Ron's Virtue (was "Dam' Good Auror")/Gay Characters

[lsease at supernet.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 27220

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., cynthiaanncoe at h... wrote:

> Now, about the issue of gay characters.  Unless future books change 
> substantially, I'd be surprised to see JKR start revealing the 
sexual 
> orientation of her characters.  As it stands, precious few 
characters 
> are married or involved in any kind of romantic relationship.  This 
> makes sense to me because, as a teen, I was often completely 
clueless 
> about the romantic relationships of my teachers and other adults in 
> my life (and even a lot of my peers).  Why should Harry's world be 
> any different?  If a character suddenly turned out to be gay, I'd 
> certainly raise an eyebrow unless it could be demonstrated that the 
> issue has some relevance to the plot, just as if characters suddenly 
> starting procreating.

I don't expect to see gay characters either, and I hope we don't. This 
is a fantasy novel, it's not suppose to deal with real-life problems 
and situations except through metaphors and allegories (like the House 
Elf situation).  I'm openly lesbian, and I have to deal with enough 
homophobia in my office and in the small town where I live. When read 
Harry, I want to be able to relax and enjoy the book. Seeing my  
adolescent self reflected in some confused gay student at Hogwarts 
would just be too real and would seem out of place. 

Thank you for comparing Ron to McCoy on Star Trek. I finally 
understand why Ron is my favorite character. It makes perfect sense, 
because McCoy was always my favorite character too. They both are more 
in the background compared to the other two main characters and have a 
dark sense of humor.