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Announcing the 2008 AfterElton.com Visibility Awards
At the time most of the voting for the Visibility Awards took place, Milk had barely opened in limited released. So fess up, AfterElton.com readers: had all the people who voted for this movie actually seen it yet? Still, it’s a testament to the wild enthusiasm surrounding this film that some readers may have voted for a movie they had not even seen yet. Anyway, we here at AfterElton.com have seen it, and you can rest assured that it is absolutely worthy of this award.
Yes, yes, no one compares to AfterElton.com (which is why we did not include ourselves in the final nominations, despite receiving the most nominating votes). But of the online sources that aren’t AfterElton.com, who did you like this year? Not surprisingly, you chose the scrappy Towleroad, where blogger Andy Towle provides a shockingly comprehensive update on almost everything that might be of interest to the gay male. Meanwhile, clocking in at number two was The Gays of Daytime, which speaks to the deep affection many of our readers have for gay storylines on soap operas of all kinds.
Okay, I think we’ve established that AfterElton.com readers really like John Barrowman. But what of
the other books on the list? David Sedaris penned his “gayest” book of humorous
essays yet — and readers rewarded him with second place in our annual awards.
And Frank Polito’s Band Fags isn’t
just an eerily perfect time machine to the 1980s, it also features one of the
freshest, funniest, and most authentic fictional gay teen voice in years.
Submitted by on Wed, 2008-12-24 22:50. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Gay and Bisexual Men in Entertainment and the Media
Um....
I wonder how people would have voted for the "Best Gay Moment" if the news of Obama's request for Rick Warren at his inauguration came out at the same time. I didn't vote for his speech, but then again I can't be bought by a shout-out.
And I'll just dash over the upset for "Best Gay Kiss" if only to stifle my inner rage...
If only there were more like you
Unfortunately many gays can be and as long as they can be, especially by the Democratic Party, you can expect lip service and platitudes. Bill Clinton promised open service and gave Don't Ask Don't Tell, he also signed DOMA.
Obama's already failing the test. He gave gays empty words here and there but despite having three-quarters of a billion in campaign cash this political season, and the general election wrapped almost before it began, he was AWOL on Prop 8. He had the anti-gay Rev Meeks and now he's got Pastor Rick Warren at the inauguration.
I have to chuckle at those who fell for politics as usual with prettier wrapping.
Of course, McCain wouldn't even give us a "shout-out"
Should include a Foreign Language Award
I agree, it is not enough with shout-out. I believe the courts decisions had much more of an impact.
On the other hand, where are Christian and Olli??? Those two are my favourite in every single category.
They are a real and caring tv couple with a heartfelt yet credible story. There is no comparison with the non-sex Luke and Noah and the over-dramatic Hollyoaks. I guess Kevin and Scotty would be my second best.
They deserve like an international mention or something because out of all the nominated shows, Verbotene Liebe is the only non-English speaking one.
That is my suggestion. For next year include an award for Foreign Language characters or show. (Hopefully in the future we'll have something gay-worthy in Mexico).
Too bad Prop 8, the musical came in after the nominations. It made my month. Loved it!
Kind of ironic
" Perhaps this was only possible in the U.K., a country without American Puritanism."
Kind of ironic when one remembers that American Puritanism was originally English Puritanism that got exported (or evicted, it's a little vague).
Barrowman and Torchwood love are, I think, well-deserved. Despite the (painfully contrived) Gwen thing, Barrowman appears to play Jack as mostly gay. He seems to add extra relish to any mention of past boyfriends and boy does he throw himself into those same-sex kisses! Were Gareth not straight I would think John's partner might get annoyed.
Sadly, I doubt the Star Trek people even watch Torchwood so I don't expect they'll learn anything. But by far the greatest gift is showing that men that love men can kick ass as well as f*ck it. It deflates all the lame excuses sci-fi producers have made over the years about how they don't use gay characters because they can't think of any ways to make it "fit" into the storylines. The Torchwood answer is that you really don't have to. Jack and Ianto don't feel any need to explain or justify their sexuality to anyone, nor did Tosh or Owen. It's just an organic part of the story, Jack and his love triangle with Gwen and Ianto. Plus his scheming male ex on the side.
I also think Barrowman deserves respect for stepping up to become the de facto face of the gay community, at least in the UK. That he's handsome, masculine, talented and partnered with an equally goregous man has to be such a good thing for gay kids struggling with who they are. Especially since Barrowman is so visible on shows they're likely to watch, and is so active in the gay community.
Star Trek
I'm a big Star Trek and Torchwood fan so either your wrong about Star Trek fans not watching Torchwood or I'm an exception to the rule. Both my parents are also Star Trek fans and both watch Torchwood with me although my Dad can get rather anti ack and Ianto at times....
Other than that I agree with everytingelse said
Drek Trek
Jenny, when I said "the Star Trek people" I literally meant the franchise's producers, not the Trekker fan base. The lack of solid LGBT characters on any Trek series or movie hasn't been because of fan opposition so much as the fact that everyone in charge, Berman in particular, have been militantly opposed since Roddenberry died.
Speaking of: Rest in Peace Majel. We loved you in you all your appearances, especially as the beyond fabulous Lawaxana Troi.
Kathy Griffin
ironic timing....
ironic timing with obama's speech being the best gay moment. :-P
i can't believe i am about to say this, because i never voted for any of this, but if i had, i wouldn't of voted ellen favorite lesbian. sure, she has done a lot. a great deal for the gay community, but looking back, after prop 8 passed...after it PASSED, that's when i was sort of like "whatever ellen" - - i would go into further detail, except i'm tired and don't feel like typing too much right now. maybe later if someone asks. haha
with that said, i pretty much agree with everything else. :-D
You are tired
Hmmmm
I'm surprised by some of these votes, to be honest. I think Kathy Griffin and Project Runway were the only winners I picked.
While I enjoyed Torchwood for what it was, my favorite gay TV moments this year were on Forbidden Love, Hollyoaks and Fisica o Quimica. Kevin's proposing to Scotty was a great moment as well.
Christian-Olli were the couple of the year (decade?) in my opinion. Jack-Ianto were interesting but don't get anywhere near Forbidden Love's beaufiul writing, romanticism and acting.
I'm also surprised by the Obama nod since I thought the gay marriage ruling in California was bigger from a gay rights perspective.
Ah well...
What the hell?!
OK maybe I can understand VL not winning in the best episode category (boxing ring episode) vs B&S (a show i dont watch but whatever) but what in the living fires of hell happened in the best kiss and best couple category! I mean come on, Jack and Ianto, are you serious! They aren't even a real couple, they are glorified f*ck buddies....there i said it. Christian and Olli by far had the most stable and loving relationship all year (well again i don't watch B&S...rich white ppl with problems...i'll pass).
AND KISS...went to the grey's anatomy soldiers, oh come on now! The boxing ring kiss was such a powerful declaration of love, also I think the nomination though from VL should have been C&O's "breathe me" kiss.
What an upset...VL didn't win a single category....this sucks!
Disparity between polls
It *IS* rather odd the stark contrast between this poll and the Gays of Our Lives poll where Ollian is concerned. Then again, Torchwood isn't eligible for the GoOL poll since it's not a soap.
Of all the wonderful Ollian kisses, I'd also have to vote for the one that uses Sia's Breathe Me as the background music.
The appeal of Torchwood...
It deepends what you watch
A Little Special Pleading from an Ex-pat
afhickman
"The mountain has wings."
Come on guys, you could have mixed it up better than this! I guess it's true that Americans as a rule don't care what happens in countries outside of their own--unless that country is run by someone in a tiara who calls herself the Queen. I guess I'm not all that surprised that Verbotene Liebe was left off the list. But Matthew Micham? He may be clueless, but he set the Gold standard for cute at the Olympics. John Barrowman, on the other hand, is overexposed (in, oh, so many ways), and Barack Obama is already showing his stripes as a politician (I have warned all along that he's a good deal more conservative and, surprise!, religious, than he has let on). Yeah, I voted for the guy, but what do I know? After all, I voted for Christian and Ollie pretty much down the line for Afterelton's Visibility Awards, only to find they were invisible when it came to the final list. I'm mortified!
You gotta love these guys!
I genuinely can't tell
whether this "unless that country is run by someone in a tiara who calls herself the Queen" is a gay joke or a British joke...?
Jack and Ianto Have some of the best kisses I've every seen
between two men on teleivison and they have a VERY active sex life and everybody know!
I love Forbidden Love but I just think of them as two totally different kinds of "love" stories.
It's not tragic, there is no time for homophobia, no crazy forces keeping them apart, there's no struggling with their sexuality and no closets Plus, there's MONSTERS!
And the BEST JEALOUS EX EVER, James Marsters!
They make my gay geek grrl heart sing with joy!
They may not be the most traditional couple (and frankly, I think folks over emhasize the Gwen thing cuz there is no "there" there)
But they save each others lives (and the world!) like every week, they risk their own lives for each other and the team and they still manage to have a conversation about moving their relationship to the next level (date conversation in the office building anyone?) and Jack always makes sure Ianto knows that no matter what happens or where he goes, he'll try to come back to him.
I think they deserved some more acknowlegement in the gay couple department but specifically I think they just have some fabulous kisses.
I don't think every gay couple has to have the coming out and courting and tragedy and drama around being "gay" that more traditional gay romances like Chrolli have in order to be considered legitimate.
It's nice to have the variety. Queer SciFi Action Heroes! What more could we ask for.
Monsters and life or death situations fabulous outfits and a time traveling time agent and a member of a government organization instituted to deal with alien life on earth, how traditional is their love story going to be?
Yet they still manage to have loads of nookie and tell each other how they feel about each other.
That scene from season one where Jack literally breathes life back into Ianto's body or when Ianto gets convinced that he's a murderous psycho by the alien boy and Jack brings him out of it, not to mention the late night naked hide and seek. Egads.
Pathos, passion, romance, true love with a twist
Can't wait until Season 3. So glad they got some love from the A.E. voters.
"Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common." (Dorothy Parker)
Word
I agree so much with your comment, darcolover55.
I'm glad they got some love, it makes the fact that I couldn't vote for one of their beautiful, passionate kisses a bit less frustrating.
grrrl you know I love you and...
...usually agree whole-heartedly with your comment posts, but you and me about to get into it up in HEA about some of this Janto nonsense.
First of all, Jack and Ianto are not a legitimate couple like Chris and Olli. Jack as we know has a voracious sexual apetite and really does not invest into longterm relationships, him and Ianto are fuck buddies and nothing more. Ianto it seems has grown some attachment though, the whole mess is unhealthy. Don't even get me started on that whole "date conversation at office building"....puhlease. That was absolute nonsense, did they even go on a date? Who knows. Also it wasn't a romantic leap on Jack's part to further some relationship. He was just keeping his F buddy happy because he thought that's what he wanted.
VL was a coming out story, but wonderfully written and portrayed. You didn't care if it was another coming out story. Also the show focused on the actual relationship and all other aspect's associated with it (i.e. boxing, family, friends) that it was refreshing to see. Torchwoord is an ensemble cast that can't afford such luxury on Jack and Ianto. Don't even get me started on Gwen, there was so a gwack going on.
Finally, Torchwoord is not new, and John barrowman is over-exposed. This year was THE breakout year for Chris and Olli as a couple, who can forget that magical Sia Breathe Me kiss. They were definitely denied, i am getting flashbacks to how it felt when Brokeback lost to Crash for best film at the Oscars. You can like Torchwood for it's scifi elements which it does well...but one Janto, a couple does not make,
Javi, where's your evidence?
That Jack "really does not invest into longterm relationships"? He waited over 110 years on the Doctor, how much more of a longterm commitment do you want? Once he got the big brushoff from the Time Lord between TWS1 and TWS2, there's been no sign that he wasn't interested in a deeper relatioship with Ianto.
I agree that Jack will flirt with anything that moves, and do more than flirt under the right circumstances, but Ianto is the only character he's done more than flirt with.
While I didn't think it proper for me to vote, I'm glad Torchwood won.
Oh JAVI I DO LOVE THE CHROLLI SIA/BOXING RING KISSES LOADS
But my favorite Chrolli love/sex scene was that first angry passionate confrontation where they looked like they were gonna fight but then started making out like they'd both been possessed by desire (or the devil tee hee). That was the one for me.
NOW MY GAY GEEK GRRL FLAG IS ABOUT TO FLY VERY HIGH ! ;)
*********************Might Have Spoilers *********************
I don't see CHROLLI and JANTO in the same category of love stories though
In terms of visiblity, I think it takes all kinds and diversity is really good and can make different gay couples on tv appeal to a broad range of folks.
"Proper relationship" just seems to imply that there is only one kind that's valid.
JP and Craig were a fabulous passionate dramatic story of best friends becoming lovers but they never really got to be in a "relationship" because their whole story was about them struggling to be together til Craig returned for the S.E. and they got to go off to Dublin.
Even if you don't have a ring or promises of undying fidelity or cuddly co-habitation, can't you still have a great sexy romance? Specially if it's your job to Save The World every day?
However one might feel about John Barrowman, Captain Jack Harkness is THE BOMB DIGGITY! He's an unabashed fiercely charming omni-sexual superhero from the future for goodness sakes.
The ONLY HUMAN BEING OF HIS KIND, ever on Earth. He doesn't even require sleep (he just lays in a hole beneath his office and stares til morning) and he can't die. He's seen the END OF THE WORLD (literally). Could he be a less traditional hero or queer icon?
We don't have to see JANTO cuddling on the couch whispering sweet nothings to know they love each other. Oh that convo/kiss in the office in To The Last Man says so much.
We don't even know if Jack's ever had a "traditional relationship" in the hundreds of years he's been alive other than the something with Captain John (which I'm sure was completely non-traditional but obviously very passionate and loving if a bit deranged.
But even with Captain John, Jack was all fear of committment, "It was only two weeks and I was in charge" while John was all "It was five years and I was your wife" .
I think Jack has issues (lots and loads) because he knows he's going to out live Ianto (and everyone else) and he's seen too much (and done too much time traveling) to just be in the moment most of the time and try to "settle" down with anyone even Ianto.
But we've seen Jack do some real growing (as much as he's able) in relation to Ianto and just making human connections in general. Baby steps. He initially told Ianto he came back for him in Epi1 of Sea2 (though he quickly changed it to the plural you to hide his feelings). By this, I think we are meant to believe that Jack is trying to make the effort with Ianto.
In season 1, when the team believed Jack was dead, then he recovered, Jack walked directly up to Ianto and made a point of kissing him full on the mouth and hugging him tight like a lover would. Everyone else, including Gwen (who'd watched over him 24/7) got the standard team member hug treatment.
For someone as emotionally immature and traumatized as Jack to even make the effort to try to make time with Ianto other than when they at work (outside of Torchwood proper ) is a milestone for him and their relationship (even if we don't get to see it)
Do we want to see him cooking dinner and folding towels and going to Ianto's parents for Sunday dinner or to ask for Ianto's hand? EWW, I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT.Ianto doesn't expect that, he knows what Jack is about and he loves him anyway.
Of course I've thought about it too much because [cough]nerd[cough].
I adore completely all that is sweet and romantic and everydayish about CHROLLI and I know there aren't many really romantic love stories about gay men on TV so of course there should be more stories that equal VL's handling of CHROLLI (ATWT can you hear me?)
Call me a rebel (or possibly committment phobe) but it's just not the only kind of love story I as a queer person want to see.
I'm hoping more folks on A.E. will now go check out Torchwood (with an open mind and a scifi heart) so that it becomes so popular they HAVE to do a series 4.
"Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common." (Dorothy Parker)
"Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common." (Dorothy Parker)
two different loves
I guess your right darcolover55, perhaps I was a little harsh earlier and blind with rage. Then I ate a christmas cupcake with green frosting....and I am so over it. I understand your points and I ain't getting inbetween a fangirl and her Janto. There will always be difference of opinion, but hey at least we have fictional gay tv couples to be fighting over! We are all winners here, as long as we have man-on-man action that brings healthy discussion
*off to polish my Verbotene Liebe shrine
Wait a minute, no one told me there were treats
all that talking and you got sweets at the end of it? SO. NOT. FAIR.
unfortunately i can be just as coo coo bananas about chrolli (and used to be about marco and dylan on degrassi - hence my screenname) if the need arises (returning grad student in denial about deadlines)
gay men helped raise me after all so i feel like its my daughterly duty to testify though they think it's hilarious how enamored i am with afterelton and mock me much about it.
there can never be too much man on man love and romance on television. it is so much more taboo than even what passes for lesbian imagery on tv (particularly in the U.S.) and for no good reason except homophobia and antiquate ideas about masculinity.
BLAH, BLAH,
seriously javi
could a sistah get a cupcake?
"Heterosexuality is not normal, it's just common." (Dorothy Parker)
haha
my b grrll...here ya go
Truly an Honor
Thank you to everyone who voted for BAND FAGS! as Best Book of 2008. As much as I was hoping to be the "fan-fave," it truly IS an honor to be nominated... Especially with the likes of David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs, Bart Yates, and John "Captain Jack" Barrowman! Who could ask for better and more talented company?
BAND FAGS! by Frank Anthony Polito
Kensington Books/ISBN: 978-0-7582-2265-7/$15.00
www.bandfags.com
Congratulatons!
Shelter lost to Milk?
As you mention in the story, the film Milk was only in extremely limited release when voting began. How did it even rate to be in this years awards? I call shenanigans.
Hmmm...
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=shelter.htm
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=milk.htm
It's sad, but true: There IS power in numbers. More people have seen MILK in theaters on its opening day than have seen SHELTER during its entire theatric release...
And MILK deserves the top spot, it IS a great film.
--
The Gays Of Daytime
False comparison
Most of us watched Shelter on HERE! (or DVD) which is not difficult to realize since your own links showed Shelter opened in 1 theater and was never in more than 10 at once. Even the first weekend Milk was already in 36 theaters.
Milk is a self-congratulatory "A List" picture which has been fawned over by the gay press for a year before its release. I remember those days, I don't need to see it reimagined by Sean Penn and the exceedingly overrated Gus Van Sant.
Audience reach is not the defining factor of a film's quality or much of any thing for that matter.
Sooo
I love Barrowman but I
I love Barrowman but I really didn't want his book to win.
and no Matthew Mitcham! :(
I voted for Heath Ledger's
Arkansas scared me much more
.. dead forever..
-----------------------------------------------------
Torchwood and Grey's - baffled
I really enjoy Torchwood, I like most of the characters (Toshiko's death still haunts me), but i don't see the show as all that fantastic for gays. Ianto and Jack are not an official couple, and the show spent a hell of a lot of time last season trying to convince us that Jack's true feelings are for Gwen. Ianto is a very underwritten character, to the point where the show nearly killed him off last season.
Grey's has no gay characters, have a backstage problem with homophobia, have written out a lesbian in the most abrupt manner possible...and yet they almost win because of yet another variation on the sad gay man who dies at the end?
This wasn't a good year for gays on TV, but I was hoping Brothers & Sisters would do better. Poor Kevin and Scotty.
torchwood
Although Gwen's relationship with Jack does tend to be over emphisised (as she still doesn't seem to realise she's married) Jack and Ianto do have a sort of proper relationship (rift allowing). Jack did ask Ianto out on a date and in the next series it seems like the Jack/Ianto relationship is set to deepen.
I think we all miss Tosh greatly
Quote From the Torchwood Series 3 Director Euros Lyn
The love story between Jack and Ianto continues to unfold, as does the story of married life for Gwen and Rhy
I think we're all looking forward to that.
Precisely Chuckles
Interesting lot of winners
I am also happy that Greys kiss won, I was afraid it would get run over by the VL inertia. Aside from the reason above, that kiss managed to say a lot within its episode and without months of story behind it. Also, I think is unnecessary to make analisis of the whole show to consider if a kiss was good or not, the category was "best kiss", thats it. Besides, as Brent said, Greys was hot and romantic, as opposed to cute and romantic in VLs case, and hot trumps cute anytime in my book.
Congrats to the Prop 8 protesters, they deserve it.
Voting
People have always said that about Kevin
It doesn't suprise me that
It doesn't suprise me that Torchwood came out on top in many of these polls, this is the visibility awards in the USA, and Torchwood is very visible. I admit to not being a fan of Barrowman, but did watch a few episodes of Torchwood...it's just not for me.
I was very disappointed that Ollian didn't win for best couple and best kiss, which in my opinion was easily deserved, but I tend to look at it this way...the fact that Ollian even made the short list is a huge accomplishment when put into perspective. All the programs nominated on the short list...Gray's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, Touchwood and ATWT, all come on network/Cable TV here in the USA and get millions of viewers each week. Greys for example was getting over twenty million viewers at the time the Soldier's story was aired. Now compare to Ollian...A German SOAP, which outside of Germany is subtitled and viewed only on YouTube. The fact that they made the short list is itself quite an extraordinary accomplishment. And even more astonishing is how the Olli and Christian storyline/couple swept the SOAP awards posted earlier this week. And they didn't even just win in that SOAP Poll...it was a landslide. So even though disappointed at these results, there is still plenty to cheer about regarding my favorite couple of the decade...Olli and Christian...the most beautiful love story currently on TV in Germany, but viewed across the world on YouTube.
As for Obama and his pastor choice...I was a Hillary supporter. I still remain disappointed at her loss and how she was treated by the Dems. With Obama...his status has been risen to that of a messiah, with many wishing upon a star and that miracles will now happen I think the masses are in for a huge let down. Obama does not walk on water...never has, never will. He knew very well what this pastor was all about, but he STILL went ahead with his choice for a man who clearly has a disgust for gay people. What does this say about Obama?
a gay man that I admire
http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Dec/1802.htm
Louis Georges-Tin, a french black gay activist, is behind the UN declaration that calls for the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide. He secured the support of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Jose Saramago, among others, to push the historic declaration through.
It seems that Mr. Tin flew under the radar when it came to the Visibility Awards. Here's hoping that next year's awards can include more than the usual suspects.
shout out to rod at rod2.0 for giving the man some props.
We never really see...
I would not have voted for
Who would you have voted for?
While I’d question the
While I’d question the validity that they’re an actual ‘couple’ in the traditional (albeit make believe) sense, (and to be honest, with the exception of B&S, I haven’t seen any of the other nominees) I am thrilled that Jack and Ianto beat out the nauseating and chemistry-free Kevin and Scotty coupling from the overrated “Brothers & Sisters”.
Then again, just what is a ‘couple’? There’s no direct definition – the term doesn’t have to mean ‘happily in love’ or ‘I heart you forever’. “Couple” could mean playmates, casual encounters, friends with benefits, F*%! buddies, whatever…
So, I take that back – I no longer question the aforementioned validity and am happy that AfterElton readers sense the heat between them.
http://mynewboyfriend.com/