gay characters (reprise) and JKR's title

[Neil Ward]

No: HPFGUIDX 4272

Susan said, in response to Amanda: 

<<<And portrayal of lesbian and gay characters can be portrayed easily by
identifying them as lesbians or gays. That does not addres the physical
aspects directly ANY MORE THAN SAYING THAT SOMEONE IS MARRIED addresses the
physical aspects directly. One assumes that married couples have sex; one
assumes that two people who are identified as lesbians or gay male couples
have sex.>>> 

I know I said I'd shut up on this topic, but I have to jump back in. If gay
characters are identified, I agree with Susan that physical intimacy is not
necessarily implicit to that.  Being gay isn't just about being physical
with someone of the same sex. It's possible to be celibate and gay, for
example; your sexual orientation doesn't alter.  Leaving aside controversy
(ahem, I wish I had now), it would be good to have some incidental
references - happenstance rather than issue-led.  I agree with Catlady, that
this can be done with words, as well as actions.  

I also second Susan's point about the isolation of gay and lesbian teenagers
(I have had some experience with this), but I don't know that we can
*expect* JK Rowling to address this topic in the Harry Potter books.  Having
discussed this to death, though, I'm now thinking that perhaps it's not so
unlikely that she will adress it in the forthcoming books.  

Neil

PS - Susan - to respond to your ponderings on JKR's title, her former
husband was Portuguese, so I imagine Rowling is her maiden name.  I'd assume
"Ms Rowling" would be the best bet [not "Rowlings", note].  I'm sure she
wouldn't mind being called "Jo" either.  I hope you get to meet her some
day.  I'd like to be a bug on the wall during *that* conversation!

            Flying-Ford-Anglia

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   "Then, dented, scratched and steaming, 
   the car rumbled off into the darkness, 
   its rear lights blazing angrily"

 [Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]

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