Cruel and Unusual

Filmmaker Reid Williams' new documentary examines the punishing realities of transgender abuse in US prisons

In the United States, a shocking 30% of transgender people have been in incarcerated. Although the US Constitution forbids 'cruel and unusual' punishment for any crime, some argue that the placement of transgender women in male prisons represents this kind of punishment. Solitary confinement, hormone withdrawal, medical neglect, and sexual assault are among the punishing realities of a transgender inmate. Gay.com spoke with Reid Williams, whose award-winning documentary Cruel and Unusual chronicles the stories of five transgender prisoners and their often harrowing experiences.

Why did you make this film?

I was working with organisations that help at risk GLBT youth in New York City, and I was told a story of a transgender woman in the juvenile justice system. They put her in a men's facility where she was brutally raped and beaten repeatedly.

I was so shocked by this I was inspired to investigate where else this was happening in the US. I found the problem to be wide spread across the US prison system. Not one prison system had a just policy for transgender people.

The United States claims to be a model for human rights, and this is just one example where this is not true.

Did you encounter problems in the filmmaking?

The most difficult part of the filmmaking was getting access inside US prisons. The prison system is more than reluctant to let the outside world know what is actually going on inside.

Was there any situation too intense to include?

No. All of the participants in the film were very intent on having their story told no matter what revealing detail would come to light. They really are modern day warriors in a way. Their whole goal is to live as they feel they were born, and they would go to any length to live this truth.

What do you think needs to be changed in the jail system?

Prisons need to acknowledge the needs of transgender people. That includes providing accurate medical care and providing them the safety they deserve as human beings.

How about changes in transgender legislation?

I hope that all prisons will be forced to comply by standard medical practices in regard to transgender people. Unfortunately, they are not doing it on their own accord, so somehow it needs to be enforced for the safety of this population.

What’s your next project?

I'm producing a narrative feature which will begin shooting in two months. It's a very different experience compared to documentary film. I've never been able to control the outcomes of my subjects. In some ways that's more ideal however you owe the audience that much more.

Cruel and Unusual plays tonight, March 23rd at 20:40 at BFI Southbank.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
March 21 - April 4 2007
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232

For screening information on Cruel and Unusual , click below

A dim Sparkle

The deceptively titled Sparkle, about a scheming boy caught in a incestuous love triangle, does anything but.

Although not particularly gay in theme (despite its directors and a pair of effeminate uncles) Sparkle has ingredients for a promising British film – a strong, reputable cast and ‘kitchen sink’-dramatic elements, but overall the script lets it down, and the film falls flat.

Sparkle tells the story of Liverpudlian Sam, an hot-blooded 22-year-old heterosexual who jets off to London only to be followed by his protective, karaoke singing mother "Sparkle".

While waitering he draws the attention of high powered PR bitch Sheila– played by the charming, yet type-cast Stockard Channing . Sheila is essentially Grease’s Rizzo, 30 years older with second rate plastic surgery. Hmm, perhaps this is where the gay appeal lies.

After a few tepid jabs over a spliff, the older woman and the horny boy are back her fabulous flat and shagging. The sex chemistry seems fair enough, but a montage of cuddling and romance plays out unconvincingly.

The predictably needy Sheila replaces her sobbing assistant with the new boy toy, while young Sam enjoys the fruits of his new Sugar Momma. With too much ease and with no credentials Sam slips into the demanding role, while nailing the boss at night.

The affair is interrupted when Kate, a young attractive student who enjoys smoking pot and going to environmental rallies, shows up as mysterious guest at Sheila’s house party. Kate flirts with the distracted Sam – who coincidently has even less chemistry with her – and without blinking an eye, Sam starts shagging her too. And of course, they “fall in love”. Yawn.

And the nasty twist of fate: Kate and Sheila are mother and daughter.

At which point everyone’s morals are questioned, incredulous drama ensues, and the movie changes tone and becomes overly worthy. And in order to be worthy, the characters have to have depth - which they sadly don't.

The character of Kate could possibly be the most irritating aspect of this film – and unfortunately for the audience, she is the central character, introduced far too late in the story to make you care.

Despite all of its flaws, Sparkle does have some redeeming qualities in the form of Lesley Manville and Bob Hoskins, respectively playing Sam’s slightly mad, but sweet mother Jill and her earnest, peculiar admirer Vince.

Jill genuinely sings Culture Club covers in scabby bars, dreaming of stardom – while Vince, a charming loner desperately seeks her affection. But the pair are simply side-story to the tiresome mess of Sheila, Kate, and Sam – and are wrongly undermined as comic relief.

Despite good performances by the supporting cast, the main characters are mostly unlikeable, and the end lacks emotional impact. The potential was there, the substance was not.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
March 21 - April 4 2007
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232

For screening information on Sparkle, click below

Actor John Inman, 71, dies

8/3/07

John Inman, popular for his camp role of Mr Humpries in Are You Being Served?, died on Thursday

Actor John Inman, popular for his memorably camp role of Mr Humpries in 70s sitcom Are You Being Served?, died today in London, aged 71.

He died this morning in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington after suffering a Hepatitis A infection.

His character’s catchphrase “I’m free” and suggestive sexual humour made Inman a star, and since then he starred in more than 40 pantos.

Named BBC personality of the year and 'Funniest Man On Television' by TVTimes in 1976, Inman remained popular long after the show ended in 1985. He went on to star in an Australian version of the show in the early 1980s, and has also appeared on BBC's 2004 show Revolver.

The show also reached the United States in the late 1980s, where it become a cult hit.

When publicly questioned about his sexuality, Inman remained coy for many years, but admitted that he could be bisexual.

However, in late 2005, Inman made his sexuality public when he entered into a civil partnership with partner of 33 years, Ron Lynch. Lynch is said to be “devastated” by his death.



Although the Mr Humpries was widely criticised as a gay stereotype, Actress Rula Lenska, who worked with Inman, defended the gay undertones of the character.

"It was suggestive but never in your face or aggressive. It had an innocent quality that you rarely find today," she told the BBC.

"[Inman] was a joy to work with and even after an exhausting day in pantomime he would have time for the fans who crowded round the stage door."

Wendy Richard, who played shop assistant Miss Brahms in the series told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with.”

"He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame and he was a very good all-round actor, really. He was a true professional."

Inman’s manager Phil Dale said: "John was known and loved throughout the world. He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain."

"John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA."

George Broadhead, secretary of Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association, told Gay.com that at the time of the show, "Inman became a bit of a bete noir for the gay community for promoting stereotypes of gay men as effeminate."

However, he said, " the gay community has grown up since then and has come to appreciate its trailblazers. Inman fits into the same mould as Larry Grayson and Frankie Howard. We can actually see re-runs of Are you Being Served and appreciate their zaniness now, rather than cringing at stereotypes."

For video clips from Are You Being Served?, click here.

The Candyman Can!

The latest videos from Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Shakira

Christina Aguilera – Candyman

Ms Christina turns it out once again in this colourful retro-inspired pop video. Paying homage to the USO girls of the 1940s – known for entertaining WWII troops- a trio of stunning Christinas also emulates the feminist iconography of Rosie the Riveter. With a modern tune reminiscent of those of the Andrew Sisters (Boogie Woogie Bugal Boy Mr Sandman), who were popular USO girls themselves, Christina still pulls it off flawlessly. Easily the best pop video I’ve seen in a long while. Don’t show this one to Britney – it just may push her off the edge.

This video makes me feel like: What else? Eat lollipops, dress in drag, and swing dance



Click here for Candyman

Also check out GAY.COM’s 2006 interview with Christina

Beyonce + Shakira – Beautiful Liar

Strut! Roll! Bounce! Beyonce and Shakira buddy up and morph into one! This one is sure to be an instant hit at the gay discos – and simultaneously provides ample masturbation material for straight boys. Beyonce explains, “"It basically talks about two women; the same guy is trying to get at both of them but instead of them fighting, they’re saying, ‘He’s a beautiful liar, let’s not fight, let’s stick together – forget him!’

So deep! You wouldn’t predict a duet between the two would work, but their voices compliment each other surprisingly well. But that said, this collaboration is about T&A and since both somewhat lack in the chest department – it’s instead about H&A (Hips and Arse) which they work damn hard. Mmmhmm. It reminds me a bit of Flashdance.



This video makes me feel like: Stripping to a thong, jumping in a puddle of mud, and interpretive dancing. And… doing 700 crunches.

Click here for Beautiful Liar

The Rubettes – Sugar Baby Love

No, this isn’t a music video – but this French gay safe-sex cartoon, using the 1974 UK number one as a soundtrack, may as well be - as it has given the song a lovely new dimension. Following the quest of a gay boy in his search for love – this condom advocating animation is by far the most creative and effective sex-safe campaign I’ve ever come across. Directed by Wilfred Brimo and released by the NGO AIDES, condoms never looked so good.



This video makes me feel like: having safe sex!

Click here to watch!

Loggerheads

27/2/07

Sensitively acted and subtle in approach, Loggerheads defies the nightmarishly camp tradition of gay drama

Far too often gay dramas cross a very fine line into cringe-worthy territory, inspiring jeers instead of tears. The combination of melodrama, a barrage of humourless stereotypes, vapid characters can turn a potentially moving piece of film into a camp nightmare.

Case in point: Latter Days, a ‘drama’ about a closeted Mormon boy who falls in love with an LA party boy is laughably bad, despite boasting some desperate entertainment value. Forcibly worthy when the Mormon boy sobs as he’s smacked by his fiercely homophobic mother - it’s impossible not to laugh. Dark comedy But I’m a Cheerleader is a far better, and wittier portrayal of ritualistic reparative therapy.

Tim Kirkman's Loggerheads defies this gay cinematic tradition, and approaches emotionally overwhelming circumstances in an understated, non-obtrusive way.

The multi-narrative Loggerheads seamlessly tackles HIV, adoption, fundamentalist Christians, and even manages to pull off a love story. At first glace it seems like a perfect recipe for superfluous disaster. However, its non-prescriptive script, sensitively acted characters, and blissful cinematography yield something nearly as touching as Brokeback Mountain.



Loggerheads follows the story of an aimless drifter Mark, played by an impeccable Kip Pardue, whose fascination with Loggerhead turtles, draws him to seaside village of Kure Beach. As he searches for the endangered species, he quickly draws the attention of curious locals.

Meanwhile, a devout Christian couple become increasingly sceptical of their gay neighbours, and in another narrative, a suicidal woman (played by the fantastic, yet underrated Bonnie Hunt) investigates the whereabouts of a child she gave up for adoption 25 years prior.



Upon closer examination the plot, perhaps the emotional effectiveness of a drama can be measured in line with its broader themes, widening the intended audience. In the case of Loggerheads, it appeals to universal emotions – felt by Christians and gay people alike. I could easily watch it with my mother. Latter Days, not so much.

Gay movies also tend to be concentrated in large cities with established gay communities and larger-than-life characters, so a change to the rural setting – where non-closeted gays are relatively rare- adds a rich dimension to the story as well as a picturesque locale.

Also impressive is the non-preachy way the director was able to humanise devout religious people to a gay audience. It sounds simple enough, but at a time when every other news headline is about the Pope condemning homosexuality, it’s easy for us to react by conversely condemning all Christians, easily dismissing our own religious upbringing as destructive and hateful. I’ve certainly guilty of this – as I suppose many other are.



If I had any criticism it would be that Loggerheads, akin to the turtles, is a bit on the slow side. Hopefully that doesn’t distract too many as the emotional impact is a powerful one.

Before you head off into the gay film festival circuit - London’s Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is quickly approaching – be sure to check out Loggerheads on DVD.

My rating? 4/5 stars

A Friend of Dorothy

Rufus Wainwright's ambitious take on Judy Garland's definitive concert proves a triumphant success

Among other defining gay rites of passage - fumbling over first kisses, coming out to hysterical parents, crying a the disco, enduring filthy evenings at your local afterhours – lies the greatest love of all : expressing gratitude and respect to the greatest of gay icons, Judy Garland.

Myself a late bloomer, I didn’t discover Judy Garland until three years ago when I fell for a raging Judy Garland addict. Since then I’ve been forced to endure hours of movie musicals, documentaries, interviews, made-for-TV movies, and preaching lectures about MGM’s super-starlet, which has left me with an undeniable impression: Judy is God.

And if she isn’t, a devout gay cult certainly believes so.

And she was apparently never godlier than when she defied all odds in 1961 and delivered the ultimate comeback gig at New York’s Carnegie Hall. "You're all simply divine!" she cried to her adoring audience.

So naturally, news of singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright's ambitious plans to cover this definitive moment in gay history was met with as much skepticism as excitement. Despite obvious good intentions, how could he possibly avoid the pitfalls of camp pastiche?

But succeed and soar he did, to the glee of a highly appreciative audience. Backed up by an equally impressive 30-piece orchestra led by a handsome young conductor Stephen Oremeus, Mr Wainright managed to leave his ego at the door, and devote himself fully - not only to Judy - but also to the fantastic showtune standards by the likes of Rogers and Hart, Lerner and Loewe, Gershwin and others.

Gloriously transcending generations, Rufus thoroughly satisfied musically as he effortlessly crooned through tune after tune. His distinctive smokey voice, a far cry from Judy’s, was consistently interesting to listen to – and relaxed more than usual when singing uptempo. I often turned to look at my little Judy addict, who never withdrew a foolish grin.

It was as if Judy’s spirit had somehow taken over the body of this 33-year-old gay man who paradoxically managed to invoke her, without losing his own persona. A bit awkwardly theatrical, Rufus tried his best at jazz hands and making the occasional funny faces.

But he was able to pull it off because he never lost his sense of humour. As he opened with “When you’re smiling”, he interrupted himself, clearly shocked as his own ambition and asked, “What am I doing?"

Thankfully, we laughed with him, and on he sailed.

Like Judy, he chatted with the audience between songs, and unlike many artists who aren’t capable of candid banter, he was endearingly natural. Rufus relayed how much he loved the Wizard of Oz, how his father grew up with Liza, and how he dressed in his mothers clothes. It was really quite remarkable how well the show gave you a taste of what it must have been like in 1961.

Rufus was also joined onstage – in an emotional moment – by his sister Martha, who confessed how proud she was. Seemingly touched, he laughed off her compliment and blamed it on "jetlag". She then treated the audience to a tender rendition of “Someone to Watch over me”.

And if it couldn’t get any better, Rufus launched into the show-stopping " Trolley Song", adding an impromptu interpretive dance. By this point, the grannies and gays were bouncing in their seats. Suddenly, out from the wings burst the deliciously camp Lorna Luft, Judy's daughter, eliciting an audible sigh of chaotic delirium. ( I must admit, I didn't know who she was until the Judy addict quickly informed me).

She thanked Rufus for his appreciation of her mother's work before belting out “I could go on singing”, which she probably wanted to do, but was gracious enough to hand it back to the worthy star.

With a refreshingly original concept from a modern pop star, Rufus has made an significant gesture to the memory of Saint Judy, celebrating a rich body of work in a show that was full of heart.

At the after show reception, a representative from Cruisaid made a passionate speech thanking Rufus for the generous contribution raised from proceeds of the concert and reminded us that their work to support people living with HIV/AIDS in poverty was far from over.

There is a repeat performance at L’Olympia in Paris this week and again on Sunday, 25th of February, at the London Palladium. Rufus, as Judy, is the “must see” event of the winter.

For tickets call 08700 400 046 or 020 7539 3884.

Introducing...Madame Nawazish Ali!

Pakistan's answer to Dame Edna is queen of the late night TV



Pakistan’s conservative landscape has embraced a shockingly progressive late night TV show, hosted by drag queen Begum (meaning Madame) Nawazish Ali.

The remarkably classy character (a drag Shilpa?), glamorous aristocrat widow of an army colonel, Begum Nawazish Ali has gained notoriety through scandelous monologues and an assertive way of interacting with her guests, who include top-notch Pakistani celebrities and politicians,

Played by actor 28-year-old Ali Saleem, the risqué entertainment has quickly become the most popular TV late night show in the Muslim country.

"Some people compare her to Dame Edna's character on British television," Saleem told NBC’s Worldblog, "but Begum Nawazish Ali is much too sophisticated to ever be that crude."

If she’s not crude, she’s certainly suggestive as the character has raised eyebrows for the way she invasively questions and flirts with her male guests – not exactly your archetypal behaviour from a good Muslim woman.

However, even the country’s religious leaders have appeared undisturbed, and even amused by the drag queen’s natural manner.

"We couldn't convince [head of a Muslim political party] Qazi Hussain Ahmed to come on the show," said Saleem. "But he was very good-natured about it. He praised the Begum and said he would rather just watch the show on television."

Ali even nonchalantly addressed his sexuality in the interview, another shocking confession for a public figure in Pakistan – or better yet, a shocking confession of any public figure.

"I am happy to openly accept my bisexuality because it does justice to the man in me and the woman in me," says Ali. He also said Begum has "only received love, adoration and respect, never anything evenly remotely negative."

Clearly empowered, Ali told worldblog "I want to be the voice of the youth and for all of Pakistan. The idea was always to break barriers and preconceived notions, of gender, identity, celebrity and politics and to bring people closer. In any case, I think Begum Nawazish Ali is the strongest woman in Pakistan!"

Click here to watch an exerpt from the show, where Begum interviews a panel of guests discussing Lollywood, Pakistan's second-rate, Bollywood-aspiring film industry