Monday, December 22, 2008

The other Ellen comes through

Since the election it has been the best of times and the worst of times for GLBT Americans. Being part of the election of the first African-American president? Awesome! Being denied equal rights – from marriage to adoption – from coast to coast? Unacceptable! Being insulted after such civil rights injury by the president-elect's choice of a pastor who believes pedophilia, incest and polygamy are the equivalent to gay marriage to give the invocation at the inauguration? Fucking hell! I swear, if it weren't for people like Rachel Maddow voicing our indignation I'd just be screaming “I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!” out of my window 24/7.

So, clearly, any news that might be construed as good for our community both brings my blood pressure back to somewhat normal levels and gives me hope that in the not-so-distant future we won't have to endure this sort of utter bullshit. Over the weekend that good news came in the form of Ellen Page and the life of Laurel Hester.

Those who watched the Oscars telecast earlier this year might remember the ecstatic Best Short Documentary winners for the film, “Freeheld.” The documentary followed Laurel's struggle after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer to transfer her 25-year police pension to partner Stacie Andree. The two were registered domestic partners but not, of course, legally married. So her New Jersey county freeholders (like a county supervisor, but in Jersey) denied her request. And she fought them, while dying, for her rights. Then a month before she passed away after extensive public outcry and Laurel's own hospital-bed appeals, the freeholders reversed their decision.

So, right, at this point you're probably wondering : Where does Ellen Page come in? Good things indeed come to those who wait. Because Ellen has been attached to the film adaptation of the documentary. The fine gays over at Good As You uncovered the news from director Cynthia Wade herself. Wade has partnered with the producers of “Erin Brockovich” to bring Laurel's story to the screen as a feature film. Ellen would play Laurel's partner, Stacie. Now, Wade admits it could take one to two years to get the script. But even so the news is both exciting and encouraging. And, given that Ellen's lesbian teenage werewolf movie is now off, it'll be a welcome chance to finally see Ellen hug a woman with her legs in friendship.

All kidding and leg hugging aside, a film like this could be invaluable in turning the public tide on gay marriage. Maybe, just maybe, after seeing the struggle these women went through in the face of nothing short of death will make people realize that love is love. The loss of a partner is the loss of a partner. And in the face of such loss, you should at least be secure in the fact that your life's work will go to the person you love, no questions asked. Maybe, just maybe, after seeing this then they'll be as outraged as we are when the Rick Warrens of the world so blithely say that “part of maturity...delayed gratification...character” is reigning in “natural impulses toward the same sex.” So thanks, Ellen. If it weren't for your news I'd be half way to my window to yell some more. Instead, I just want to to hug you with my legs in solidarity.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't let this good news keep you from screaming out the window. Hell, we'd better keep screaming if we want anything to happen!

TheWeyrd1 said...

Very good news...not as good as what I thought you were gonna say. Like, I don't know, that maybe Ms. Page had outed herself...maybe...heh. Oh well, a good movie on a very timely topic is acceptable news! I really must work on this leg hugging thing...

ohio*LEZ-girl*in*NYC said...

Bravo to Ms. Page. And Yes, we do need to keep on screaming until they hear us! Happy Holidays, Ms Dorothy

Unknown said...

Oh wow.
Awesome.
Ellen Page, you's a dick. And I love that! :D

Anonymous said...

ahhhh I thought Ellen Page came out! ah well...
I've seen the documentary,it was heart-breaking but very good.

Sarah said...

*follows suit of wishful thinkers*
Seriously. Don't toy with us like that, Snarker, ; ).

So, no lesbian werewolves in 2009, but we get to see her do roller derby in Whip It!, Jane Eyre, and gay it up.

Estoy contenta.

Anonymous said...

I wish the news of this movie being done and Ellen Page among its stars would take the edge off the whole Rick Warren stinkfest for me.

Then maybe I wouldn't have written a nice long explanation of how the whole thing is the opposite of inclusiveness to the official President-elect Obama Change/Transition website.

Sorry, but I don't think the answer to what is going on regarding the attitude toward the gay community in this country is a very dramatic movie featuring a lesbian couple. I don't think it will reach the audience it needs to but will simply be preaching to the choir.

Anonymous said...

The L Word's first episode of season 6 is available online:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA6-Iz1orPA&feature=channel_page

Anonymous said...

I can understand why the werewolf film never got off. Although it would have been a great independent film it doesn't have enough meat to get the proper support. I hope this other film gets off its feet and we get to see Ellen shine brightly.

BernieB

Janet said...

I met Cynthia Wade after making her documentary Shelter Dogs - she is a lovely, genuine person and fantastic filmmaker.

I am so happy this project is going forward for all involved.

j.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Kudos to Ellen Page for taking this role. Yes, I know she hasn't taken a conventional career path, but still: this does take guts.

I also look forward to her next movie about the roller derby.