Goodbye niche, shameful and implied yet denied lesbian culture. Hello, mainstream accessibility.
The days of subtly and a longing gaze between two female characters that maybe, possibly, potentially, could be into each other despite their marriage to clean-cut doting husbands are gone. I think I speak for many when I say I happily embrace this era of blatant lesbian culture being showcased in films and media and eagerly await more content.
Lesbian iconography in film has been pretty insubstantial, at times even abstract with films forcing LBTQ+ viewers to cling on to suggestions in wardrobe and haircut choice for possible queer characters.
It’s pretty obvious lesbian culture in media was at most a whisper of representation, as opposed to the loud roar it makes today. I mean, do any millennials remember queerness in the early 2000s as anything other than Birkenstocks and Ellen DeGeneres?
Lesbian culture today has expanded immensely. Don’t get me wrong, the abstract suggestions of queerness in film and mainstream media are still alive and widely debated (think: Cate Blanchett but in every movie role she’s ever played).
However, now we’re getting confirmation. I’m talking solid, unapologetic, Kristen Stewart-making-love-to-Cloë Sevigny-in-an-ACTUAL-horse-barn-then-broadcasted-on-cinema-screens-everywhere type of confirmation.
Don’t get me started on female musicians finally using female gendered pronouns in their songs across all genres of music. Let’s not forget the fact that these women have also largely influenced fashion attached to lesbian culture. Halsey, Kehlani, Janelle Monáe and Lesbian-Jesus Hayley Kiyoko are only four of the many women that shaped queer music in 2018-2019.
The point is, queer women are kicking-ass right now and the universe has finally decided not to hide them in the barrels of niche entertainment.
Lesbian culture is embodied in everything that Lady Gaga does. It’s in the entire cast of Ocean’s Eight, it’s the glove from Carol, and it’s definitely Rachel Weisz’s spit in Disobedience.
I’m well aware that some of you may be extremely confused at this point, and I could leave you with the “if you know, you know”; but I’ve decided to share some insights into lesbian culture and iconography.
Here’s an explanation of a few of these golden references (you’re welcome):
Lady Gaga (Alternatively, Lady Gaga as ‘Ally’ In A Star Is Born)
If I’m being honest, maybe the fixation on ‘Ally’ may just be because we know Lady Gaga herself is not straight, but c’mon guys. She sings like an angel, wears biker boots that could make Doc Martens shudder and bootcut jeans. Also, her ginger hair moment….and the nose thing she does. That too.
Rachel Weisz’s Spit
Disobedience (2018) was a queer film met with anticipation after teaser trailers aired a steamy moment between Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz. The movie, however, equated to what can only be described as the color grey. It truly drew the life out of me and there really was only sex scene between the girls. At one point Rachel Weisz’s character spits into Rachel McAdam’s mouth and boom: iconic lesbian moment.
Blake Lively in Suits
I don’t exactly know how else to describe this one. She looks incredible in suits… More please.
Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor
Firstly, they’re icons in their own right.
Secondly, they’ve been dating since 2015.
Thirdly, they own the “age is just a number category” with a 32-year age gap.
Fourthly, cute!!!!
The Entire Oceans Eight Cast
The cast is female; the movie is incredible. Rihanna as a boss-tech lady? Sandra Bullock blindfold-less and convicted felon leader? Anne Hathaway? Helena.Bonham.Carter????? Need I continue?
Cara Delevingne’s exes….also Kristen Stewart’s exes.
Their exes are just as attractive as them, but can we just appreciate that both Cara and Kristen have a long line of amazing queer women they’ve dated.
Cate Blanchett
If you’ve come this far and still don’t understand how Cate Blachett is lesbian culture, there’s not much else I can do for you really.
I for one, look forward to the incredible queer work that’s in store for us in 2019.
Let us know if there’s any lesbian culture features we missed!
