Homosexuality in HP (was Re: Ringdear of the Marauders: Sirius or James?)

[Brenda M.]

No: HPFGUIDX 104956

>>> In Message #104939, June wrote:
>> J.K. has done a great job of including all kinds of people in her 
novels. No, I don't see a student with a disability, and I suppose 
that should bother me, but it doesn't. <<<

Bren now: I always thought physical disability wasn't a problem with 
Wizarding medicine and surgical methods. I mean, just look at Madam 
Pomfrey and what she can do, growing broken bones! -- and she's not 
even a highly-skilled famous "surgeons" working at St. Mungo's with 
fat paycheck!

But I do think WW doesn't put nearly as much emphasis on Mental 
Health as needed, especially after the First War with Voldemort. 
Someone mentioned awhile ago that there doesn't seem to be any Mind 
Healers or even Counselling in WW and I must agree, we don't even see 
a glimpse of it.

>>> June wrote: There is no reason why there should be a checklist 
saying you have to have one of these, one of those, etc. Now, I don't 
think Sirius is gay, nor Lupin, nor James. I dispise the entire 
notion of political correctness, because it breeds only a superficial 
and false tolerance. As to Siggy the Fraud, I rest my case. <<<

Bren now: But if she did put some minority ('different') characters 
in the books, it won't be because she was trying to be politically 
correct. It will just strengthen the parallel between WW and RL -- 
which JKR firmly believes in, IMO. It is one of the most central 
themes of HP series. And yes, as to "Siggy the Freud", no comment, 
lol.

>>> Katie now:
> Interesting Hamlet analogy, btw. As JKR is writing in the twentieth 
> century (twenty-first now, I guess), I think she may well be aware 
of the implications of her writing. There are quite clear parallels 
> between the Wizarding World and RL, and JKR's not above slipping in 
a political opinion here and there. So it wouldn't surprise me at all 
> if she drafted the series' concept without these nuances, but, when 
> she got down to writing it, added a lot of subtext. 
>
> Katie wrote later on: I certainly don't think Sirius 
> (or Lupin, for that matter) is absolutely MEANT to be gay, I just 
> think that he can be read as such, and JKR leaves that open. 


Bren now:

I absolutely agree with you, Katie. JKR seems to be getting her own 
dose of fun, just observing HP fans interpreting differently. I'm 
afraid though, if by the end of series if Sirius remains "ambiguous", 
then he'll be thought to be gay by many fans.


> I wrote earlier:
> > Katie, you are also right in saying that although Sirius does fit 
the profile of typical womanizer, there is no canon for that, YET. 
But the level of loyalty and devotion Sirius expressed towards James 
> > isn't entirely unusual, IMO. We do see this close bond between 
> > heterosexual males, I can think of King David and Jonathan from 
the Bible. Or even with my friends -- some are very loyal to their 
> > friends and whatnot, but also very much in love with their 
> > girlfriends!
> 
> Katie:
> No, it's not entirely unusual. I do think it's rare, though, for an 
> extremely good-looking, rich, intelligent guy to not ever have a 
> girlfriend, not that we see in three books, anyway. (Funny that you 
> bring up King David and Jonathan-- I know a *lot* of people who 
would love to argue with you on that one!)


Bren now:

SIGH, I *knew* someone will bring that up! Poor analogy, my bad. King 
David will be James in this case, apparently heterosexual (stealing a 
warrior's wife, etc.) and Jonathan be Sirius. I haven't studied the 
Bible extensively so I wouldn't know how to present my opinion on 
this, but I did think about this possibility. Jonathan was married 
with wife and kids as well, but if one was to argue 'he didn't want 
to come out' then I am at loss of words.


>>> Katie:
>> (My irritation isn't because of hetero!Lupin, understand, it's 
because I absolutely HATE the old love triangle scenario. I commend 
JKR for not going that route with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.) <<<

Bren now: Yes, that love triangle is too old and predictable. BUT, 
IMO, I think that bridge scene was very crucial to understanding what 
happened on the night of GH.

THe post is called "Lupin was the spy" -- unfortunately, nothing 
comes up in Search and can't remember the poster or the message 
number. But the post basically states that Lupin was indeed the 
Secret Keeper of the Potters. In the Shrieking Shack scene, Wormtail 
doesn't give straight answer to Sirius when Sirius goes on about how 
Peter was made the SK only because he suggested it. And this is the 
ONLY occassion where Peter just mumbles or mutters distractedly, but 
everywhere else he gives definite answers, truth or lie. Lily doubted 
Sirius when he backed out of it last minute, so Lily persuaded James 
to switch to Lupin, because she believed his innocence when no one 
else did. (Apologies for side-track)

I highly doubt this love-triangle fiasco will come between the Trio 
though, I think it's pretty obvious from canon that it's Ron-
Hermione, but won't get into that.


> Katie
> who will cry her eyes out if Sirius and Remus didn't have anything 
> going on after all (I mean, bad boy and werewolf? come on!)

Bren, who's now *laughing* and crying her eyes out! Talk about 
Kingdom Animalia!