what all girls schools are like.... And because of these factors, there is a surrealism to this entire film that if you aren't really paying attention, you sort of don't really catch. Instead, you might see it as it just being a bad film, or a good one. Honestly, it's a little bit of both.

Reasons why it is good:

1. The acting isn't that bad. All the characters are pretty fresh faces and for a teen flick, it's really not that bad. It's not great. No one should be getting Oscars, but no one should be getting Razzies either. Piper Perabo's Paulie is one of the best things in this movie. Her emotions are clear on her face and the audience can definitely feel it. You're touched by her pain and wish Tori wasn't so cold.

2. The plot is fair. I know people have problems with it, but honestly, it's an emo teen movie. If these elements weren't in it, I'd be concerned.

3. The setting is somewhat realistic. It would have been nice to have seen that there were more than two teachers, but the dynamics between all the girls was pretty nice and nostalgic to see at times.

4. They are all fairly attractive. If all else fails, just watch their faces.

5. Tori was heartbreaking at best, infuriating at worst. Sometimes it was hard to watch the movie simply because you had to see what else she was going to do.

Reasons why it's bad:

1. If you are a person who is huge on good acting, well you might be a tad annoyed by this movie.

2. Certain parts of the story were unnecessary. Really? Why was there a bird?

3. Paulie's downward spiral was a bit overdone. I could have gone without the warped screen, Shakespearian quotes, and duel.

4. Tori was heartbreaking at best, infuriating at worst. Sometimes it was hard to watch the movie simply because you had to see what else she was going to do.

At the end of the day. I say, watch it. It's not that bad. If you have some time, go for it. If you are in the process of coming out and want to see some lesbian movies, see it. If you want a good laugh, watch it too. This movie appeals from the cynics to the idealists. This movie did a lot for when it came out, and should be respected as such. No matter what, this is definitely a must see movie for lesbians.

Rage more.

Julieta Venegas

Is she gay? Is she not a lesbian? I think so...but I've realized that most of my posts have been about my 101 project, and since my eyes have been hurting a bit from all the tv watching, I've decided to deviate a bit from it and go on to a couple other topics that I happen to love! Spanish music! and Lesbian speculation!

One of my favorite singers in any language is Julieta Venegas. Her music is stupendous, her style impeccable, and her face... beautiful. Although born and raised in Long Beach, CA, this Mexican-American singer sings Spanish pop and rock songs. They touch on a range of subjects, and her duets with other Spanish singers are even better. Honestly, I could start listing my favorite songs of hers for you to listen to, but just listen to any of them and you'll love it. The beats are irresistible even if you don't know the language.

So, why am I talking about her? Just to use a new venue to tell the world of her awesome-ness? A little bit, yes. But! Also to do a little speculation about Julieta Venegas' "potential" as Telemachus Two likes to put it. While there isn't much evidence that she's gay, there isn't much evidence that she isn't. Of course, if she was, I don't think she would ever come out. A Hispanic female out of the closet, in the spanish world might not sell so many records. But, that wouldn't mean that she's not! So why do I think she might be gay? Well, let me count the ways:

1. She's been credited to being pretty big on gay rights. Of course, that could just mean that she's an advocate, or it could just mean that she is an "advocate." She was in the Latino Gay Festival in LA, and was quoted saying. "Pues nos invitó la organización y nosotros felices, yo feliz de venir aquí con la comunidad gay a hacer una fiesta, yo creo que es importante que cada vez tenga más lugar la comunidad gay, tanto aquí en Estados Unidos la latina, como en todos lados, en México también creo que es una comunidad que merece su lugar, como cualquier otra comunidad y yo creo que estamos buscando lo mismo en la vida y cada vez la sociedad va aceptando más el hecho de que hay gente en la diversidad, creo que la diversidad es muy natural del mundo, es parte del ser humano." For you non-spanish speakers. In this she is saying that it's important to get involved with gay rights and that WE are looking the same out of life and every day, society is getting more accepting. That's right, she said "estamos" (we are) not "ellos estan" (they are). Now, this could just be semantics, and I need to sit down and breathe in a brown paper bag, but I do think it is a tip off that something queer is going on.

2. She did the soundtrack for Quemar Las Naves. A gay Mexican movie about a boy in a small town and crazy family. The fact that she would lend herself to such a work is once again another indicator of her pro-gay leanings. Which is fantastic, but also like i said...

3. Her latest album, Nuevo Y Raro (new and different) has a lot of songs that has a lesbian undertone. "Illusion" with Marisa Monte is duet where they are both talking about chances (or girls) that got away because they didn't act in time. Marisa sings her part in Portuguese and Julieta in Spanish, and I don't care what they say, when I first heard that song I thought the lyrics were about the two girls singing about each other. "Perfecta" with Miranda is undeniably a lesbian song. Legit. It's gay. Once again, both girls are singing about each other. Both are talking about how they are perfect for each other. To roughly translate, a few of the lyrics sung say " even though we knew what we were doing wrong, we didn't stop until we we both were done, and when we finally realized what we were doing... I just continued kissing you," "maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be your other half," " how is it that it changed? you were my friend and now your my girlfriend" etc. Yes. this was all a part of the song. Sure, there are some gender neutral pronouns thrown around in a couple places but, when you have two girls singing lyrics like those... I'm going to need convincing otherwise. "Mi Principio" is not a duet, but the theme song for Quemar Las Naves. In this song, she talks about leaving because there is nothing else there for her, she can't live her life in that small place. She has to burn her bridges to be who she is. Leaving will be her renewal. Need I say more?

4. Those are just her newer material. Her older songs aren't so blatant, but definitely have raised a few questions. "Limon y Sal" and "Andar Conmigo" are the two that have mostly done that. While I actually did not really see anything telling with Limon y Sal, a friend of mine pointed out the fact that she's basically saying that she only likes the person she is singing too when she is drunk (limon y sal), and that is the only time those two can be together. Andar Conmigo did raise my gaydar with the music video. There's a couple lesbian couples in it, and over all... there are some gay undertones.

5. She is very private with her personal life. Of course, she might just not enjoy the spotlight, or she might just not want her business all out in the open.

6. Almost all her songs are gender neutral! Seriously, they almost all are. Some aren't...but most are gender neutral.

So is Julieta Venegas gay? I think so. Or at least, I certainly hope so. She would do great things for the gay community, especially in Latin America. Of course, there is also the downside. She could just be type casted as a "gay artist" and lose her huge fan base. Honestly, if that were the case, I'd rather have her in the closet giving out clues, rather than out of the closet, but just becoming just another lesbian singer, rather than a singer who is gay. Frankly, I don't think we are there yet, where that wouldn't happen. I mean, who doesn't remember what happened to the RBD (latino teen pop group) when one of their members came out of the closet? Everyone flipped.

So, while we may not know for a while. For the time being, I will satisfy my craving with her music and tons of speculating to anyone I know who listens to her.