======================================= WHY I AM A SUBTEXTITE Special to WHOOSH! By rabbit133@juno.com Copyright 1997 held by author 1069 words ======================================= [01] First of all, I am not submitting this just to offend those of you who do not ascribe to the "subtext" point of view. It is merely a moment of XWS rambling. [02] OK, subtext. It is called "sub" because the main plot and character traits are actually quite mainstream: Gabrielle has had her redshirt guy of the week, and Xena her string of lovers from Iolaus and Hercules to Ulysses -- all of them most definitely of the male persuasion. [03] The staff of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS have chosen to portray our two heroes as strong, independent, and open-minded women, so the heterosexual romance is not the primary theme in every episode. Although the eternal ebb and flow of the war between women and men on the romantic front is endlessly fascinating, I find it most refreshing that Xena and Gabrielle's relationships with men are on a more contemporary and equal footing than one would expect for an action/adventure show set in ancient times. They meet their "fellahs", fall in love or lust, rescue them (most of the time), and then go on their merry way having adventures and doing good -- together. [04] It is the "together" part that seems most unusual and wonderful to me. These women are the closest of friends: they are more important to each other than the search for a man with whom they can settle down and marry. They bicker and fight over trivial and not-so-trivial matters. But they also forgive each other, have fun, and heart-to-heart talks. What woman among us has not had a close, dear friend like that -- that we would give our lives for? Xena and Gabrielle demonstrate that commitment and respect for each other time and time again. [05] For me, it is a very small step to change my point of view from the admiration for these beautiful women and their deep caring for each other to one in which their relationship has advanced into romantic and sexual realms. Obviously, I am not alone in this -- the subtextual POV seems popular even among some of the heterosexual fans. But my point is this: I am following a very old and fine tradition in the gay and lesbian community of which many of you may not be aware. Because we are a minority, there just is not as large a market for movies or television programs for and about us, so very few are produced. Also, there are still many people out there who think it is wrong or sick to be homosexual, and they are vociferous in their opposition when such programs are made. Most sponsors and production companies want to reach as large an audience as possible and fear that kind of controversy, so they avoid antagonizing that very vocal and vicious group. It is a shame that some great art has never been disseminated, or appreciated by only a very few, for those reasons. [06] As an instinctual reaction to our invisibility in the arts and the media, we have learned to see ourselves on the screen and on the printed page, given only the most threadbare and subtle material, and even when that was not the author's intent. Just as my friend and neighbor (a responsible young professional) enjoys imagining himself in the starring role of "Batman" and appreciates the attributes of the lovely Poison Ivy, so I like to imagine myself as Xena the Warrior Princess casting longing glances at the beautiful bard (or vice versa). The difference between us is that the Batman movie was written so that he does not have to exercise his imagination nearly as hard as I do. [07] But I do not skew my interpretation in ignorance. I *do* know XWP as written depicts Xena and Gabrielle as heterosexual, and as close, but platonic, friends. It is, however, lovely fun for me and my fellow subtextites to imagine much more, and to share those fantasies with others through discussion, poetry and fan fiction. It is even more fun because the actresses, writers, and producers have acknowledged the enthusiasm of lesbian fans by actually discussing that popularity with the media and occasionally including grist for the subtextual mill in the show. Lucy Lawless has especially treated her lesbian audience with respect, dignity, grace and humor. We surely must embarrass her from time to time with our effusive intensity, but she has never betrayed my affections with denial or denigration. For that she will have my deepest respect and admiration, long after XWP no longer airs. [08] So now you know our secret. We watch for the subtext in *everything*, or else we would only see ourselves on rare occasions as deranged vampire killers, asexual old maids, or object lessons (such as "the love that dare not speak its name") that always die in the end of the story while the (male) hero gets the girl. Sorry, but that just is not a healthy way for me to live. I have spent my entire life being an outsider, careful of the sensibilities and feelings of the heterosexual majority. I think it is about time that some of you tiptoed around mine. [09] Lastly, I must say that the majority of Xenites are delightfully open-minded. Even when you disagree, you express that disagreement with diplomacy and tact. That is all I really ask: to be treated like a hardcore nutball rabid Xenite. Biography rabbit133 (rabbit133@juno.com) "Why I Am a Subtextite" (e-mail edition only) Special to WHOOSH! I'm the head honcho of roc-it science national laboratories (risnl). In the great tradition of such fine institutions as Argonne National Laboratories and the Brookings Institute, our organization conducts desperately needed research of all aspects of the MCA television program, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS. Located just moments away from Sky Harbor National Airport in Phoenix, AZ, we stand ready to spring into action should Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, Liz Friedman (or any other XWP staff) alert us to any assistance (including the donation of body parts) they may require of risnl's staff of one. Favorite XWP episode: CALLISTO (#22) First XWP episode: SINS OF THE PAST (#01) Least Favorite episode: FOR HIM THE BELL TOLLS (#40)