What have you done today, to make you feel proud?
When Belgian cable channel 2BE broadcasted the final scenes of the groundbreaking, gay US cult series Queer as folk last week (originally aired on Showtime USA, 2005), my s/o affectionately grabbed my hand when in the final scene, [main character] Brian [in his bombed gay dance club, victim of a violent anti-gay hate crime] started dancing to (YouTube video) Heather Small’s “Proud,” ["What have you done today to make you feel proud?"], a song that accompanied a pivotal scene between Brian and Michael in the very first episode of the series. It all ended with a semi-philosophical quote by Michael: “So the “thumpa thumpa” continues. It always will. No matter what happens. No matter who’s president. As our lady of Disco, the divine Miss Gloria Gaynor has always sung to us: We will survive.”
This American gay TV series was truly groundbreaking on many social levels. Although our dancing days may be over, to myself and my s/o this scene fundamentally conveyed the feeling that whatever the odds, no matter how many walls may have collapsed, we still strongly believe in ourselves, proud of who we fundamentally are. A most uplifting feeling on a rainy Belgian day. Are you proud too?
This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the city of Antwerp, Belgium.
YES! YES! That was like P-Town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you! Men dancing together is SO sexy! LOVE it!!!
Comment by Claudia — May 1, 2008 @ 12:52 am
Thanks Claudia! I’m convinced I really would feel at home in Provincetown.
I have one of those gay mega dance-clubs around the corner, but the story lines in Queer as folk often made me feel proud too, watching strong gay characters who kept on believing in themselves, proud of who they fundamentally were.
Comment by Peter - blog author — May 1, 2008 @ 1:07 am
Peter, as well they should be love. As well they should be. I LOVE to dance. And in P-Town once the guys figured out we were two girls without any agenda and completely accepting of who they were, it was amazing. We danced and sweat right along with them. Of course, we were the ONLY ones with shirts on.
For once. HA!
[Blog author comment:"This is what I appreciate about you Claudia: you're a gifted writer, a devoted mother, yet the most liberal and uninhibited American I've met online in years
"]
Comment by Claudia — May 1, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Peter,
You are too kind my love. The best part about being this uninhibited is sharing the magic with other Americans, watching their eyes light up when they ‘get it’ and watching them strip off layers of close mindedness and conservatism. Like butterflies emerging from dark cocoons. It’s amazing. I’m hoping if there is one thing I teach my children it’s to live free and full. Life is too short not to.
** kisses **
Here’s to you and me and your honey getting our groove on in the same room someday!! WOOT! What fun we would have!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Claudia — May 1, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
is claudia talking about bugs dancing or people?
[Blog author comment: "Van, I'm convinced Claudia's talking about all the folks who are visibly having loads of fun in Provincetown
"]
Comment by furiousball — May 1, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
Awwww, Van, did you feel left out there for a bit? I’m sure you could come too. You would, of course, be required to take off your shirt though. My rule.
Comment by Claudia — May 1, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cj6gEzabNsE
Thought you would appreciate this love….
Looks like an amazing town, with a carnival that recalls the Antwerp Navigaytion festival: http://www.navigaytion.be "]
[Blog author comment: "Thanks Claudia
Comment by Claudia — May 1, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
I feel compelled to point out that this “groundbreaking” series is actually an American remake of a groundbreaking series of the same name made and screened in Britain in the early 199s on Channel 4 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_as_Folk_(UK_TV_series)#Spin-offs_and_remakes).
But yes, it’s uplifting in either version.
Comment by simonlitton — May 15, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
You’re right Simon, the US version was based on a UK series.
But somehow Pittsburgh, USA managed to become much more popular than Manchester, UK, although I suppose some great casting by Showtime USA actually made the difference. I did see the original UK series on video, partially.
Comment by Peter - blog author — May 16, 2008 @ 4:04 am