The FMA and X-Men: The Last Stand

So here we are on the eve of the great Gay Marriage debate in the United States Senate. Are you ready for it? Anyone think it could actually pass? Anyone think it's a major issue for our country at this time?

I do.

Okay, that was tongue in cheek. Been to the movies lately? No, I'm not changing the subject. I was just wondering if you saw the most recent edition of a mind-provoking GLBT issues paralleling set of movies yet produced? No, it's not Brokeback Mountain. These movies are much more subtle. But any gay or lesbian person seeing them can easily spot the parallels. Yes, I'm speaking of X-II and X-Men: The Last Stand.

In X-II, there wasn't a single gay person who didn't pause when they heard Mrs. Drake ask her mutant son, Bobby, "Have you ever tried... not being a mutant?" Why the pause? Because it's a question many parents and family members have asked their gay children, gay brother or sister; and many friends have asked it of their gay acquaintances. If you're straight, you are excused for missing the moment. But then, you probably missed the fact that legendary Shakespearean actor, Ian McKellen, who plays Magneto is not only gay, but a gay activist. And, of course, that the movie's director, Bryan Singer, is also gay.

Singer is gone in X-Men: The Last Stand, but the parallels cut even deeper. Early in the film, a young Jean Grey's parents speak to Professor Xavier and Eric Lensherr and apologize for their daughter's illness. Magneto (Lensherr) blows his top in anger asking, "You think she's ill?" This is another parallel no gay person could miss.

Then there is the whole issue of the "cure". The Religious Right has been looking for a cure for the gay disease for years - in fact, some claim to have found it. This is yet another parallel in the movie that won't get past gays. You'll see some mutants in the movie wanting the cure, because they believe there is something wrong with them (because their parents, friends, and/or co-workers have been telling them that their whole lives). Other mutants detest the idea of a cure, believing there is nothing wrong with them and the "cure" is a government sponsored trick.

The only thing missing in this movie is a government sponsored Constitutional Amendment against mutant marriage. Mayhaps that will come out in X-Men IV.

All in all, it's a great movie. Go see it and take some straight friends with you. When it's over, ask if they noticed the GLBT parallels. Most people will be siding with Professor Xavier's mutants, so it's a good chance for some decent discussion on GLBT issues. This week is a good time for it. You might open some minds.

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