Flame Magazine Mar 2014

//AT THE MOVIES WITH DOROTHY

NON-STOP

//SOUND CHECK

ARIS IS BURNING

//FAVORITE BITCH®

TRIFFLIN’-ASS FRIENDS

//THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOAN

ARE YOU A BINGE WATCHER?

//BECOME WHO YOU ARE

THE PROSTITUTION OF BELIEFS: REVISITING HOMOPHOBIA IN MEDIA

SAM ALQATTAN AGAINST ALL ODDS

//PUBLISHER Peter Rayes PETER@FLAME-MAG.COM //MANAGING EDITOR Austin VanKirk AUSTIN@FLAME-MAG.COM //ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Dorothy “Joan” Stevenson JOAN@FLAME-MAG.COM //ART DIRECTOR Paige Hake //LOCAL ADVERTISING Peter Rayes ADVERTISING@FLAME-MAG.COM //NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM //PHOTOGRAPHERS Ricardo DuPerron Alejandro Garza DWS Photography Murray Grondin Claudia Ham Tony Lowe Al Shimmary //CONTRIBUTORS Jason Burtt Trent Davis Jai Ferrick Joseph Gerbino Jim O’Connoll Steven Palmer Tyler Ricardi Ed Sikov Joan Stevenson Jason Salerno Miss Tiger Jeremy Sanders Mick Sandoval //GRAPHIC DESIGN PR Solutions //WEB DEVELOPMENT PR Solutions INFO@THEPRSITE.NET 4//

MARCH 2014

429 Livernois Street Second Floor Ferndale, MI 48220 313.757.2624 Copyright © 2013. Flame, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER OR STAFF. NO PART OF FLAME MAGAZINE, INCLUDING STORIES, ARTWORK, ADVERTISING, OR PHOTOS MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM FLAME LLC. FLAME MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY FLAME, LLC. FLAME MAGAZINE WILL NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING WHICH IS FOUND TO VIOLATE LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW. THE PRESENCE OF THE NAME, LIKENESS, PHOTOGRAPH, OR OTHER REPRESENATION OF AN ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR PERSON(S) IN FLAME MAGAZINE IS NOT AN INDICATION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

CONTENTS

MARCH 2014

//08

ARIS IS BURNING Out rocker Aris (pronounced like Paris but without the P) grew up in Brooklyn, the product of a belly-dancing mother and a Greek immigrant father. Music played in his home all the time: mostly Doo-Wop and Motown, his mother’s favorites...

//11

PHOTO BY TONY LOWE

SAM ALQATTAN: AGAINST ALL ODDS A first-generation immigrant from Kuwait, Sam Alqattan is an outand-proud gay man living, working, and studying in Metro Detroit.

Having had previous encounters with Sam, I know a bit about him and what he’s all about. Because of this, I feel comfortable in saying that despite overcoming...

//06

//14

//16

//18

NON-STOP

TRIFFLIN’-ASS FRIENDS

ARE YOU A BINGE WATCHER?

THE PROSTITUTION OF BELIEFS: REVISITING HOMOPHOBIA IN MEDIA

AT THE MOVIES WITH DOROTHY Bill Marks (Neeson) is a US Sky Marshall who’s seen better days.

After a shot of whiskey, he reports to his current assignment with a wary eye on his fellow passengers, he settles in to his seat to prepare for the 6-hour flight from New York to London. A little while into the flight, Bill gets a series of mysterious and threatening text messages stating that unless 150 million dollars is transferred...

FAVORITE BITCH® We all have some trifflin’-ass friends in our lives. And this installment of Favorite Bitch is all about those trifflin’-ass friends! We love them today and we’re ready to cut their asses tomorrow. I must admit, that sometimes I actually agree with the hot mess and not the scorned BFF. Why, you ask? Because I know damn well the person blowing up my mailbox has given me...

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOAN Since we’ve had a great deal of snowfall this winter, a lot of us have been spending a lot of time indoors.

How have you been spending that time? I recently cleaned out a folder of TV shows that I’d been hoarding for about a month, which I’d been meaning to watch...

BECOME WHO YOU ARE In my March column, I discussed the idea of ignoring homophobia in cyberspace and suggested a refocus of efforts to a real world setting. After I’d submitted that piece...

MARCH 2014

//5

FLAME // AT THE MOVIES WITH DOROTHY

NON-STOP “FASTEN YOUR SEAT-BELTS AND GET READY FOR A BUMPY RIDE!”

IN THEATERS FEB. 28, 2014 RATING: 5/5 STARS written by: Dorothy “Joan” Stevenson

Liam Neeson // BILL MARKS Julianne Moore // JEN SUMMERS Michelle Dockery // NANCY Nate Parker // ZACK WHITE Linus Roache // CAPTAIN DAVID MCMILLAN Scott McNairy // TOM BOWEN Lupita Nyong’o // GWEN

Bill Marks (Neeson) is a US Sky Marshall who’s seen better days. After a shot of whiskey, he reports to his current assignment with a wary eye on his fellow passengers, he settles in to his seat to prepare for the 6-hour flight from New York to London. A little while into the flight, Bill gets a series of mysterious and threatening text messages stating that unless 150 million dollars is transferred to a specific bank account, a passenger will be killed every 20 minutes. This kicks Bill into full Marshall mode as he alerts the crew and begins to get to the bottom of the mystery. As the anonymous texter predicts, people begin to die. Everyone is a suspect: the pretty redhead sitting next to him; the arrogant businessman sitting a row down; the young Muslim gentleman sitting in the next section.

Even the flight crew. Bill’s reputation isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be which makes trying to unravel the plot and find the person responsible all the more difficult. Because of that, he also has to fight against the authorities and regulations that are keeping him from properly doing his job. Add to that the growing mistrust of Bill all the passengers are beginning to develop as news of the situation gets leaked to the media. It’s revealed that the bank account the money is to be transferred to is in Bill’s name making it look like Bill is a terrorist and a hijacker. Bill has to stop the real perpetrator of the crime, clear his name, and get all the passengers safely back on the ground.

Oh, and did I mention that there is also a bomb on board?

Director Jaume Collet-Serra serves up a taut thriller with Non-Stop. The tension starts right from the beginning. From the moment Bill walks into the airport, every moment, every frame has you suspicious of everyone. This film isn’t as straight forward as you think. There are twists in the plot that are quite unexpected and refreshing. This film will keep you guessing.

I think Non-Stop is a non-stop thrill! Fasten your seat-belts and get ready for a bumpy ride! //

6//

MARCH 2014

FLAME // SOUND CHECK

ARIS IS BURNING written by: Mick Sandoval

Out rocker Aris (pronounced like Paris but without the P) grew up in Brooklyn, the product of a belly-dancing mother and a Greek immigrant father. Music played in his home all the time: mostly Doo-Wop and Motown, his mother’s favorites. She particularly loved Elvis and through him, introduced her son to Rock & Roll. In his teenage years, Aris began to explore the genre more deeply, listening to rock radio for endless hours.

He gravitated toward singer-songwriters that bared their souls in their work—artists like Chris Cornell, Paula Cole, Joan Osborne, Poe, and Nikka Costa. Kurt Cobain was especially significant. To young Aris, Cobain exemplified the duality of rock. “I love how soft and hard rock can be,” he says. “Its powerful and vulnerable at the same time.”

Aris hopes fans will feel he has captured that duality on his own album, Twilight Revival, hitting stores this month. It was inspired by the tragic death of his mother in Hurricane Sandy.

Many of the songs read like entries from his journal, reflecting his personal journey toward healing. But there is celebration in the album too, recounting a mother who accepted her son’s homosexuality and allowed her young boy to play with make-up and wigs. The album’s title track is about music’s power to lift people out of dark times and reignite the fire in their hearts. Two variations, a rock and an EDM version, are releasing simultaneously. Both comprise the artist’s gritty vocals and minor key refrains, and both exude the drive-for-life passion Aris has found through his loss.

How has the album helped your healing process?

Writing and recording Twilight Revival has been my saving grace. I had been gathering ideas for the album for several years, but things took on a new dimension after the passing of my mother in Hurricane Sandy. I found great comfort while in the studio recording it. There are several songs that my mother loved, such as “Pray for Change,” a song about the state of the world and yearning to lend a helping hand to make it better. My mom appears in the video, shot just a few weeks before her passing.

“Twilight,” the first release from the album, actually sounds pretty celebratory. Was that intentional?

It was definitely intentional. The song’s about not wanting the night to end, and living in the moment. I had been through a series of difficult events that left me feeling mentally, spiritually, and physically exhausted. It felt like a really long, dark winter. I had to remind myself that winter soon turns to spring.

The EDM version is a new sound for you. Are you branching out from rock?

Believe it or not, I was once a club kid and even worked in

8//

MARCH 2014

Would you be open to dating?

It’s taken awhile, but yes, I’m ready now. The biggest thing that’s happened for me is learning what it really means to love myself.

What do you look for in a guy?

I find intelligence very sexy. A great sense of humor is so important. I’m attracted to compassionate, kind hearts. I’m also a sucker for blue eyes and well trimmed beards.

Is spirituality important?

Yes, but not mandatory. I find it very attractive when someone cares deeply about something greater than themselves, but I think an open mind is more important. You don’t have to agree with what I believe in as long as you respect my right to believe it.

What’s next?

I’m preparing to shoot the videos for my next two singles.

I’m also launching an initiative called “Operation Inspire” in April which will gather creative minds to influence, affect, and shape the world for the better.

Aris’ album Twilight Revival and single, “Twilight,” are available now on iTunes and other online music retailers. //

dance clubs doing event production. Though I’m a rocker at heart, dance is in my blood. I love experimenting and blending genres, so it felt like a very natural progression for me. There is still a spirit of rock in the vocal approach and the guitars.

How did you get involved in the rock scene?

Thanks to my mother’s record collection, I grew up around a lot of rock music. In the eighties, it was Blondie and U2. In the nineties, I loved Nirvana, Soundgarden and Bush.

As a rocker, Dd you find it difficult to connect with a discoloving LGBT community?

Sometimes. People aren’t so sure what to think of me. I’ve had long hair and a beard for a long time, before it was trendy.

But times are changing. There is more of an understanding of sexuality and the different types of men who make up the gay community. We’re a diverse tapestry of personalities and tastes.

Emotionally, where are you at today?

I’m still grieving the loss of my mother, but I’m also celebrating her legacy of love. I’m living in the now, in a state of gratitude, and taking in each breath with passion and purpose.

MARCH 2014

//9

Michigan’s Premier LGBT Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine

SUBSCRIBE NOW pay only $5 to receive Michigan’s Premier LGBT Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine in the mail for the first 3 months!

www.Flame-Mag.com/subscribe Flame is delivered to your home or office in discreet packaging for your privacy. All prices include shipping and handling within the Continental United States and Canada. You may unsubscribe at any time. Offer valid for new subscriptions only.

SAM ALQATTAN AGAINST ALL ODDS written by: Austin VanKirk / photos by: Tony Lowe

A first-generation immigrant from Kuwait, Sam Alqattan is an out-and-proud gay man living, working, and studying in Metro Detroit. Having had previous encounters with Sam, I know a bit about him and what he’s all about. Because of this, I feel comfortable in saying that despite overcoming what I consider to be a tremendous amount of hardship, he remains one of the most upbeat men I’ve ever known—perhaps also one of the cutest.

I got the opportunity to chat with Sam about his life not only as a gay immigrant, but also as an Arab American. I’m very excited to introduce our readers to someone who has been able to conquer his adversities in such a positive way and still continue on with vigor. It’s my hope that his story will inspire our readers as much as it has me.

MARCH 2014

//11

FLAME // FEATURE: SAM ALQATTAN

“DON’T JUST GIVE UP BEC with her and how that’s changed throughout the years until now?

At first it was really hard for us to come out to each other, because culturally it is just unacceptable. We were both really scared. But eventually we became each other’s support system. And it’s nice because I have a best friend who is always there for me. We vent to each other about our respective boyfriends and girlfriends. I’m also her DD—I hate it.

Coming out, regardless of cultural background, is often a harrowing process. However, coming from a Middle Eastern and/or Muslim background, as you have, offers its own unique challenges. How did these factors affect you?

Coming from where I come from, I didn’t think coming out was an option. My mom found out; I didn’t tell her. As Arab-American, coming out is something that is pretty much forbidden. There is always the danger of your family abandoning you, kicking you out on the street, or being shipped over seas for “treatment.” Once I figured out that this is my life, this is who I am, I knew I had to make a decision.

Regardless of the hardships I faced, I wanted to be able to pursue my hopes and dreams openly.

What’s your biggest concern with the gay population whose families and communities are of Middle Eastern descent in this country?

First, Sam, let’s get to know you a little bit. Tell us some about who you are and what you do.

I’m a twenty-five year-old graduate student at WSU. I’m currently pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Aside from that, I’m really boring. That’s all I really do. I volunteer, I work out, and watch Orange is the New Black. But that’s only because my sister is a lesbian. [Laughs] What made you agree to be on the cover of Flame?

I really wanted to share my story with everybody. I feel a lot of people don’t understand the hardships gay Middle-Eastern men go through. I wanted to take a stand and maybe give courage to other men of Middle Eastern descent to come out. Not only do we face religious hardships, but also cultural limitations that hinder us in seeking our freedoms.

You have a twin sister, who is also gay. Can you tell us a little about what that dynamic was like when growing up

12//

MARCH 2014

It’s not so much how families feel about their gay son or daughter; the big fear is what other people will think. And that’s how I think most Arab families are. They value other people’s thoughts and opinions more than their own. This drives them to hate and to condemn—even if it’s their own son or daughter who is gay. I know my mom loves me on the inside, but I feel like she feels prevented from displaying that love because she’s afraid of what other people will think. And that’s why she abandoned us.

Based on your experiences, what can the greater LGBT community do to support folks of ethnic minorities struggling with their sexual or gender identities?

I think the best tool is through media and events to inform people that there are others out there like them. Especially at Universities, it’s beneficial to promote events that welcome LGBT minorities. Making knowledge and resources about health, especially HIV testing, more readily available would be helpful as well.

Your experiences played a large role in the inspiration of

CAUSE IT’S TOUGH...” the novel, The Stars Care for None. How do you feel about having parts of your life story being displayed like that?

This relates to my last answer about promoting being gay through media. I feel really proud that my story is being used to support acceptance among Arab-Americans. I just feel privileged—and it’s just cool. How many people can say a book’s been written about them? I mean, everyone experiences hardships, I just hope that one day some Arabic person will pick [the book] up and realize that he’s not alone.

And this is why I want to be Miss America. [Laughter] For any of our readers who might be struggling with their own coming-out processes—maybe coming from similar situations as you—what advice can you offer? Even after all of your hardships, do you think your decision to live your life proudly and openly has been worth it?

I believe it has been worth it. The biggest advice I can give to someone is not to give up on your dreams. Don’t just give up because it’s tough or the outcome isn’t what you wanted.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel. I wouldn’t change this for the world. It’s made me a better leader and has improved my understanding of people. It’s also taught me to advocate tolerance and acceptance, and to help others who are currently going through what I have.

I know that you’re a big fan of Lady Gaga—don’t lie, we all know about the shrine erected to her in your closet.

Do you think she’d be proud of you for what you’re doing with your life?

As a “Little Monster,” I think she would be. I am a huge fan, of both her music and the message she spreads about accepting yourself. She gives me the strength to encourage and support my friends and people I know to come out. I offer advice, a listening ear, and even my house. I think that is just something she’d do herself and want me to do, too.

Since moving to the U.S., you’ve lived in both Metro Detroit and central Florida. In your opinion, which area has the hotter men? And, be careful how you answer, because I’m one of those Metro Detroit guys.

Ohhhh! That’s really hard. There are obviously hot men everywhere, but that’s not what I look for in a relationship.

I value honesty, integrity, and charisma more in a man than his looks. I feel like those qualities can be found both here and central Florida, and everywhere really, so I’m not going to directly answer that question.

Describe your perfect date.

I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too

cold, all you need is a light jacket. [Laughter] As a final question, once you’ve finished your degree, what are your plans and goals for yourself and the greater community?

After I become a physical therapist I plan to provide pro bono services, because I know a lot of people in Detroit are still hurting, even with [The Affordable Care Act]. I also want to start a LGBT community fund that can help people who are going through issues similar to what I’ve encountered, to help them out financially. Then I want to go into teaching preventative medicine. And maybe have babies…lots of babies.

For more information on The Stars Care for None, the novel inspired by Sam’s story and the challenges facing gay Arab-Americans, including reviews, synopsis, and order information, visit http://delapluma.net/starscarefornone //

MARCH 2014

//13

FLAME // FAVORITE BITCH®

We all have some trifflin’-ass friends in our lives. And this installment of Favorite Bitch is all about those trifflin’-ass friends! We love them today and we’re ready to cut their asses tomorrow. I must admit, that sometimes I actually agree with the hot mess and not the scorned BFF. Why, you ask? Because I know damn well the person blowing up my mailbox has given me the edited version of the goddamn story and not the full-factual and incriminating ‘T.’ Babies, this week let’s take a look at some folks that either need to just go ahead and fuck their friend already or go to Scene Photos on Flame-Mag.com ... and stalk a new one!

DEAR MISS TIGER, My two friends and I were once like the Three Musketeers.

Over the last ten years we’ve grown very close and share everything. Jake said he wasn’t feeling well and that he didn’t want to join us at the strip show. So Greg and me decided to take a pizza to him before heading to the club. We’ve always let ourselves in his apartment. We went into his bedroom and caught him performing cunnilingus on some woman! It was terrible, Miss Tiger! We don’t trust him anymore and haven’t spoken since. How do we make him gay again?

—Two Queens DEAR THERE ARE ONE TOO MANY FUCKIN’ QUEENS IN THIS STORY, Being of the feline family, I sense some claws here… and you two are definitely a pair of vicious alley cats. Speaking of cats, stop hating on Jake just because he found a new litter box to scratch in. It looks like boypussy just ain’t the catnip it used to be!

Bury the hatchet already—and try calling first before bursting through his front door again. Apparently, he likes pizza so have that in hand as your peace offering. Just make sure it’s without pepperoni or sausage, as he now prefers anchovies!

DEAR MISS TIGER, My friend is out of control! She’s a tranny that dates guys who think she’s a real woman. She’s also prostituting on the street.

I can handle all of this, even the shoplifting, but now she went and joined a gang! What should I do?

—Diamond DEAR HANDLE IT LIKE A BIG DICK, Gurl, this is Favorite Bitch, not the fuckin’ Jerry Springer

14//

MARCH 2014

show! If you’re gonna embarrass you and your friend, why waste it on me? Save it for Jerry… at least you’ll get dinner, hotel accommodations, and a night in NYC out of it.

The only advice I have in this situation is to tell your friend to drop the pimp and post her services on Craigslist. She’ll do away with his cut of the profit and the black eyes! As far as everything else, there ain’t shit I can do for ya!

DEAR MISS TIGER, I follow you on Twitter! I hope you can help me out. Once a week I meet up for lunch with my best friend Jackie. I believe in treating myself with a nice meal, but she’s always complaining, saying that the food costs too much. She also suggests that we eat at Taco Bell once in a while. What can I do to make the situation better?

—Ladies Who Lunch DEAR DON’T FUCK WITH A BITCH’S FOOD, The answer is simple, boo. Get yourself a new best friend, preferably, one that has some lunch money.

Jackie is just a cheap-ass bottle of Jean Naté in your Chanel No. 5 world! And like that stinky-ass fragrance... I smell some trouble a-comin’!

NEED ADVICE? WRITE ME OR ASK YOUR QUESTIONS DURING THE DEREK AND ROMAINE SHOW ON SIRIUSXM OUTQ CHANNEL 109 - MARCH 24TH 9PM ET. ITS FAVORITE BITCH... LIVE AND READY FOR BULLSHIT!

MISS TIGER ADVICE COLUMNIST • SIRIUSXM RADIO PERSONALITY ... AND EVERYONE’S #FAVORITEBITCH! WEBSITE: FAVORITEBITCH.COM TWITTER: @MISSTIGER ADVICE: ASK@MISSTIGER.COM

FLAME // THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOAN

ARE YOU A BINGE WATCHER? written by: Joan Stevenson Since we’ve had a great deal of snowfall this winter, a lot of us have been spending a lot of time indoors. How have you been spending that time? I recently cleaned out a folder of TV shows that I’d been hoarding for about a month, which I’d been meaning to watch. I watched them all in an afternoon into evening. I don’t usually spend that much time watching shows, but I had let them pile up for a while, so I had to watch and get rid of them (or archive them if they are shows that I like). I usually watch them the day they run or one or two days after. For some time I had heard of people who binge watch, have mini marathons of their favorite shows. This phenomenon started with the onset of entire seasons of TV shows being released on DVD. I admit my first experience with this was when the DVDs of the first season of Mad Men came out. Once I got my hands on it, I had to get it home and watch it all. And I did!

Since the advent of full DVD seasons and entire series of shows becoming available and the proliferation of DVRs into our homes, the concept of the binge watch has blossomed as has our technology. Maybe you’re one of the many who have a DVR on which you record your shows to watch them later.

Depending on how many TV shows you watch a week, that can be a hefty little stockpile of programs to have to catch up on, but there are other ways to get your binge on.

Services like Hulu and Netflix have also changed how we enjoy movies and television. From the beginning Hulu’s plan was to provide streaming network television entertainment to your computer or game console and Netflix was the company that sent DVDs to your door, but now they also specialize in direct streaming of content. Whether you watch on your TV, computer, or phone, this includes entire seasons of TV shows. Since the recent winter snows, how many of you have whiled away the hours watching a season (or more) of a show? Perhaps it’s a show you’ve never seen before and have been curious about. I have been a Breaking Bad fan from the first episode to the last, but since it’s end, I have heard chatter from several people who have started to watch the show because the entire run is on Netflix. Same goes for The Walking Dead. Netflix also has the option of original programing with hit shows Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards. With those shows you don’t have to wait for a weekly episode. Netflix releases the entire season at once so you can watch how much or how little you want.

Thousands practically “devoured” season 2 of Cards when it was released this past month. According to TVLine.com, about two percent of Netflix 33.4 million US subscribers (about 670,000 people) binge-watched all 13 episodes of House Of Cards season 2 during it’s first weekend.

So how are you watching when you binge? One or two episodes at a time here and there or a flat out entire season in a day or weekend? That’s a great way to kill a little cabin fever. I admit that I don’t really binge because I watch all my shows relatively within a certain amount of time and rarely

16//

MARCH 2014

let them pile up, but I am likely to binge when it comes to catching up before a new season starts. I did this leading up to the final season of Breaking Bad and I have had one recently in preparation for the second season of my newest obsession, Hannibal. I may binge on the last season of 24 (love!) since there is a new chapter of that coming up this spring. I admit binging is fun. It’s like going down the rabbit hole into another world. You literally immerse yourself into the world of whatever you’re watching for hours, for days, and that can be pretty powerful. If it’s a show you love, binging further feeds your fanaticism. It can also create feelings of nostalgia if it’s a show from your past you may have grown up with. “Hey remember that episode when…?” Just about any TV show past or present can be binged. If it’s not available on Netflix or Hulu, you may have to go “old school” and kick it with some DVDs, but whatever TV show you’re passionate about. I’m sure it’s available somehow, somewhere. With all the choices being made available, I admit it’s all so very tempting.

“IT’S LIKE GOING DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE INTO ANOTHER WORLD. YOU LITERALLY IMMERSE YOURSELF INTO THE WORLD OF WHATEVER YOU’RE WATCHING FOR HOURS, FOR DAYS, AND THAT CAN BE PRETTY POWERFUL.” So the next time you’re stuck inside for a week, or weekend, you might consider a binge or two till the snow melts (which hopefully will be soon). I’m sure there’s a TV show you’ve been curious about or that your friends have been bugging you to watch, so tuck in. Just make sure you have plenty of snacks, but do please take breaks now and then. You don’t want to be a complete zombie. Unless you’re watching The Walking Dead, then maybe it’s appropriate, lol. //

FLAME // BECOME WHO YOU ARE

THE PROSTITUTION OF BELIEFS: REVISITING HOMOPHOBIA IN MEDIA written by: Austin VanKirk

In my March column, I discussed the idea of ignoring homophobia in cyberspace and suggested a refocus of efforts to a real world setting. After I’d submitted that piece of writing, I got to thinking even deeper into this issue. Maybe I’m giving people too much credit, maybe I’m too naïve, or maybe I’m just blowing this way out of proportion, but I have a hard time believing that people can be so ignorant when it comes to LGBT equality and rights.

What I mean is, most people in the greater U.S. culture are educated and surrounded by a wealth of studies and information that dispels any and all of the old prejudices or previously held notions concerning the healthfulness and societal influence of LGBT folk. Most people have a family member, friend, co-worker, or at the very least are on good terms with somebody (out or not) that identifies her-/himself with a term that falls under the “queer umbrella.” That being said, I simply cannot believe that so much human empathy can be lost naturally. Even those who have their heads buried so deep into the sand or their holy books cannot be deaf to the justifications for equality that are in accordance with the law of this land and human compassion.

I ask myself, “How can these people, who’ve been educated, who feel the pain of their family, friends, and neighbors, still possibly be writing books, producing television and radio broadcasts, and otherwise publicly supporting an antiequality, anti-freedom agenda?”

“EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE THEIR HEADS BURIED SO DEEP INTO THE SAND OR THEIR HOLY BOOKS CANNOT BE DEAF TO THE JUSTIFICATIONS FOR EQUALITY THAT ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THIS LAND AND HUMAN COMPASSION.” The answer, I’ve come to believe, is money. It seems to me that these educated individuals, the people who ought to and do know better, are purposefully generating homophobic content as a means to create a media buzz to attract more visitors, viewers, readers, etc. This is, in my opinion, not a bad tactic to employ from a fiscal standpoint. Not only does this tactic appeal to the undereducated masses, which like to hear their religious-inflected beliefs echoed throughout the media, but also a fair number of trans, queer, and allied folks who are outraged at such ignorance.

18//

MARCH 2014

Any contempt we (i.e. the LGBT community and our allies) express for these books, broadcasts, and blogs is hardly heeded, because the producers of the offending content already have what they want. They’ve received the ad impressions, the clicks, the views, or whatever other moneyspawning action that brings in revenue.

This leads me to believe that conservative individuals, such as Rush Limbaugh, don’t actually believe in the things they say to the public. I can’t believe there is any conviction behind the hateful and ignorant words they spout. They are merely pandering to the Ignorati and hoping to get a rise out of the outspoken believers in equality. The producers of this homophobic media know that treating this hot-button issue in such an extreme manner will garner attention, which promotes revenue, which encourage these same people to produce similar content, feeding into a media cycle that hinges on the continual demonization of the queer community. To me, this idea is a much more satisfactory answer to the question, “Why do people think that way?” They don’t, they just profess to for money. This is the prostitution of beliefs.

Maybe I’m right. Maybe people have sold their integrity for money. Maybe, to them, the money earned from continued attempts to miseducate the masses via media is worth the equality of a nation.

Or maybe people are just that stupid.

But what do I know? //

SCENE PHOTOS

TAG ON INSTAGRAM USING #FLAMEMAGAZINE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR OUR NEXT ISSUE AND CHECK US OUT @FLAMEMAGAZINE!

NECTO

GIGI’S

GOLD COAST // SIN MARCH 2014

//21