I would like to be able to start this text by expressing my astonishment at what I am about to tell you, but unfortunately, it is little more than an open secret. In fact, it is not a secret: the film industry contains a tremendously toxic side and with some really worrying power dynamics that have been rooted for a long time, especially —but not only— in Hollywood.
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A new example of this is the homophobic incident that Elliot Page has collected in his memoir ‘Pageboy’. In the chapter titled ‘Famous asshole at a party’, the actor recalls how in 2014, when she identified as a lesbian before her gender transition process, another front-line performer verbally assaulted him during a birthday in Los Angeles.
“You’re not gay. That doesn’t exist. You’re only scared of men. I’m going to fuck you so you realize you’re not gay.” Those were the exact words that the individual uttered for, a few days later, after meeting Page again in the gym, tried pick up wire with a rescue “I don’t have a problem with gays, I swear”. Of course, a couple of more recognizable phrases than many of us would like.
The protagonist of ‘Umbrella Academy’ went on to explain the sad anecdote, alluding to the reality lived by people from queer and trans collectives.
“I’ve lived through various versions of that in my life. Many queer and trans people deal with it all the time. These moments that we often don’t talk about or are supposed to ignore, when in fact they are horrible. I included that story in the book because it’s about reflecting reality, the things we deal with and what we’re constantly being thrown at, especially in predominantly cisgender and straight environments.How we navigate a world where we have more extreme and obvious moments like that or more subtle ones jokingly”.
On the other hand, Elliot Page has stressed that he has deliberately omitted the name of the aggressor, making it clear that “he will find out and know that it is about him”but not before emphasizing that within the framework of the Mecca of cinema, Those who allow themselves to have this type of behavior live in high places.
“[En Hollywood] they are very powerful people. They are the ones who choose which stories are told and create content for people to see around the world.”
Via | People
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