[HPforGrownups] Re: Homosexuality in HP Series: Was: Snape as the lover of Regulus Black

[Kemper]

No: HPFGUIDX 153891

> Caspen:
>
> Thank you for the Church of Scotland information Leslie.
>
> I'm wondering whether anyone else here is willing to explore the
> notion that JKR does indeed touch on the subject of homsexuality in
> the HP series -  ... snip ...
>
> I am not a Snape-RAB, Snape-Sirius, or Sirus-Remus shipper, because
> I do not see any strong evidence for any of these assertions,
> although I do think there is a good argument to be made in the case
> of Remus for possible bisexuality, as he's unquestionably, and
> purposefully, I believe, androgynous.
>...

Kemper now:
As far as homosexuality goes, I rule-out Snape and Sirius as they don't seem
to have any signs (symbols?) of being gay.  I do think that JKR would have
to write in some subtle stereotype, so that the reader would 'get it' in a
very popular children's (marketed anyway) book, but I think she would do so
without including romance

I also rule out Remus because he's a werewolf.  The obvious connection to
being gay here is 'coming out' to his friends about his werewolf-uality and
being 'outed' to some werewolfphobe parents.  But to use werewolf as
metaphor for gay-guy could suggest that homosexuals recruit gays which was
and probably still is how many ignorant people regarded homosexuality. So, I
don't think JKR would suggest that.

There's not enough info to rule in or out RAB as gay.


Caspen continues:
> Those I have in mind as the most likely possibly gay characters so
> far however, as opposed to those most often mentioned here, are
> Lockhart and Slughorn. This intuition may unfortunately be based
> upon some rather negative stereotypes of homosexuals of the more
> effeminate variety, what some of my gay friends would
> call "swishers," but, I assure you, I am not a homophobe. Nor do I
> mean in any way to promote homophobia. It's just that they they seem
> glaringly obvious as candidates to me - something to due with
> Lockhart's shameless preening and their shared fastidiousness.
> ...

Kemper now:
I agree and rule out both because, again, I don't think JKR would use
negative stereotypes.  The woman is creative and subtle.


Caspen continues:
> My argument for this assertion, so far, is quite broad. Namely, I
> think that the series is fundamentally concerned with and
> focused on identity and its formation and development in the
> individual, Harry's identity, first and foremost of course. ... snip
examples of identity in the books  ... I expect Book VII will continue this
> theme, probably in the context of Harry's discovering that his scar,
> is indeed a horcrux.
> ...

Kemper now:
Caspen, you tricky devil!  I avoid Harry!Horcrux threads as much as possible
as no part of me buys into it.  Good sneak.


Caspen continues:
> If sexual identity is an integral part of individual identity sexual
> identity, even if only peripherally, must be a theme of the series.
> JKR does address the issue of sexuality directly in an age-
> appropriate way by allowing Harry and his friends some intense
> romances. However, I'm convinced that she also does it symbolically,
> with her characters, Remus Lupin being the most obvious case with
> his dreaded monthly experiences.
>
> 


Kemper now:
Again, I rule out Remus.  One who I think is never mentioned is also the
most obvious: Dumbledore.  I believe it was Carol who suggested that for an
argument to exist many people from both sides have to see it (see any Snape
thread).  My canon support are, briefly because I'm late for work,
his office
his opening speeches
his demeanor
his creativity
his courage

I can speak more on it later.  Gotta go

-Kemper


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