Hosts discuss the queer rom-com 'Red, White & Royal Blue' film adaptation. They also talk with intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis about their memoir and ending nonconsensual surgeries on intersex kids. Topics include supporting LGBTQ scouts, initial reactions to a film, the right to determine queer identities, deception and secrecy, exploring anti-trans politics, and recommendations and reflections.
The film adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue fails to capture the authentic queer experience and lacks connection to the wider LGBTQ+ community.
The lack of queer politics and community involvement in the film hampers its potential impact and authenticity.
The podcast episode highlights the importance of depicting diverse sexual preferences and openly discussing preferences before engaging in sexual activity, while acknowledging the film's attempt to showcase different aspects of sexuality.
Deep dives
Romantic Comedy meets Political Power in 'Red, White, and Royal Blue'
Red, White, and Royal Blue is a romantic comedy film adaptation of Casey McQuiston's best-selling novel. The story follows Alex Claremont Diaz, the bisexual son of the American president, and Prince Henry of Britain as their rivalry turns into a romance that challenges the political landscape of both nations. The film features famous actors like Uma Thurman and Steven Fry, but also some less impressive performances. Despite its initial promise, the film falls short in capturing the queer experience and lacks a connection to the wider LGBTQ+ community.
A Missed Opportunity in Exploring Queer Sexuality
One of the disappointments of the film is the portrayal of the characters as closeted, which contradicts the expectation of a modern and authentic gay romance. The lack of queer politics and community involvement is also noticeable until a last-minute mention of a transgender voter in Mississippi. The lack of connection to the real world hampers the potential impact of the story.
Mixed Reactions and Confusion
Opinions about the film vary. Some viewers find it enjoyable as a silly and light romantic comedy, while others find it confusing and even disturbing. The film includes explicit sexual scenes, with one particularly explicit hand-on-back moment. However, certain sex scenes feel heteronormative and disconnected from the queer experience. There is a sense that the film caters more to straight female audiences than to the LGBTQ+ community.
Exploring Queerness and Sex Scenes in Film
The podcast episode delves into a discussion about queerness and sex scenes in films. The hosts analyze the portrayal of sexuality in a particular film, noting the lack of communication and passion in a sex scene. They highlight the importance of depicting diverse sexual preferences and having open conversations about preferences before engaging in sexual activity. The hosts also express their appreciation for the film's attempt to showcase different aspects of sexuality, while acknowledging its shortcomings in terms of representing contemporary queer politics.
Intersex Advocacy and LGBTQ+ Politics
The episode also touches upon the topic of intersex advocacy and LGBTQ+ politics. The hosts make parallels between anti-trans legislation and the impact it has on both transgender and intersex communities. They emphasize the need for intersex and trans people to come together in the fight for bodily autonomy and human rights. They discuss the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of these struggles and working towards a future where everyone, regardless of gender identity or intersex status, has the freedom to live authentically and without discrimination.
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.