CULTURE CLASH (LGBTQIA+)
Queer Eye on the Oscars 2022
BY ROXY D. HALL WILLIAMSON IN THE WAKE OF THE ‘SLAP’ HEARD AROUND THE WORLD, THE MOST DISHEARTENING ISSUE IN THE VARIOUS CONVERSATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WAS WATCHING OTHERWISE SEEMINGLY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE DENIGRATE AND BERATE OTHERS BASED ON THEIR OWN PERSONAL IDEAS OF WHAT COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS ‘SHOULD’ LOOK LIKE. I was immediately saddened as I listened to people use the most draconian belief systems to belittle anyone who did not live according to their visions of romantic love. As I consider the grassroots fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and the recent passing of the so called “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, how horrific must it be to witness the media push a narrative escalating the heteronormative toxicity of our society while also drowning out the voices of everyone else. The issues of masculinity and homophobia are that much more toxic and oppressive in the Black community. Usually cloaked within religious rhetoric, the plight of Black queer artists is sometimes paved with marginalization and exclusion. This type legislation is problematic as it promotes hostility and ostracism. Our communities can no longer afford to discount anyone nor should we. We must develop spaces that not only cultivate creatives but also provide secure areas that encourage personal growth. 12
Personal growth leads to artistic expression. Expressions of artistic genius fuels our intellectual advancement. The Academy should invest in such endeavors. There were extraordinary highlights for the queer community of color to be proud of during this season’s awards show. Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer woman of color to win and accept the Supporting Actress award for her performance in “West Side Story”. Her acknowledgment of her Afro Latina roots and how she found her strength through her art was refreshing and heartwarming. Her presence embodies the value that flourishes when the initial investment in human beings is made and sustained. However, Oscar history has not been kind to Black talent and to be Black and queer, well, it has not been easy. Though strides are being made, change doesn’t seem to come fast enough. For every advancement, there are legislators determined to take the masses backward. The bill signed into law by Governor DeSantis is already being considered for duplication in Ohio and Texas. Along with the egregious Redistricting directly affecting voting rights, this type of legislation puts more restrictions on an already difficult area of discussion. Hiding behind what is being dubbed “Parental Rights in Education” bill, legislators are using a hot button wedge issue to C U LTU R EC L A S H G A LV E STO N . C O M • M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2
