We are officially midway through our summer hiatus leading up to Season 7 of Lez Hang Out! Today, we have a very special treat for our listeners as we release one of the full length bonus episodes from our Patreon exclusive series, Lez-tracurriculars. Today, Ellie and Leigh discuss Chasing Amy, a movie from 1997 that was considered very progressive at the time and that critics absolutely loved. It has an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, and we can only assume these high ratings were given by men, seeing as the entire plot is basically male wish fulfillment. For anyone who remembers when there was so little truly gay media that this movie was constantly being recommended nearly the second you came out, we rewatched it so you wouldn’t have to be re-traumatized. We cannot imagine a more invalidating movie to watch after coming out, because it manages to be not only misogynistic and homophobic, but also very biphobic. Essentially the plot of this film is that a man (Holden) falls in love with a lesbian (Alyssa) and makes it everyone's problem. Instead of just appreciating his friendship as is, Holden constantly tries to make Alyssa feel bad for being gay. The whole plot reeks of male entitlement. Holden refuses to validate Alyssa’s sexuality, continually slut-shames her for actions in her past, and makes her responsible for his own emotional wellbeing instead of going to therapy like he so clearly needs. This would all be a relatively benign story if it was just boy loves girl, girl is gay, boy stays grumpy, the end. But instead the story is boy loves girl, girl is gay, boy makes girl feel like crap by shoving all his feelings at her, girl gives in and makes out with boy. This movie is literally the fantasy of every man who has ever dreamed of “turning” a lesbian and it is truly upsetting to watch Holden get everything he wants while Alyssa turns against everything she had so vocally stood for the entire movie.
We want to hear your thoughts! Was this movie recommended to you by straight people after coming out? Did you like this movie and think we’re missing something? Let us know your experience with Chasing Amy on social media. Twitter: Lez Hang Out (@lezhangoutpod). Leigh Holmes Foster (@lshfoster) and Ellie Brigida (@elliebrigida). You can also join us on Facebook.com/lezhangoutpod and follow along on Instagram (@lezhangoutpod).
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