Gay symbols or themes in books? - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

RaeofLite · 18th Nov 2009, 11:04 PM

I was just thinking the other day about symbolism and themes that are or could seem gay in books.

...I realized. The narnia series, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have serious gay themes or symbols.

Narnia: The "wardrobe", coming out to a place that is wonderful...

Harry Potter: Living "in the cupboard under the stairs" and being freed to a world where Harry is with others of his kind.

Lord of the Rings: Sam and Frodo... Do I need to say more?

It just makes me happy even if they aren't intentionally written that way...

Are there other references in the books mentioned or others books you have read?

Stuie · 18th Nov 2009, 11:40 PM

Interesting you should read that into the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They're basically pure Christian allegory. There's even overt Christian references. This is always an interesting part of literature, different interpretations of the same text.

Just Adam · 19th Nov 2009, 05:41 AM

ive allways acted out a little gay scene between sam and frodo...

" i made a promise mr frodo and i intend to keep it "

"oh sam "

how many times did he say oh same...frodo was gay !... he was the only one that could handle the ring well enough...what ? you had the naughty thought not me >.>

Steve · 19th Nov 2009, 08:25 AM

omg so homosexuals are wizards SOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOl !
where do i get my wand :P

Z3ni · 19th Nov 2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaeofLite

I was just thinking the other day about symbolism and themes that are or could seem gay in books.

...I realized. The narnia series, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have serious gay themes or symbols.

Narnia: The "wardrobe", coming out to a place that is wonderful...

Harry Potter: Living "in the cupboard under the stairs" and being freed to a world where Harry is with others of his kind.

Lord of the Rings: Sam and Frodo... Do I need to say more?

It just makes me happy even if they aren't intentionally written that way...

Are there other references in the books mentioned or others books you have read?

Cool I havn't noticed that =]

-Michael- · 19th Nov 2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

omg so homosexuals are wizards SOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOl !
where do i get my wand :P

in your ass

Steve · 19th Nov 2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Michael-

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

omg so homosexuals are wizards SOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOl !
where do i get my wand :P

in your ass

smexy

RaeofLite · 19th Nov 2009, 11:33 AM

Well Dumbledore is... so he converted Harry!

**lostinthought9** · 19th Nov 2009, 12:15 PM

Hm, wasn't there some controversy between the two male characters from "A Seperate Peace"?

I may be thinking of a different book, so don't bash me if I'm wrong.

SlickyPants · 19th Nov 2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaeofLite

Lord of the Rings: Sam and Frodo... Do I need to say more?

If you could elaborate about Frodo and Sam's relationship, that would be great. Sam was simply devoted to his friend and master. He loved him as any friend would. I fail to see any mention or hint of a gay undertone. Sure, everyone is entitled to read into it how they wish but by that line of reasoning you could argue that any two male friends or any two female friends in all literature are gay symbols or themes.

Astaroth · 19th Nov 2009, 11:36 PM

In the series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, one of the very handsome and suave male nobility, a man named Renly, has a court of seven guards known as the "Rainbow Guard." One of the guards is a man named Loras Tyrell who is considered by most women throughout the series to be the most attractive man they've laid eyes on. And he's often termed "Renly's Peach." It's said that Loras "helps Renly pray" or "shows him how to use his lance."

Anne Rice's vampires are often used as an allegory for homosexuality. They are outcasts from the normal world. They hold secrets that they cannot share with anyone but others of their own kind. They are able to sense others with the Gifts (gaydar?). Many of them harbor same-sex attractions. They are associated with a blood-born, communicable disease (in their case, vampirism, and in our case, AIDS). Of course, the allegory is not completely a positive one (they "turn" others to their side, they kill, etc.), but it still has lots of symbolism, much of it purposeful. Anne Rice's son is gay. Her books were probably a way of reasoning through it.

George · 20th Nov 2009, 03:17 AM

I believe that Dumbledore touched Harry while he was still alive.

Ander Blue · 20th Nov 2009, 10:32 AM

I loved Anne Rice's novels, if it was a way to reason through her son's sexuality, she did it beautifully.

19rockr · 20th Nov 2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaeofLite

Well Dumbledore is... so he converted Harry!

i remember reading somewhere before that said that Dumbledore once had a relationship with Grindelwald before the Big Duel between the two....

and isn't there a "secret" relationship between Harry and Draco?
They look so cute together, it would be hard to believe they're not dating...or even as Daniel and Tom...

Ty · 20th Nov 2009, 11:25 AM

Robert Frost's poem 'Birches' is quite gay.

RaeofLite · 20th Nov 2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19rockr

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaeofLite

Well Dumbledore is... so he converted Harry!

i remember reading somewhere before that said that Dumbledore once had a relationship with Grindelwald before the Big Duel between the two....

and isn't there a "secret" relationship between Harry and Draco?
They look so cute together, it would be hard to believe they're not dating...or even as Daniel and Tom...

Yea. Dumbledore and Grindelwald were childhood friends implied in the Wizard cards and Book 7. And with Rowling declaring Dumbledore's sexuality, I'm pretty sure that was implied. He basically had to kill his best friend and lover. Sad really.

Haha, yes there are a lot of fanfics on the Draco/Harry ship online. Isn't it, if a boy likes you, he'll pick on you?

George · 20th Nov 2009, 09:11 PM

Oh, also, this thread belongs in Entertainment and Technology.

UserName · 21st Nov 2009, 12:59 AM

Well I know this isn't a book...but maybe we could broaden the horizons and go on the topic of shows and movies. When ever I watch the show "Heroes" and how they have to hide their powers from the world from a fear of being outcasted and life endangered because they are different it always reminds me of being a closeted homosexual...although probably not a subtle message in the show, I was always able to relate to that show lol.

21st Nov 2009, 01:14 AM

there are a couple angels in "his dark materials" trilogy that are gay (The Golden Compass movie was messed up big time). they have a fairly big part too, and i don't have any supporting reviews, but its extremely obvious that they're gay lovers.

Pasalacqua · 21st Nov 2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinthought9

Hm, wasn't there some controversy between the two male characters from "A Seperate Peace"?

I may be thinking of a different book, so don't bash me if I'm wrong.

No, you're right.

I read that a few years ago, I remember parts where like, they're on top of each other and it's like "There was no place he would have rather been right then."

And something about the kid wearing a pink shirt and everyone was like OH MY GOD KJLNF;DNGFR

BUT.
Yea, it was A Separate Peace

18th Nov 2009, 11:04 PM	#1
RaeofLite I've got the moves like Jagger Full Member Gender: ♀ Orientation: Sapphicly inclined Out Status: My closet is for clothes! Location: BC, Canada Age: 23 Posts: 3,111 Join Date: Apr 2009	Gay symbols or themes in books? I was just thinking the other day about symbolism and themes that are or could seem gay in books. ...I realized. The narnia series, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings have serious gay themes or symbols. Narnia: The "wardrobe", coming out to a place that is wonderful... Harry Potter: Living "in the cupboard under the stairs" and being freed to a world where Harry is with others of his kind. Lord of the Rings: Sam and Frodo... Do I need to say more? It just makes me happy even if they aren't intentionally written that way... Are there other references in the books mentioned or others books you have read? __________________ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund (and the lesbians)

18th Nov 2009, 11:40 PM	#2
Stuie Hugs - $POA Full Member Gender: e^(πi) +1 = 0 Orientation: Schnoo Out Status: Moo Cow Location: Canberra, Australia Age: 19 Posts: 1,463 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Interesting you should read that into the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They're basically pure Christian allegory. There's even overt Christian references. This is always an interesting part of literature, different interpretations of the same text. __________________ STRAAAAAAAAAAAWURUWERT AND THE LESBIANS! MADDATRON3000X's (Maddy) Fag Hag Loves Pauline in the form of the equation f(x): (-∞,2) -> R, 2^-x

19th Nov 2009, 05:41 AM	#3
Just Adam Just passing through Full Member Gender: Something Orientation: Dunno Out Status: If they ask i will tell them Location: Wherever Age: 23 Posts: 6,002 Join Date: Mar 2009	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? ive allways acted out a little gay scene between sam and frodo... " i made a promise mr frodo and i intend to keep it " "oh sam " how many times did he say oh same...frodo was gay !... he was the only one that could handle the ring well enough...what ? you had the naughty thought not me >.> __________________ There Used To Be A Point Of Things.

19th Nov 2009, 08:25 AM	#4
Steve EC's Soldier! Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Sargeant sexual Out Status: whoever asks Location: Born in australia, but now living some where else Age: 21 Posts: 2,273 Join Date: May 2008	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? omg so homosexuals are wizards SOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOl ! where do i get my wand :P __________________ Soldier " there is no room for that in my pocklet" commander " if there is room in your heart then there in your pocket" Soldier " i cant fit my gf in there" -r " have you tried ? until you try you dont know"

19th Nov 2009, 11:33 AM	#8
RaeofLite I've got the moves like Jagger Full Member Gender: ♀ Orientation: Sapphicly inclined Out Status: My closet is for clothes! Location: BC, Canada Age: 23 Posts: 3,111 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Well Dumbledore is... so he converted Harry! __________________ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund (and the lesbians)

19th Nov 2009, 12:15 PM	#9
lostinthought9 EC's Biggest Xena Fan EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: A few people Location: Louisiana Age: 21 Posts: 2,059 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Hm, wasn't there some controversy between the two male characters from "A Seperate Peace"? I may be thinking of a different book, so don't bash me if I'm wrong. __________________

19th Nov 2009, 11:36 PM	#11
Astaroth ❀ Byakuren Hijiri ❀ Full Member Gender: Genderqueer Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Federal Way, WA Age: 30 Posts: 1,299 Join Date: Nov 2007	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? In the series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, one of the very handsome and suave male nobility, a man named Renly, has a court of seven guards known as the "Rainbow Guard." One of the guards is a man named Loras Tyrell who is considered by most women throughout the series to be the most attractive man they've laid eyes on. And he's often termed "Renly's Peach." It's said that Loras "helps Renly pray" or "shows him how to use his lance." Anne Rice's vampires are often used as an allegory for homosexuality. They are outcasts from the normal world. They hold secrets that they cannot share with anyone but others of their own kind. They are able to sense others with the Gifts (gaydar?). Many of them harbor same-sex attractions. They are associated with a blood-born, communicable disease (in their case, vampirism, and in our case, AIDS). Of course, the allegory is not completely a positive one (they "turn" others to their side, they kill, etc.), but it still has lots of symbolism, much of it purposeful. Anne Rice's son is gay. Her books were probably a way of reasoning through it. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~

20th Nov 2009, 03:17 AM	#12
George Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 19 Posts: 2,387 Join Date: Jul 2007	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? I believe that Dumbledore touched Harry while he was still alive.

20th Nov 2009, 10:32 AM	#13
Ander Blue feeling comfy Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (normally Troy, New York) Age: 22 Posts: 428 Join Date: Nov 2009	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? I loved Anne Rice's novels, if it was a way to reason through her son's sexuality, she did it beautifully.

20th Nov 2009, 11:25 AM	#15
Ty Mints ribbed for her pleasure Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Oxford, t'South, UK Age: 19 Posts: 305 Join Date: Oct 2008	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Robert Frost's poem 'Birches' is quite gay. __________________ Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, exhibit number one is what the seraphs, the misinformed, simple, noble-winged seraphs, envied. Look at this tangle of thorns.

20th Nov 2009, 09:11 PM	#17
George Banned Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 19 Posts: 2,387 Join Date: Jul 2007	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Oh, also, this thread belongs in Entertainment and Technology.

21st Nov 2009, 12:59 AM	#18
UserName Member Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: South Carolina Posts: 96 Join Date: Nov 2009	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? Well I know this isn't a book...but maybe we could broaden the horizons and go on the topic of shows and movies. When ever I watch the show "Heroes" and how they have to hide their powers from the world from a fear of being outcasted and life endangered because they are different it always reminds me of being a closeted homosexual...although probably not a subtle message in the show, I was always able to relate to that show lol.

21st Nov 2009, 01:14 AM	#19
paco Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Gay symbols or themes in books? there are a couple angels in "his dark materials" trilogy that are gay (The Golden Compass movie was messed up big time). they have a fairly big part too, and i don't have any supporting reviews, but its extremely obvious that they're gay lovers.

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