Assimilation Now?

As a lifelong cinephile, one of my favorite events of the year is L.A.’s LGBT film festival Outfest. But as LGBT characters tred mainstream waters in acclaimed films like Brokeback Mountain and television series like Brothers and Sisters, I’ve heard cynical people grumbling about the lack of necessity for such a festival and a recent commentary in the Hollywood Reporter lamented the fact that so many independent gay films are doing poorly at the box office and being greeted by tepid critical response. Personally, I think it’s vital for us to support the numerous gay-specific film fests around the country and see nearly every facet of our lives reflected on the big screen by LGBT filmmakers. I suspect for many people, one festival highlight will be the premiere and panel discussion of Logo’s adaptation of Del Shores’ 2001 bona fide cult film Sordid Lives. Much of the cast, including Olivia Newton-John and Leslie Jordan, have returned for the series. On page 46, Shores, along with his partner (and our cover model) Jason Dottley discuss what’s bound to be equally entertaining on the small screen.

On June 17, hundreds of couples exercised their newly legal right to wed in California. You can see photos of many happy newlyweds in our Naked City section. I realize that I am preaching to the choir when I urge you to vote no on the anti-gay constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot that will overturn this right. This amendment is an affront to our civil liberties. It undermines the very concept of modern government, as it would establish that any group may be denied equal fundamental rights.

While many of us are joining forces to defeat this initiative, I feel it’s important to represent all voices of our community. In his column on page 62, Don Kilhefner, one of city’s most respected gay elders, offers his unique perspective on the possible perils posed by assimilation.

I hope you enjoy this issue and as always, I welcome your feedback. Write in to (letters@frontierspublishing.com) to let us know what you think.

Yours,

Jeremy Kinser

Editor in Chief