homosexuality cannot be said to have existed before the second half of the nineteenth-century.
With the above quote in mind, this play is much more about sodomy than about homosexuality. Our version, however, is all about the gay.
Queerness in Edward II
Innumerable texts have been written about the homosexuality and homoeroticism in this play, and I don't think it's necessary to reproduce it all here since it is impossible to read this play without getting the sense that Edward might be a little bit gay, so here are some quotes and points I've found are useful**.
In regards to the speech made by Mortimer Sr.* in scene 4 about "the mightiest kings" and "their minions":
"In this speech, homoeroticism is clearly presented as no obstacle to the highest conceivable achievement in military or intellectual life: unlike sodomy, which interferes with the functioning of the social order, this homoeroticism can coexist with the status quo"
*note in our production this speech is made by Kent
** this is a growing list
In regards to the speech made by Mortimer Sr.* in scene 4 about "the mightiest kings" and "their minions":
"In this speech, homoeroticism is clearly presented as no obstacle to the highest conceivable achievement in military or intellectual life: unlike sodomy, which interferes with the functioning of the social order, this homoeroticism can coexist with the status quo"
*note in our production this speech is made by Kent
** this is a growing list
Anti-Social Queer Theory
Anti-social queer theory essentially states that, rather than try to force itself into "normal society," the queer community should form its own anti-society. This is based on the idea that, since "normal society" has been unreceptive to the queer in the past, it isn't something the community wants to be a part of anyway. Moreover, it points out that society has been built in such a way that it necessarily excludes the queer community, being built by those who are not queer, and states that, in response, a new and separate society needs to be built by and for queer people.
Anti-LGBT rhetoric in current society
One of the themes we are exploring in this production is the idea that homosexuality is a threat on family values. With this in mind, I've pulled some current rhetoric from sites that support this idea. They are presented in a slideshow to the left. Clicking on the headline will direct you to the full article. Some quotes from the articles: "Our American heritage is under attack. Take, for example, Reno, Nev. City leaders there decided to replace the American flag and fly the rainbow-colored flag of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered movement over city hall." (3) "Breitbart reported that Disney’s “Once Upon A Time” shocked families when it featured its first ever same-sex on-screen kiss between Ruby and Dorothy." (4) |
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"societal collapse was always brought about following an advent of the deterioration of marriage and family." -- Mike Pence, 2006 after signing a bill that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman.
"Religious liberty is enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It is our first liberty and provides the most important protection in that it protects our right of conscience. Activist judges and executive orders issued by Presidents who have no regard for the Constitution have put these protections in jeopardy. If I am elected president and Congress passes the First Amendment Defense Act, I will sign it to protect the deeply held religious beliefs of Catholics and the beliefs of Americans of all faiths. The Little Sisters of the Poor, or any religious order for that matter, will always have their religious liberty protected on my watch and will not have to face bullying from the government because of their religious beliefs." (from the Trump/Pence campaign website). The First Amendment Defense Act would legalize anti-LGBTQIAP+ discrimination form any organization or company that claims to be acting on religious grounds.
Rather than list them, here is a link to some of the most anti-LGBTQIAP+ things that Mike Pence has done in political office.
"Religious liberty is enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It is our first liberty and provides the most important protection in that it protects our right of conscience. Activist judges and executive orders issued by Presidents who have no regard for the Constitution have put these protections in jeopardy. If I am elected president and Congress passes the First Amendment Defense Act, I will sign it to protect the deeply held religious beliefs of Catholics and the beliefs of Americans of all faiths. The Little Sisters of the Poor, or any religious order for that matter, will always have their religious liberty protected on my watch and will not have to face bullying from the government because of their religious beliefs." (from the Trump/Pence campaign website). The First Amendment Defense Act would legalize anti-LGBTQIAP+ discrimination form any organization or company that claims to be acting on religious grounds.
Rather than list them, here is a link to some of the most anti-LGBTQIAP+ things that Mike Pence has done in political office.
Further reading:
- "Is the Rectum a Grave"
- download below
Is the Rectum a Grave | |
File Size: | 2764 kb |
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