I am a straight woman so please forgive me if I do not appreciate the angle of the gay man on this topic. However, I found this drama excellent. Parts of it were so difficult to watch, like the beating up of the gay man by Paul Nicholls, but important to portray. So many people are still unaware that this is the risk that many gay men take. I also thought the portrayals of sex between the men were filmed so tenderly and with real care as were the ones of the two men who were married. They showed the ignorant and uninformed just how beautiful, compassionate and warm any relationship can be whatever the gender involved. I think this is such a positive message which was contrasted with the 'seedier' side which let's face it even George Michael has admitted to enjoying. Can people not get their heads around the fact that 'cottaging' is exciting? As portrayed in the other C4 film, at one time this was the only way men could pick up other men, now it is a choice. A percentage of hetrosexual people dabble in risk when they pick up people at night clubs, bars etc, have too much to drink, take drugs, have affairs, practice S&M etc. As one of the straight characters expresses; life can get mundane day in day out with the same person. Most of us have periods in our life where we crave some excitement and escape so why can people not understand this practice by some gay men? As for the 30 year old. He was seduced by the young boy and attempted to send him home several times. How many hetrosexual people have tried to do this and failed too when the urge is so strong to be with someone? I thought this was sensitively handled by their conversation in which they both expressed loneliness and a feeling of isolation and difference. Despite this obvious longing to love and be loved the older man responsibly rejected the boy's further advances in the second instance. This was done with much difficulty and pain which the actor portrayed brilliantly. Then we come to the two men who were married. I certainly know of hetrosexual men AND women who get up to the same thing on their wedding day. It doesn't make it right but it is real. I have been in a wonderful relationship for 11 years but still crave the attention of other men; acceptance, proof that I am still attractive etc. They are my issues and over the years I have dealt with them and I love my partner dearly and would be lost without him. This programme reflected those real life issues and didn't shy away from them. I think they were very brave. I'm sorry that some people within this forum are dismayed by the 'stereotypes' portrayed but I personally thought the overall programme was very positive. Stereotypes are out there of all walks of life; gay, culture, age, weight etc. It is everyone's personal responsability to gently challenge them but we must also accept there is a grain of truth to them too. I am Scottish and I'm not 'tight' and I don't hate the English but I know plenty that could fit into that category. I'm a counsellor and I am a hippy,do wear dangly earrings and have a tendancy to analyse life. Comon people let's celebrate the positive this programme had to offer!
I think you can look at it from a safe distance (as implied by your opening line.)where others actually live the life of a gay person and do not like it being portrayed as anything that doesnt have a balance, particular as these sort of programmes dont come around so often. Excellent points you have made, either way, but I think some people are looking at it from a damage limitation scenario as well.
"It Is Impossible To Defeat An Ignorant Man In Argument."
"Never Converse With An Idiot, For Someone May Walk By And Not Know Who The Idiot Is".!
Thank you for your post, it was nice to read an objective point of view.
There are so many comments on this board concerned with "how people will perceive gay life" or stating "we are not all like that".
As a gay man I understand their concerns, but I fail to see why we can't discuss the merits of this programme objectively. I would like to discuss some of the very real and important issues it raised in detail. Unfortunately most people simply want to rant about how it was "unbalanced".
My father once said to me 'son, people will jump at the chance to only remember the bad things you do in life. They'll find it harder to remember the good'. Whilst my father may possibly have been having a 'moment' to himself, there is a truth in what he said. As Swin has stated, there's many important issues to be raised here without castigating the drama entirely for it's flaws. It really is too easy to dwell on the negative folks.
Like the Art Teacher, I am a hapily married heterosexual teacher (female!) I too found the drama excellent and felt that there were positive portraits of gay men! I felt that the relationships portrayed were sensitive and poignant - I was in tears at one point. The sex scene between the young man and the older one was powerful and yet I could quite clearly feel the sexual tension. I respect the comments of the gay contributors but surely, if a 'straight' viewer can see morely clearly how difficult it can be to be gay, it might engender more tolerance?
Originally posted by MRTIBBS.: I think some people are looking at it from a damage limitation scenario as well.
This actually adds weight to Tracey's post. Her post does not suggest that she, as a member of the heterosexual public, views gay men in a bad light as a result of the programme.
Unfortunately I think the sad truth is that many homophobic people will not have been watching.
And in answer to the question that seemed to be being asked in a kind of sideways manner; I did not view gay men in a bad light either before or after watching the programme. Just so we are clear. Sexual preference and/or lifestyle, should, in my opinion, should never be condemned. This world is full of difference and it should be celebrated and embraced not scorned and persecuted.
Lastly I would just like to thank all those who have replied to my link with some lovely comments. Thank you. I was a little nervous when posting and your replies have been really reassuring x
Originally posted by TracieA: This world is full of difference and it should be celebrated and embraced not scorned and persecuted.
Allelujah to that! I'd hate a world full of people just like me (and I'm sure many would agree ). I dream of, not a melting pot, but a great big pot of individuals all co-existing happily together.
As a straight man (does it really matter what sexuality you are to watch a telly programme) I found it boring and predictable. Like the writer in th piece discovered when he couldnt get his script commissioned, being gay isnt an issue anymore. The script relied on hackneyed stereotypes of promiscous gay men. I moved nothing forward and I agree with the respondent who said all of this issues could and do occur in heterosexual society - so errr whats the connection with Gay Week. A mainstream drama for a mainstream audience nothing new - the UK accepts homosexuality - so err what else is new?
Am bit late in responding to Tracie's excellent review of 'Clapham Junction' but I'd just like to say that her's was an extremely sensitive &. compassionate description of this very intelligent piece of work. I found the play very moving &. like some others, moved to tears at times. As for the Norwich guy's reiterated comment " being gay is no longer an issue ", I must fervently disagree - if gay guys are still getting their heads kicked in 'cos of their sexual orientation, it certainly remains an issue!
Originally posted by TracieA: Can people not get their heads around the fact that 'cottaging' is exciting?
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to express your views, which were so refreshing and positive. Well done! I specifically loved this line which, even though I'm not sure how you know this, made me smile for ages. It's outside the boundaries of this forum but you got me wondering if this is more likely a reason it's done, or is it because it's convenient (excuse the pun), or maybe a bit of both? I always assumed it was viewed primarily as a "release", but it's comments like yours which break the ice. Thanks once again.
Originally posted by Norwich men are born immortal: As a straight man (does it really matter what sexuality you are to watch a telly programme) I found it boring and predictable.
If you had switched off, you wouldn't have been able to voice an opinion, so for that reason you're to be commended for watching it through. Would an equivalent straight drama have been as boring and predictable?
I always assumed it was viewed primarily as a "release", but it's comments like yours which break the ice. Thanks once again.
