July 2009

  • New Queer Cinema: My Own Private Idaho

    By msarko on 7/20/09 7:44pm
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    Whenever themes relevant to a particular minority group are explored in art, there's the danger of that art being labeled a "For Us, By Us" endeavor. Such is the issue surrounding New Queer Cinema. Though much of it is designed to shock the straight majority and ultimately to politicize the films themselves, some of the finest works from the movement aren't really intended as agit-prop. Such is the case with Gus Van Sant's 1991 (minor) masterpiece, My Own Private Idaho.

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  • Gay Bishop Ban Removed?

    By sarajean on 7/14/09 10:59am
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    Yesterday the Episcopal Church voted to open up “any ordained ministry to gays and lesbians—a giant step forward in lifting the moratorium on ordaining gay bishops that’s been in effect for at least three years.

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover all cases; still allowing for discrimination, it’s written to let dioceses choose whether or not they want to consider gays for bishop candidacy. It kind of reminds me of the whole hypocrisy of allowing emergency contraception to be available in pharmacies—but allowing pharmacists to play got with your health and have the “right” to deny your request on “moral grounds.”

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