In the Cinematic Closet — Red, White and Lavender

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The Mid-Century: A Post-War Era and the Influence of European Gay Cinema

World War II Imaginary: The ongoing war effort necessitated men and women to work together in various capacities, including military service, which led to increased social mixing and exposure to different ideas. After the war, many individuals sought to break free from traditional social constraints. At the same time, some individuals sought a return to traditional frameworks, later leading to the more conservative Evangelical Movement of the 1970s.

Security Risks: In the eyes of fervent anti-Communist senator Joseph McCarthy and his supporters, homosexuality was viewed as a form of deviance and moral depravity, which they believed made individuals susceptible to blackmail and coercion by foreign agents, including communists. Though the primary target of McCarthyism was purported communists, the atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion created by McCarthyism had broader implications, including increased scrutiny and discrimination against various marginalized groups, including gay people. This perception led to the categorization of LGBTQ+ individuals as potential security risks and targets for investigation by government agencies, including the FBI.

An LGBT Purge: McCarthy and other anti-communist crusaders exploited societal anxieties surrounding homosexuality to advance their political agendas. By associating homosexuality with subversion and immorality, they sought to discredit political opponents and bolster their own power. Accusations of homosexuality were often used to smear individuals and tarnish their reputations, regardless of their actual sexual orientation. Government agencies conducted investigations to identify and remove individuals suspected of being homosexual, resulting in the dismissal of countless LGBTQ+ employees from their jobs and the destruction of their careers.

Cinematic Influence: European cinema, particularly French and German films, played a crucial role in shaping representations of homosexuality during this period. Many European directors like Jean Cocteau explored themes of same-sex desire and identity in their films, as nations like Germany and France allowed for a much freer exploration of sexuality in media. These films provided inspiration and validation for LGBTQ+ audiences and creators worldwide.

Tom of Finland: The pseudonym for Finnish artist Touko Laaksonen, Tom of Finland’s artwork provided a groundbreaking representation of gay male sexuality at a time when homosexuality was highly stigmatized. His bold and explicit depictions of muscular men engaged in consensual sexual encounters offered a counter-narrative to societal attitudes that, at the time, portrayed homosexuality as shameful and deviant. Tom of Finland’s imagery played a significant role in empowering gay men by providing them with positive and affirming representations of their desires and identities. His iconic leather-clad characters, depicted as confident and unapologetic, offered a sense of pride and validation to gay men who had previously been marginalized by mainstream society.

Underground Publications: The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of underground publications and literary works that addressed homosexuality. Magazines, newsletters, and small press publications provided platforms for LGBTQ+ writers, artists, and activists to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals. These publications often faced censorship and legal challenges, but they played a crucial role in fostering community and resistance at a time when, due to the Hays Code (a set of self-imposed industry set of guidelines that were released between 1934 and 1968 for all motion pictures that prohibited the depiction of “profane” behaviors such as homosexuality) gay men had few places to see themselves represented.

Censorship and Legal Challenges: Despite growing visibility and acceptance in certain circles, homosexuality remained highly stigmatized and subject to legal persecution in many parts of the world during the 1950s and 1960s. Laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and expressions of homosexuality forced LGBTQ+ media to operate clandestinely or face censorship and prosecution.

Activism and Advocacy: The 1960s saw the beginnings of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, with activists and organizations advocating for legal and social change. The publication of influential works such as “The Homosexual in America” by Donald Webster Cory and the founding of organizations like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis helped to galvanize LGBTQ+ communities and challenge prevailing attitudes and laws.

Mainstream Representation: While LGBTQ+ characters and themes were often marginalized or sensationalized in mainstream media during this period in American history, there were notable exceptions. In some cases, representations of gay people on screen allowed for a more honest portrayal– given that they’re morally corrupt, or, die in the end. This dual-phenomenon of gay tragedy and villainy would continue into the future, serving as a common trope for years to come.

“And what that creates for detractors,” explains Teresa Delfin. “Are all kinds of tropes around masculine villains and queerness, the worst of which, I think, is the pervert.”

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