Intersex activist and educator Pidgeon Pagonis discusses their memoir on ending nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. Hosts review 'Red, White & Royal Blue' and its film adaptation. They also discuss the importance of reading to understand anti-trans politics and provide recommendations for queer content.
The film adaptation of Red, White, and Royal Blue failed to capture the authentic gay experience and instead catered more towards a straight female audience.
The memoir 'Pigeon' emphasizes the damaging effects of secrecy imposed on intersex individuals and advocates for greater awareness and respect for their rights.
Pigeon Pagones' work as an intersex activist aims to end non-consensual medical procedures on intersex children, shedding light on the experiences of intersex individuals and the need for understanding and support.
Deep dives
The Confusion and Frustration of Red, White, and Royal Blue
Red, White, and Royal Blue is a film adaptation of a popular gay romance novel. However, the movie did not live up to expectations, with uneven acting and a script that felt formulaic and lacking depth. It also strayed from its potential to explore the complexities of queer relationships by focusing on the closeted status of its characters. The movie failed to capture the authentic gay experience and instead seemed geared more towards a straight female audience.
The Power of Secrets and Shame in Coming to Terms with Intersexuality
In the memoir 'Pigeon,' the author shares their experience of growing up intersex and the impact of secrecy and shame. Raised in a family accustomed to hiding secrets, the author was kept in the dark about their own intersex condition, believing they had cancer. Eventually, in college, they stumbled upon the truth through a class discussion on intersexuality. The memoir highlights the damaging effects of secrecy imposed on intersex individuals and the importance of addressing the lies surrounding intersex identity.
The Triumph and Struggle of Pigeon Pagones' Journey
Pigeon Pagones, an intersex activist and author of the memoir 'Pigeon,' chronicles their journey in challenging non-consensual medical procedures performed on intersex children. Their work as a co-founder of the Intersex Justice Project aims to end the traumatic medicalization of intersex individuals. Pagones' memoir resonates with readers by shedding light on the experiences of intersex individuals and the need for greater awareness, understanding, and respect for their rights.
Sex scene: Expository yet lacking passion
The podcast discusses a sex scene in a film where the characters engage in a slow and cautious act of penetration. While the scene is depicted in a detailed and close-up manner, it lacks passion and feels more like a parody of a traditional steamy scene. The hosts appreciate the attempt to portray a different type of romantic encounter, but note that it doesn't evoke a strong sense of passion or intensity. They also comment on the unrealistic dialogue during the scene, where the characters engage in small talk while engaged in sexual activity.
Mixed messaging on queerness in the film
The podcast delves into a speech delivered by one of the characters in the film, expressing the importance of individuals having the right to determine their own timing and method of coming out as queer. However, the hosts find this speech preaching and uncontextualized within the film, as it lacks a strong political foundation. They point out that the movie tries to tackle serious issues like anti-trans legislation, but fails to fully address or engage with them, leaving the audience with a sense of confusion and lacking resolution. They also criticize the film's portrayal of class politics, particularly in its attempt to establish the main character as working class, which they find unconvincing and shallow.
This month, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Jules Gill-Peterson, and Bryan Lowder discuss Amazon Prime’s adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling queer rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue. They also speak with intersex activist and educator Pidgeon Pagonis about their memoir Nobody Needs to Know and the campaign to end nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. The hosts end the show, as always, with some new additions to the Gay Agenda.
