I AGREE WITH YOUR OPINIONS ON LAST NIGHTS ALMOST SHODDY IGNORANCE OF THE GAY WORD. KUDOS THOUGH TO THE CAST OF WILL AND GRACE AND ESPECIALLY TO ERIC MCCORMACK(WHO YOU LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO!)FOR SAYING TO HAVE A SUCCESFULL TV SHOW, YA NEED GAY PEOPLE! AT THE OSCARS, SINCE ITS RUN BY ALMOST ALL FAGS, THE WORD GAY BETTER BE UTTERED, BECAUSE I WILL BE JUST DOWN THE STREET WHEN IT HAPPENS.

Michael,

I haven't seen the film yet, but now I know how it ends, since you gave away one of the most pivotal aspects, that is, surrounding one of the characters' death. Also, you give Hollywood and the Golden Globes too much credit. In the end it is about money and ratings and besides, your analysis of events really only refers to those LGBT persons whom are out, whereas ,perhaps the careful words chosen at the Golden Globes were meant for those still struggling with their sexuality? None of this matters to me since this film on the outset only serves to pat straight A-list actors on the back for being "daring." Big whoop. Now show me a film in which LGBT men of color are allowed to love each other in the open without recourse from society and family, and then we can talk. I'm considering boycotting "Brokeback Mountain" until directors and producers realize that the LGBT community is made up of more than white men.

That was an interesting observation. thank you, from a gay blogger who is closeted in his blog!

I too was pissed off at the verbal dancing that went on, as well as the eviscerated clips from Brokeback that were shown. Having said that I can't say for sure whether the omissions were a business decision or just plain cowardice.

The gay movement is a tough one. Its frustrating to see no one is giving credit to bbk mtn as a gay love story. No one said gay at the awards which is alarming. However, remember its an uphill fight and they are trying to get ppls asses into seats to see the film. Homophobia is rampant. Have u grown up in the catskill mountains of nys? No. Well guess what if u tell them its about gays they won't see it. But if it looks like an all american cowboy epic they'll check it out. And by the end of the movie their hearts will be broken and they'll realize how homophobia does kill. Its good marketing. And then 30 yrs from now it will be on the imdb as a classic.

It's spruiked as a gay love story in Oz (opens here on Australia Day) all over the news n' elsewhere. I spose it's the same for other countries, too. Your post rocks. As soon as I saw Ledger sniffing that jacket in that way in the promo, I knew that the other dude was dunzo (haven't read the book, didn't know it existed until this movie).

I don't feel the movie is a GAY movie. I feel gay people are putting too much on this movie. Neither character was GAY or had male to male relatonship prior to meeting each other. They took a job out in the middle of nowhere,where they had to only interaction with each other. Then experimention & human interaction of sexual desires step in, and they happen to develope feelings for eachother. Yes that is considered "GAY" because we have to label everything, put things in a box to make us comfortable. I don't feel the golden globes danced around the word "gay", nor the subject..

Well. I'm not sure what to think about this subject. On the one hand I am just happy that such films are recognized, and I'm satisfied with that. But on the other hand, I have to question why the lacking in certain terminology. Let's remember, it's TV... TV is controlled by their sponsers. Hmmm.... makes you think. I guess it's rather senseless for me to rant and rave about gay rights, I mean, yes, Michael has made his point. So, I agree, but I won't fight this battle.
However, I will say something that has stayed with me since I saw "Brokeback". I was so proud of how every character was portrayed in that film. From Randy Quaid's homo-hatred, to Michelle William's defeated devoted wife. The thought that every person who views this film will relate, be it good or bad, to a specific character is Ang Lee's triumph. Further, the film showed me how something as beautiful as love is so easily transformed into the despondency of shame. And, to top it off... it showed how love is abound in gay relations... oh, and yes of course, so is cruising ;-)
Alright, enough of my blabbing.
Great comments Michael. Always makin' waves.
-Chris Crawford

In my opinion, you are overreacting. First of all, I read that the Globes were as a program was completely minimalist in all respects.

Second, don't dwell on the absence some brief symbolic statement. The fact of the matter is that Brokeback Mountain won the best picture award, which was well deserved. And the reason people everywhere are touched by it is because of the universal struggles it portrays. The fact that this is played through two gay characters is the finest dramatic example I have ever seen showing homosexuality as an identity, and not as skeptics claim as a choice. This idea is essential in presenting to others why we deserve equal rights protections, etc.

If Larry McMurtry didn't use the word gay, that was his choice. He is a brilliant writer who for decades has communicated his views about American culture assiduously. Let's defer to him.

I think that if the presenters and the program had gone overboard on the word "gay," it would cause a backlash, not only against the film and its chances for success with the Oscars, but open a new can of worms against anything "gay." Remember who is in the White House! Democrats are weak and spinless and the GOP thinks that they have the USA by the balls.

Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Bob Novak, Pat Buchanan, Tucker Carlson (what a sick group!) and the rest of the right-wing crazies would have a field day, if a big deal had been made of the fact that "the gay aspect" was played up at the Globes. "They are trying to convert the young men of America into being gay! They are trying to convince us that homosexuality is 'normal'. It's a plan...." Can't you just hear them?

Never forget the country in which we live: it's sexist, racist and homophobic. The "right" is extremely upset with the critical and commercial success of "Brokeback Mountain" as it is. Don't be surprised if they rise up against the film and try to ruin its chances at the Oscars.

I don't know if the Foreign Press producers asked people not to play up the gay aspect of the film and to treat it like any other work of artistic achievement, for the gay slant, emphasized in America, would set the media on fire. Americans are not as sophisticated as Europeans. If this film is as good as I hear it is, in the hands of the hungry media, all would be lost. The movie would be reduced to gay propaganda.

I can certainly understand your feelings on this, Michael and other blogges, but remember, this is a country that is still pointing out (loudly) "the first woman to do this, or the first black to do that!" It's 2006, for Lord's sake!

Michael,

Once again, your assessment of the situation that has happened is spot on the mark. The irony of a film based on the damage caused by homophobia winning major awards, only to be met with acceptance in the form of the same kind of homophobia the film warns about, is a bold statement that characterizes the climate for gays in this country. It is not only a political issue, which has been such a focus recently; it is an issue that encompasses culture, entertainment, society, and our daily lives at large. Homophobia is a weapon that is used against gays by the entertainment industry, corporate America, academia, individual straight people, and even by ourselves – individually and as a community.

It is refreshing to watch episodes of “Party Party” on the Bravo network which features gay weddings, and to see gay-friendly ads like those from orbitz.com on the same network. It makes me feel so good when I see those things. However, your pointing out of the damaging representation of sexuality at the Golden Globes reminds me just how far we have to go. This confirms for me (as if I needed any confirmation whatsoever) just how deeply rooted you are in reality. Your down-to-earth nature and your watchdog sense for our community makes me proud that I am in your company as a gay man.

Silent but deadly... though a crude parallel to draw I think the statement applies.

Can Brokeback Mountain not simply be referenced as what it is... a relationship between 2 PEOPLE? "GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY" I am not really sure what it proves when constantly beaten over people's heads. I personally dread the day when filing my taxes I see a field for "Sexual Orientation" much like I cringe when I see "Race" or "Sex". Each of us makes up our own person and experiences. I don’t understand why some people feel they have to be grouped into a category to make an impact as an individual.

To straight people - I refer to my partner as my partner, not my GAY partner, which I have never felt necessary... I think they get the idea without our obvious differences being drawn. Making a point is often more powerful when nothing is said.

I didn't see the Golden Globe Awards, this year. Actually, I never have, because the watching a bunch of what I refer to as "corporate uptights" calling themselves making entertaining television is a joke. I find watching the Golden Globes just like I find watching the Oscars - BORING. And when you have the mindset of people who make business the bottom line and not entertainment (that in films like Brokeback Mountain can lead to educating) you have a VERY limited way of thinking. I've found that corporate minded people live in a fishbowl where they are very much out of touch with the public at large. And avoiding the word "gay" is just another sign of that. I mean, how many people don't know by now that Brokeback Mountain is about the love story of 2 gay cowboys. The majority of the public knows that you can say the word "gay", and you won't turn to salt, or stone, or your tongue won't fall out of your mouth.

This is my message to Corporate America:
WAKE UP! People are more tolerant than they were before. The only ones that don't seem to realize that are your felow narrow-minded jackasses living in your money-lined fishbowl. So stop drowning in your delusions, and ask JOE PUBLIC how he feels. And considering how much money has been made by films like Brokeback Mountain, Joe Public has spoken to you loud and clear.

I'm torn on this one. As much as I agree with what you are saying, I am also looking forward to the day when a love story is a love story and not a gay love story, or a black love story, or a straight love story, etc... I know it is too much to ask right now, and the avoidance of the issue in the show does not demonstrate a move in that direction, but the love that dare not speak its name has now been forced into the mainstream with the winning of these awards. The word 'gay' will be spoken in many a household around the country as a result. Maybe it's more beneficial in the long run that the films are handled as quality work without so much emphasis on the nature of the characters in the story so that more people go to these films with open hearts and minds. Like I said, I'm torn on the issue. People suck when they can't call a spade a spade, but ultimately this very avoidance of the issue could help to bring the issue to the fore for more people.

I didn't see the Golden Globes, but it does sound like they skirted the issue if they were only using clips where the stars are with women---sorta like that popular "gay" sitcom about a m/f couple, Will and Grace--and it's disappointing that presenters never used the word "gay." As someone else pointed out, it's all about sales and that means reaching a larger market than just gay or gay-friendly. BROKEBACK's straight stars and producers were probably, up until the end of the awards, shitting bricks and thinking "Will I ever work again?"

But I also don't expect them to wave a rainbow flag and play IT'S RAINING MEN because gay/transgendered themes won, as you seem to expect. They are there to rate films, and Hollywood has often frowned on stars of any sexual persuasion who use up mic time to advance their issues. And these aren't even THEIR issues. BROKEBACK is a well-made, critically-acclaimed film and the straight director is not compelled to pump his fist and scream "Gay Rights"! Nor is Felicity Huffman actually a transsexual or Phillip Seymour Hoffman a fag like the characters they play in their winning films. So why should they do anything other than say "Thank you?" They played a part, and according to the Golden Globes, played it well. Yes, it would be nice to think that through playing these parts they reached an understanding of the hardships gays and transgendered face, but do you really think that because Denzel played a role in PHILADELPHIA that means he should make a statement about AIDS? That doesn't make sense to me. The awards show is not Gay Pride Day nor should it be because of the subject matter of 3 of the nominated films this year. Be thankful that the religious right hasn't gotten to some good ol' boys in Hollywood and prevented the films from being properly distributed.

Everything you wanted it to be? Nope. But the awards received by these 3 films at the Globes is more of a success than you make it out to be. Now that they are honored as films of quality, then maybe sheepish straight/closeted Americans who would ordinarily shy away from gay/TG subject matter may see these films and slowly--yes I admit, too slowly--come to an understanding of how love can exist between two men. Or come to face the fact that straight people still kill and bash gay people.

ah, deep thoughts from a gay porn purveyor. get over yourself and actually do something about the state of affairs rather than pander to the bottom-line of homosexuality. as if your movies are so empowering for the community. hypocrite.

Hmmm....I see your point and it is interesting to see you all react this way. Personally, i'm glad they didn't make too big an issue out of the fact that all these characters are gay. The fact they were gay is not the point. Each film addresses that in it's own way. These awards were about the acting, writing, directing, etc. Not the film content. Maybe now people will go see these movies for what they are. Good films, not just "the gay cowboy movie" the "tranny" movie, or the "fag writer" story. If that's all people see when they see these movies, you can't help that. Most likely they will be happy with the film and come out maybe a bit enlightened. I say we let the films speak for themselves and not worry about how cowardly they are being promoted. And that's all the awards were about. Promotion. Why do we need so many ceremonies? SAG awards, golden globes, people's choice, independant spirit, academy awards, etc. That's my question. Hope this helps. Was a good topic though. Will be interested in seeing what else everyone thinks as well. Cheers.

hey michael: what am i supposed to say about this? i was not even surprised when the golden globes did not mention a thing about gay relationships, characters et al considering many tidbits surrounding this country's attitudes -- it is easy to see internalized homophobia from all sides.

well done with your posting, I agreed.

Now ... when will the Brokeback Mountain be captioned? So that I can see it on big screen instead of on DVD, dammit.

R-

Michael -

The public has a very cynical outlook regarding the gay community, especially in the world of Hollywood. No matter how far we've come, that is something that will remain for some time. While, I am personally disgusted and angered by it, there is much that can be done to change it. And, although this may be adding more fuel to the fire, this isn't an isolated incident of recent times.

Here are some examples:
The movie "A Home At The End Of The World" was based on a book. In the book, it was actually Colin Farrell's character (the straight guy) who dies of aids, but producers thought it to be more believable if it were the gay character.

Speaking of Colin Farrell, "Alexander" had numerous gay related scenes, as having male lovers in that time period was a common and realistic thing. Both HBO and ONDemand will only show the directors cut, because the original had more gay related content. Both channels are willing to show Colin's manhood (which male
genitalia is still somewhat taboo) if it keeps the homosexuality away from peoples eyes.

And while we're on the topic of HBO, an exceptional "need to see" film titles "Urbania", which deals with homosexual relationships being effected by gay-bashing, has been frequently on all the available HBO stations. However, it's only on sometime around three in the morning. Like "Brokeback Mountain", this moving is ground breaking and should have won the same awards (in my opinion), yet it is only aired when no is really watching.

Things like these go on everyday. It saddens me to think that people are ignored and a lifestyle is avoided publicly for PR reasons. Especially in a time where everything is so "PC". But then again, we do live in a country that suppressed blacks for a greater part of its history. We live in a country where the Bible (you know, the book which governs the Vatican, which also took an non-involvement stance on the Holocaust/death of millions who didn't believe in Jesus as the lord, the organization which now has a former Nazi as their new Darth Vader) sets the tone. We live in a country where the commander and chief can call a congressional hearing to out-law gay marriage during a war (voting season), as if it were a higher priority. Only to then make a last minute speech promoting "civil unions" on the eve of November 2nd. The US has a history of this kind of oppression and disassociation. Only now, we have a fool for a president, republicans are allow to breed and rule the country at the same time, and based entirely too much on a religious book which is hypocritical in and of itself.

But who is really to blame?

At times, I think it's our own fault. Gays are more concerned with the label on their shirt and the label on Mr. Right Nows shirt more then they are with whats happening around them. I feel that the fighting and work done by prior generations is being undone by the lack of awareness of whats is really important in the big picture. There is this mentality among gay men of "as long as I'm getting laid, I don't care" seems to have become the primary focus. There are a lot of us, yet not many are really speaking out. At least not when it counts.

Gay Pride has become a marketing campaign/skin fest. Stonewall has become just a bar in New York. No one is setting an example anymore, and no one is making leaps and bounds. The fight for equality has transferred from action to being on paper. We do what we're told and we go with the flow. We keep quiet during the day and cruise the parking lots at night. That way, we keep out of their line of vision, and we get what we want out of the deal.

Unfortunately, homosexuals have become data to be manipulated. Why else would Mark Dalton and Zeb Atlas love us so much? Why do you think Amatuerstraightguys.com and Seancody.com have become popular? Why do you think the allegedly great Chi Chi La Rue directs straight videos? Because there's money to be made, that's why. They exploit us when there is money to be made, whether it's us doing things for
them, or them doing things for us. The only time we really count is when our green is involved. And we let it happen. We allow ourselves to stay in the shadows.

I'm not blaming the lack of recognition and acknowledgment on the homosexual community. I'm blaming the homosexual community for allowing it to happen. Where are all the gay marches of protest? Where have the vigils and remembrances of people like Matthew Shepard gone? Why is it that my friends know about blog regarding porn and not Towleroad.com? We
feed into it. If you don't believe me, visit www.trophyboys.typepad.com.

10 out of 10 of us feel society holds us down, yet only 1 out of 1000 do something about it. One has to wonder if this is a result of us just phoning it in.

Dear Michael;
As a Gay Film Maker of Motion Pictures of 20 years I believe that there has been very little acceptance of "GAY" topics let alone Gay XXX or it's idealisms. The freedom to express ourselves and be who and what we really are has been questioned time and time again by the hypocritical extreme right wing parties and now to see this country turned back in time 20 years from current legislature and decisions over the past year or so, well... I guess that says it all. My roots are in Gay Porn and I salute you and everyone for standing up and demanding that we all be heard!! One Voice. One Life. Gay.
JH

Re: ur comment about this "important" event. The GG's aren't really. Just a stupid awards show voted on by a group of suspect journos, but coddled by the Industry because of the publicity generated.

Meanwhile, the true test of BM comes this weekend when it expands to 1200 theatres. At this point, it's been carefully nurtured so as to keep doing quite impressive in limited runs, but as of last weekend, it had only gross half as much as the mediocre The Family Stone. Nobody's writing about it's cultural impact though!!!

the world like to put a label to everything. two men or two women in love, people called homosexual. can't we just simply define it just "love"?

I totally agree with Lady Bunny. Politics at awards shows dont really benefit actors. Think Susan Sarandon. Like every job you have to stick to protocol or else your ass is chopped! Plus the gay hollywood "agenda" is new for the red states and you know how much pull they have! But gay cinema is at a turning point in hollywood because of these great films. We have to be greatful that at least all eyes are on us for now and that hopefully talented people will continue the HomoCinemaRide. Hopefully the more exposure will make a difference and make it easier to say the word on live TV! I mean even though Brokeback was tragic I was still delighted to see a great gay film that I could share with my parents. It's the begining and I am very excited and happy to be experiencing it all. Great blog Michael!!!

I would have to agree with Hugo. After all, would anyone have put the same pressure on the producers of let's say Shakespeare in Love or Titanic to call those movies 'straight'?

Brokeback Mountain is simply about two star-crossed lovers... a veritable modern-day R&J.

This here is a Jewish heterosexual whose only prejudice in this world is against silly statements, like yours that someone -- Ang Lee, Denzel Washington -- should have paid tribute to all the gay people for the success of "Brokeback Mountain."

When Spielberg won for "Schindler's List," somehow I wasn't offended he didn't thank me and all the Jewish people in the world for his powerful film. Should Richard Attenborough have thanked all the pacifists or Indians for "Gandhi"?

To castigate a performer or filmmaker for not uttering a particular word, and then extrapolating that to mean the individual committed an offensive act against an entire class of people, only helps confirm the truism that being narcissistic and foolish knows no particular sexuality.

If you want your sexual identity to be politicized in such a mass way, then you want to be viewed as part of a special interest group, and not be considered in the mainstream. To this hetero, you are no more special than me or her or him. You're just another person with your own sexual preferences. Don't go looking for thanks simply for being alive. If you're looking for pity, welcome to the human race.

I most definitely agree with you and had a "yukky" feeling after watching it. Here was an opportunity for someone to say something dare I say "courageous," and they did not. But it goes back to how I feel about most actors and movie people: they are self obsessed. They were thinking of themselves up there.

I do disagree completely with you however concerning Felicity Huffman. I felt she addressed her character's struggle in her speech and what she said resonated with me.

After seeing Brokeback I began to see the flaws. At first I thought it was golden, but that was part hype and part not seeing a gay love story on screen before. In hindsight I think the movie lacked a certain depth and a realness. I don't think the build-up to their sex scene amounted to much. So now I kinda feel fooled by all these people who just made a movie. I don't know if they were thinking of anything greater or bigger than themselves.

I agree with you Bradford. I finally got the chance to actually see 'Brokeback Mountain' and I must say I was neither impressed, nor moved by the film. For me, the film was 99% hype and 1% a pseudo gay love story being played out by straight actors whose agenda is to further their own careers. Certainly not to champion the right of LGBT persons everywhere. I feel this film lacks a certain depth and many of the scenes felt coerced and choppy. Frankly, I did not buy them as lovers for one bit. Personally, this film is not the outstanding achievement it is being made out to be and it was just sorta OK. Nothing special. Been there. Done that. 'An Early Frost' and 'Longtime Companion' did it better.

Blah Blah Blah Blah, Blah Blah. Christ..who the fuck doesn't know that this is a gay movie. Wanna be disgusted? Be disgusted that we're honoring still another 'impersonation' instead of acting. And instead of honoring a great portrayal of a man, who is gay and extremely (and cowardly) conflicted, the critics are focusing on a typical portrait of what is supposed to be a gay man. Capote was a horrible, pathetic, disgusting human being...who was a safe queer..just like Charles Nelson Reilly, Rip Taylor, and Paul Lynde...a big ol' fairy. No danger of meeting them on the range.......... be disgusted because we're honoring an actress who portrays a man ..basically by lowering her voice and packing some meat.....that's a drag queen..not acting. Be disgusted because we buy into this in the name of acting and or honesty. BBM is a good movie, with great acting. The character of Ennis' great tragedy isn't about lost love..it's about the cowardice of a man who fails to involve himself honestly...whether it's his wife, his girlfriend, or the real love of his life.
But that's too hard to look at...GLAAD can't raise money talking about a flawed character...we need to focus on pathetic, ham fisted portrayals and typical melodrama (i.e...if it's a fag movie, fag's gotta die at the hands of the str8 man.)

I appreciate your point of view but I think you're wrong. I think what's gone on in film this year and what went on at the Golden Globes, is a great step in the right direction. The reason you didn't hear the word being tossed about like an object, was because this is (hopefully) a year when people saw these film characters not as gay or queer or homos, but as PEOPLE. In my humble opinion that's the place we want to get to as a society.

When I was young, I remember watching SANFORD AND SON, and being shocked when Fred would get irate and occasionally bust out with "N*gger you crazy?", when talking to another African American. Jump ahead in time to THE COSBY SHOW where you would never have heard that word. The race of the family was well represented throughout the show, but never discussed. It was simply a given that it was a family. People.

I live for the day when the only people using derogatory slang to describe a race, creed, color, or sexuality, are the minority.

And that will take some time and patience.

When the character meet in the boonies 1964
they did not think of themselves as gay.

They fucked, fell in love, married and fucked women and fathered children.

They were not self-identified as GAY.

The movie was made in 2005 - but certainly was not SET in our gay ol' times.

One character(Ennis) we are led to believe stays celibate and pines for his one and only partner. Gay? BI? or Straight with a fluke same sex attraction?

What matters is that the film is called a LOVE STORY -- not a GAY LOVE STORY

Point well made, Michael.

However. I think the main reason - at least in the case of 'Brokeback' - that the gay word was avoided is because it doesn't actually apply. We have two men in love, yes. Homosexual, yes. But 'gay' just means so much more in the American consciousness, that applying it to this film is specious.

The victory of BM, in fact, is that a lot of people have no right wording for Jack and Ennis. They don't want to call them 'gay', because we've allowed 'gay' to conjure atrocities like 'Will & Grace' and 'Queer Eye'. Let them stumble over the phrasing, I say. As long as the truth of two men in love can be absorbed.

What you are failing to see is the point of all of it. These movies and stories are about PEOPLE!! Why does everything have to be labeled with you small minded homophobes?!