Newsweek Article: Straight Jacket
The Advocate with Kristin Chenoweth's Response
Where, where, where to start. This article has gotten tremendous attention and a lot of this scrutiny has come from K. Chenoweth's response. First off, Kristin has been badmouthed in the past for being less than outspoken about LGBT issues when her fan base is so heavily gay (we all know the queens and the middle school Broadway buffs are the ones buying her albums -I probably have one from 7th grade). This attack on a personal friend has caused her to lash out, winning the hearts of her gay fans. BUT, I think she misses the point on some things. (Also, Sean Hayes seems to have gotten mixed reviews from everyone for his performance in Promises, Promises... including the gay community.)
Ramin Setoodeh, the journalist who wrote the article, is gay (according to The Advocate). I'm not saying that makes everything he said excusable (like the suggestion that LGBT actors should stay in the closet... not excusable), but I think it means the article can be read in a different light. Chenoweth, and lots of other irate bloggers, have become outraged over Setoodeh's "claim" that gays can't play straight, but I think his argument brings up more questions than conclusions. Setoodeh is not arguing that gays can't play straight as much as he is saying that when society has placed a label of "gay" on someone like Sean Hayes, it's hard for them to comprehend him as anything else. Setoodeh is bringing this issue up and I think it's an important one to talk about... and it's exciting that it is getting so much attention.
Honestly, he's right. People, unfortunately, do have a fascination with human sexuality; especially sexuality that is different from the majority. This is because of its "newness" in the grand scheme of things. LGBT people are beginning to be recognized for the first time as "normal" people who have the ability to be in loving, committed relationships just like straight people! (WHO KNEW?) This fascination is something that society will overcome in time... or at least I hope it is. When a "gay person" is understood as having the exact same needs and wants as a "straight person" this won't be an issue. We can look at it for what it actually is... Sean Hayes (as a person... not as a gay man...) just wasn't necessarily suited for the role in the eyes of some reviewers. He, as a person, maybe wasn't the best choice, or maybe society can't make a judgement call yet. In the same way Mickey Rourke probably couldn't play the lead in La Cage without raising some eyebrows because audiences couldn't get over his macho persona (however... I might pay to see that.)
It comes down to understanding that "gay" is a label that makes things easier to understand for people who might not otherwise understand it at all. In a recent interview with The Advocate, Cynthia Nixon claims that she is "gay" politically (which is important in this political climate) but that her sexuality is not necessarily label-able. (Cynthia Nixon Interview) Once people understand that everyone is somewhere on the scale between "straight" and "gay" Sean Hayes will be criticized as an actor... not as a gay man. (Cynthia Nixon won her Tony for The Rabbit Hole, playing the role of a grieving, straight, mother, while offstage with a female partner... I'm just sayin')
So, basically, I say to all the world, get over the labels. Embrace the people for people. After all, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world. Don't rain on my parade. And lots of other Barbara Streisand quotes.
In other news... I went to a baseball game tonight and it was terrifyingly heteronormative and all the men there looked alike in their pastel polos, short shorts, baseball caps, and sperry topsiders (with no socks). I felt frumpy compared to all the women. What is this place they call South Carolina?
Until later,
SC
You know, honestly I agree with you. Well, you probably already knew that. My problem is that I think his article DOES raise important questions, which is exciting, but I don't think that he necessarily wrote it with the intention...I think he's backpeddling a bit now to make up for it. I knew he was gay when I read it...his sassy, snarky comments come across as one queen bashing on another...which, in my opinion, is something that ALSO plagues the gay and lesbian performers out there. Criticism and snarkiness from other gays who just cut them down for no apparent reason (his comments about Groff are so idiotic to me, especially since I really didn't know he was gay! Which surprised the hell out of me)
ReplyDeleteIn other news, you're amazing and wonderful. What a role model you are. I love you so much, and am so proud to be your friend.
So interesting! I totally agree with the Streisand-ian conclusion, though. If this issue hasn't exhausted you enough, The Atlantic wrote another take on the issue:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/05/glee-vs-newsweek-whats-missing-in-the-controversy/56750/
Enjoy!
SC, I think you bring up a lot of important points concerning the validity of the Newsweek article. As far as the Sean Hayes comparison---American audiences watched him as the flamboyant gay character in Will & Grace. In this situation, I wonder if it has more to do with his role on that show rather than who he sleeps with at home. (Just like Jennifer Anniston will always be "Rachel" in many viewers minds and play Rachel-like characters.)
ReplyDeleteAs far as actors like Jonathan Groff, NPH, Cynthia Nixon, Portia and Jodie Foster, I have never had any trouble "buying" them as straight because I don't think they have played roles that have typecast them...while Sean Hayes' character in Will & Grace may limit him just as Jennifer Anniston's Rachel in Friends limits her (although certainly not in the same way as Hayes.)