Dykes in Film

I dearly value our allies and all they've had the courage and love to do to help us. It's a beautiful relationship I'm grateful to see continue. But Harvey Milk made a very good point about there being a difference between being represented in government by our allies and being represented by our own people. I believe the same is true regarding representing ourselves in movies and television.

Dykes in Film is an essay on the image of lesbians in mainstream entertainment, accompanied by some very simple animation. It's not intended as a critique or criticism of any single work. The point is simply that, in the mainstream, it seems real lesbians are largely still invisible, even as our image becomes increasingly visible. It's okay to use our image to gain viewers, turn on men, and make money. But, with limited exceptions, it's still not quite so acceptable for real women to actually be lesbians.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• lesbian
• butch
• dyke
• gay
• queer
• homosexual
• gender
• women
• entertainment
• movies
• film
• tv
• television
• allies
• political
• politics
• activists
• activism
• awareness

[JosLutgens]

i as a feminist and lesbian think we should hack all men their balls of!

[HikingSneakers]

There's nothing feminist or lesbian about wanting to commit mass violence against an entire category of human beings. There's nothing about either one that calls for failing to see people as individuals, even though we are *all* affected by the flawed attitudes of our society and *all* imperfect. If, as JosLutgens, you think this, saying so is your right, and I accept that you're stating what you truly believe. But don't presume to speak for the rest of us. I do not share your belief.

[diddymuck]

very articulate. I'd like to rebut on it a bit but I'm too tired.  rebut a bit but! hey it rhymes. will provide later.

[HikingSneakers]

I'm always glad for intelligent discourse, and I don't feel like everyone has to walk away agreeing, as long as it's enlightening for all. So, go ahead and rebut. Who knows? Maybe I'll rebut your rebuttal! I intended for this to be a conversation starter, rather than the last word, when I made it. And there are things I'd want to clarify, or even revise about it, after the time that's elapsed since, anyway. That's why I've rewritten my comments in the description beside it. Thanks for watching!

[nihilisia]

this rocks

[HikingSneakers]

Thanks!

[coolcole69]

dyke is certainly a fine word to use when talking about the more butch type of lesbian. i am a full bread dyke!

[HikingSneakers]

Our community isn't monolithic. Some prefer the term dyke, others lesbian. Some hate both and say gay women. Still others like the word queer. Some reject labels altogether. These days, there are lots of new terms in use. Nobody can make everyone like theirs, but none of us can ban a term, either.

I make no apology for who I am. My words reflect that. It's up to you how you feel about my term, but it's still my choice to use it. After 25 years being out and proud, I don't give up that right.

[ShooKs180]

your an asshole for using the word dyke. if your trying to get a point across positivly about lesbians pleas dont use the word dyke.

[li1drum3r10]

this is great. keep being you. :)