Sunday, December 8, 2013

Out Spotlight

Today's Out Spotlight is a prominent modernist writer known for her experimental style and edgy themes. Today's Outs Spotlight is Djuna Barnes.

Djuna Barnes was born in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, June 12, 1892 to a polygamist family, she was inspired to write by her grandmother, a feminist writer and journalist. As a child, Barnes was sexually abused by family members. In 1909, she was forced to marry her father’s brother-in-law. Two months later, she left him.
In 1912, Barnes moved to Greenwich Village and began writing for magazines and newspapers. She had affairs with men and women. She wrote novels, including “The Book of Repulsive Woman: 8 Rhythms and 5 Drawings” and “Paprika Johnson.”

She went on to move to Paris, where she lived with Thelma Wood, her lover and fellow artist. Barnes became involved in the Parisian lesbian community, which is depicted in her privately printed novel, “Ladies Almanack.”

In 1931, after her relationship with Wood ended, she relocated to England. She stayed in a country manor with other writers and literary critics. She wrote “Nightwood,” her best-known novel, which received attention for its stylistic excellence. So impressed by the book, T.S. Elliot wrote the introduction and became involved in its publication. “Nightwood” depicts desire between women and challenges the gender binary.

In 1939, Barnes returned to New York, where she lived in relative solitude for the remainder of her life. She continued writing plays and poetry that challenged heteronormativity and the lifestyles of the upper class. She often drew from her own life experiences, exploring themes of abuse and sexuality in a number of her works.

Barnes’s writing had a significant impact on modernist literature. Writers such as Truman Capote and Bertha Harris have cited Barnes as an inspiration for their works. She is recognized as a pioneer of lesbian literature.



"The truth is how you say it, and to be 'one's self' is the most shocking custom of all."

46 comments:

Methodical Muser said...

Ross is great in how he approaches this entire interview:

Tom Daley on Jonathon Ross Show
December 7, 2013

Florida Tom said...

Tom Daley is so frigging adorable. Hard to believe he is only 19. I love when Ross said he was helping so many people. I hope he wins a Gold in 2016 :-)

Florida Tom said...

I really do believe when someone is closeted in HW they have so much help in keeping their secret. It is probably a major business. Their is no way Jake is in the closet to anyone he is close to. I am sure he has much support. Jake was pretty young when he had to make the decision to stay in the closet. So cruel that any industry pretty much forces people to make a decision to live a lie publicly.

free to be said...

Good for Tom D. Here is another account of someone much younger, and how children sometimes are the smartest people in the room:

This is my son, Chester, who is nearly 4

Florida Tom said...

Be awesome if someone sued the hell out of a studio like Disney someday for forcing them to make a life decision to hide who they are if they want to continue to work. Love to see that happen.

Florida Tom said...

Truth is Jake doesn't lie because he has a family. He lies strictly because he is Gay. Let not anyone forget that.

Methodical Muser said...

Absolutely, Tom. I'm sure Jake and Austin are incredibly proud of their family. They lie because they are contractually obligated to do so. Otherwise they would be marginalized and/or ostracized from the profession they love. Truly a quid pro quo.

The only kind of lawsuit that would have a major impact is a class action one. Preferably, in California because State law here is so much more friendly to protected classes and the violation of civil rights/and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Another necessity would be that several major stars would have to openly take part in the judicial action as well. Otherwise, the entertainment industry will continue to count on isolating performers and using their vulnerability (cut them out of the herd) to set an example for anyone else who would dare to buck the system. A modern day "peculiar institution", indeed.

Methodical Muser said...

Here is another account of someone much younger, and how children sometimes are the smartest people in the room:

We need more parents like Chester's. And, fewer like Naomi, "the Facilitator" Foner.

Florida Tom said...

I cannot imagine a single person would do do it MM. Bunch of rich pansies out there.

Florida Tom said...

With names like Cruise, Travolta, Clooney, Dicaprio, Will Smith and Jodie Foster not one would dare.

Methodical Muser said...

I cannot imagine a single person would do it MM.

True, few are brave enough to even try. But, when you see someone like Daley stand tall on his own, the possibility is within reach. And, audiences have to play their part too. Make it clear they will not support institutional homophobia.

shake up Hollywood said...

A wonderful interview with Daley. I have to agree that joint action is needed because it's much too easy to terrorize an individual. Plus, if 20 or so name performers filed a lawsuit, the media would side with the exploited and harassed, which would give the coverage of the court action a highly sympathetic slant. The target needs to be "The Appearance Clause" and what a legitimate job related requirement is. Versus what constitutes gender discrimination/harassment.

destiny said...

Another one here raised on Smokey The Bear.

Very strange this whole hand thing, and the interview on Ellen.

prairiegirl said...

Thanks Dest! That makes 5 altogether with none raised on Smokey Bear.

I am beginning to think Smoke is trying to rewrite history!

prairiegirl said...

I look forward to seeing the Tom Daley interview. The guys on DL have been raking Dustin Black over the coals for being so much older than Tom Daley, lol. Quite a few are not fans of Black at all.

But who knows. Looking forward to seeing the tape.

Special K said...

Tom is so genuine in this interview and definitely smitten.

'I’d never felt like anything like it before. We were at a party and I hadn’t even spoken to him all night. I didn’t know what to do or if he was gay at first.'

'I’d never felt the feeling of love, it happened so quickly, I was completely overwhelmed by it to the point I can’t get him out of my head all the time. I’ve never had it before where I love someone and they love me just as much.'

"Asked why he hasn't identified his beau, Tom said: 'At the moment, I wouldn’t like anything to change.
'I hope it doesn’t get ruined by the media attention, everyone has been so supportive and I hope it continues that way.'"

It was wonderful to see how Ross and his audience were so supportive of Tom, it sends a message to other celebrities to see how the public will support them when they come out.

Florida Tom said...

Gay men don't get that kind of adulation in the USA SK :-(

Florida Tom said...

Tom Daley's bf is Dustin Black. Wow that is a little strange.

Florida Tom said...

I personally do not think Tom is telling the story exactly truthful. He knew he was gay way before he met his bf and my bet is he knew Dustin was gay. What gay man did not see the sex photos of Dustin on the internet . Saying
that I am still happy Tom made it official.

NE said...

Interesting Spotlight today!

Austin has new girlfriend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! said...

http://www.justjaredjr.com/2013/12/09/chloe-bennet-austin-nichols-hang-holding-couple/

PR created said...

What you really mean is that WME figured it was time to give Austin a fake girlfriend too. You know, since Jake is never with his "beard" anyway. What has it been, three months! lol.

PR created said...

Now, this is funny. I didn't even realize, until just now, that Austin only made the Just Jared Jr. cut. Good to see Austin in the company of such heavy weights as Sasha Pieterse, Keegan Alle and Little Mix!!!! Hey, maybe he really is a pedophile.

as usual said...

he is on the regular JJ. In fact a bunch of comments are impersonating regulars here, as usual;.

PR created said...

Oh, okay. Thanks. What is it with that idiot who posts over there impersonating regulars? I guess he works for PR because he certainly doesn't seem to work in any other gainful capacity.

prairiegirl said...

This is awesome.

Check out the comments thus far on the Oh No They Didn't thread. I needed some light reading after my long day at work today.

Can you say splat?

The hashtag in the tweet is only a sign of the comments to come

OH NO THEY DIDN'T ‏@ohnotheydidnt 3h
Chloe Bennet #Interview + Holding Hands with Austin Nichols http://goo.gl/fb/Pqifg #televisionabc #nobody
4:43 PM - 9 Dec 13 · Details

prairiegirl said...

Management can try every trick they can think of. They can take over blogs. They can huddle in the conference room in strategy talks until the Mr. Coffee burns up. They can harass and impersonate posters on threads. They can have the guys beard up the ying yang. They can buy all the fake twitter/facebook accounts Jake and Austin's checkbook will cover.

But Management has not, is not, and will never get rid of the Toothy Tile / Grey Goose love story.


It's going to haunt you all until the day the boys decide to come out.

: D



Seaweed said...

All kinds of love for Tom Daly, a fine young and talented man. So happy to see him open and taking control of his life. The interview on Jonathan's show was just great and with the audience's reaction even better.

I agree with Tom and the rest, if only Austin and Jake were able to be so open and honest... or just had the balls to speak the truth.

PG, have to chime in on Smokey the Bear... that's how I recall him from my childhood, likely as a result of Eddy Arnold's song from back in 1952 I believe. I read somewhere that the creators insisted on him being referred to as Smokey Bear even after the popularity of the song. My guess is that it might just depend on our parents approach to the story and whether or not they were informed of the duality. I think the song held more sway in children's memories.

Always enjoy your OUT Spotlight's Special !

prairiegirl said...

Thank you, Seaweed!! That makes 5!!! for Smokey The Bear!! Good to know I wasn't alone.

prairiegirl said...

But Management has not, is not, and will never get rid of the Toothy Tile / Grey Goose love story.

And they can railroad the originator and communicator of the Toothy Tile/Grey Goose love story Ted Casablanca out of town, pay him off, and/or keep him out of a job. They can railroad Jonathan Jaxson out of his job as well.

But it has not stopped the commenters on threads such as Blind Gossip, Just Jared and Oh No They Didn't from still speaking of and shipping Toothy Tile and Grey Goose to this very day.

And Ted has been out of the loop for over a year. I love it.
: )

Might have to post some of the comments. Have ourselves a little Tooth & Grey Goose party.

Tooth and GG as good as a Forever Stamp said...

zephyrkist 9th-Dec-2013 04:08 pm (local)
So he is still dating Toothy Tile or what

brando88 9th-Dec-2013 04:10 pm (local)
Him and Toothy are the OTP

zephyrkist 9th-Dec-2013 04:13 pm (local)
I miss the old days when we would all hang around for five years in a Ted Casablancas post trying to figure out wtf he was talking about. I hope Grey Goose are still livin the dream, though, with their (kid??) and public car sex

imabadkid 9th-Dec-2013 04:33 pm (local)
Seem like just yesterday Sophia was bearding for him.

charlie 9th-Dec-2013 04:38 pm (local)
jake + austin 4ever

faithgirl16 9th-Dec-2013 08:03 pm (local)
Girl have you been living under a rock? Austin and Jake have been boyfriends for over 10 years.

natalscar 9th-Dec-2013 06:41 pm (local)
Hmmmm...PR relationship maybe???

faithgirl16 9th-Dec-2013 08:01 pm (local)
LOL! Another PR showmance for him. Guess with that Alyssa Miller chic bearding for Jake Austin needs to get himself a new beard too. And of course it's one of his co-stars.

kimberlli_jv 9th-Dec-2013 09:20 pm (local)
He and Sophia were cute as f*, but long live the OTP of Jake/Austin.

Methodical Muser said...

Thanks, WME. Look like your publicity stunt brought out a bunch of old timers. Keep up the good work. Tooth and Goose 4ver

Methodical Muser said...


This tweet is making the rounds right now on twitter. I'm sure Jake and Austin are loving this. #OTP

Memory Lane

prairiegirl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Austin fan said...


I just stopped in knowing you guys would be on top of this. I just read the ONTD Chloe Bennet Interview + Holding Hands with Austin Nichols. This is really funny.

Read more at ONTD: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/84050757.html#ixzz2n2csEPXr

prairiegirl said...

You know what I love?

I love that the ONTD comments come on December 9 of this year, 2013.

Not 2005.

Not 2006.

Not 2007.

Not even 2010.


NOooooo, these would be in 2013.

AFTER Reese.
AFTER Sophia.
AFTER Michael "Mike" Pena.
AFTER Brian O'Byrne.
AFTER Minka.
AFTER Marcus.
AFTER Winston "Hook 'em Arms".
AFTER Olivia.
AFTER Ol' Tay.
AFTER Kananan
AFTER JayZ.
AFTER Rashida, Busy, Anne, and Jenny
AFTER Tony's Hottie.
AFTER Emily.
AFTER Alyssa.
AFTER Denis.
AFTER Hugh "Mr Jackman" Jackman.

Yup. Even after all of the above.

Toothy & Grey Goose 4Ever!!!!

Methodical Muser said...


You forgot Creepy Ed Zwick! Camilla “Jezebel” Belle, Give me another Yeah Burger, Emily DiDonato and I have no Clothes, Alyssa Miller.

prairiegirl said...

Hi Austin fan! Great to see you!

lol. Wow, was that a trip down the ol' memory trail or what? Bah!

I should have also added "AND DESPITE" Mama G.

Methodical Muser said...

Hey, you added two names! That darn delete button. ;-)

prairiegirl said...

Hey M&M! You were a couple of "deleted by author"s behind. lol

Love the list though!

too fun. ;D

the real m said...

Actually if you look closely, he is holding her finger, not her hand. The least amount of contact required to satisfy the contract!

I am not keeping total score as there seems to be a million awards being talked about, but so far Jake is not faring too well. Hence the need to amp up the hetero act and tie up that loose end Austin, who is seen with women even less often than Jake.

I think Dustin Lance Black is great, but he seems a bit old for Daley. I don't think it will last. But good for them while its fresh. There are not many Isherwoods in the world.

Kudos to Ted C. He may be down and out for now but he is surely not forgotten. I think in some ways, Jake is more famous for Toothy than any of his films.

Austin fan said...

I think this is wonderful. Whoever these guys have hired to cover up the gay is doing a rip roaring job. Achieving the reverse, that is!!!!! Jake and Austin are more glittery than ever.

prairiegirl said...

Achieving the reverse, that is!!!!!

Agree, Austin fan. The same thing happened with that Blind Gossip thread as well as the September Just Jared thread when a lot of fans came out of the woodwork. People loved the Jake and Austin Laker photos.


Actually if you look closely, he is holding her finger, not her hand.

Yup, pretty noticeable. Austin needs to work on that hand holding, doesn't he? I think those 2 need a few more meet & greets. Perhaps some "Hello My Name Is" name tags would help.

prairiegirl said...

Before I go, please indulge me in my brief Buckin memory. Interestingly enough, this tweet also appeared online today:

✺ breanaa ✺ ‏@BreTheG16 2h

austin nichols & robert buckley 😍


9:14 PM - 9 Dec 13 · Details


Seems like there were a few winky winks on Twitter today.

Methodical Muser said...

LOL! Is that your cooties avatar, PG?

Methodical Muser said...

AFTER Winston "Hook 'em Arms".

Instead of "Hook 'em Horns"? Very clever.

And, let's call Soapy, 4-5-6 years Sophia. Take you pick. I can't remember what they finally decided on.