Fried Green Tomatoes in the Rubyfruit Jungle
Although their writing styles and life experiences differ greatly, Fannie Flagg and Rita Mae Brown each has illuminated what it means to be a woman -- and a lesbian -- in contemporary American society.
Michael Abernethy
Michael has been writing for PopMatters since 2000. His primary focus, aside from queer culture, is television reviews and commentary, and his article Male Bashing on TV has been reprinted in two college textbooks. He currently lives in Louisville, KY, and is a Lecturer of Communication Studies at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, IN. As a teacher, he has an interest in the study of contemporary political rhetoric and argumentation. He and his partner Jim have been living in un-wedded bliss since 1995.
What Defines the Line Between Inclusivity and Queerbaiting?
It was the year of the African American, not the LGBTQ, at the Academy Awards -- we can't have both. Perhaps the new hashtag should be #Oscarsoblackandwhite.
What Are You Laughing At?
LGBT+ comedians are enjoying enough success to offset the barrage of gay jokes that seek to demean. They have Paul Lynde and Jack "Moms" Mabley to thank.
Faintly Androgynous and Pathologically Disturbed
Montgomery Clift and Clifton Webb were both gay actors. One embraced his sexuality, while the other denied it, which made a huge difference in how their careers played out.
No Gays Allowed: Religious Hypocrisy and the Refusal of Services
Those who refuse service to the LGBT community claim their religious beliefs are being attacked. What they are really doing is showing ignorance of their own religion.
Edouard Bourdet’s Lesbian Play, ‘The Captive’, Was Certainly Captive of its Time
Alison Bechdel's Fun Home isn't the first lesbian themed work of art to garner acclaim and controversy; 90 years ago, The Captive set the precedent.
What About the Victim of the Victim of Homophobia?
Recent televisions shows are focusing attention on the plight of the spouses of gay men and lesbians. But is it enough to make their lives less traumatic?
SCOTUS Is On the Verge of a “Defeat for Humanity”, Thank Goodness
Lessons from Europe and history help show the impact of a United States Supreme Court ruling allowing gay marriage.
America Hears a Hoosier at the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference
A college conference is helping train students to battle the idiocy of laws like Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The Hays Code Nightmare Has Come True. Ain’t That Grand?
The '30s era Hays Code limited significantly what artists could express and what audiences could see. Today's LGBT media has blasted through all that.