One Step Forward ...

... And that's about as far as GLBT-themed movies have progressed, at least when it comes to the Hollywood majors in this post- Brokeback Mountain world. But should we be surprised?

As reported by Entertainment Weekly's Adam B. Vary, you are much more likely to come across queer content on television nowadays then the big screen ... at least if you don't want to be offended or the butt of a nasty joke. Which would you rather watch, the gay positive Ugly Betty or Brothers and Sisters on TV, or the vile homophobia of Wild Hogs or I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry in a laughter-filled theater? Yeah, me too.

On the other hand, do we really want our stories told by corporate committee, as most studio productions are these days, focus grouped and mainstreamed within an inch of their relevance or, dare I say it, quality? They may have their admirers on our side of the audience, but do we really want (or need) more Birdcages or In & Outs?

Independent films (of which, technically, Brokeback was) have always picked up the slack from the majors on not just queer-themed stories, but all so-called "niche" projects, and that hasn't changed and won't anytime soon. With its overwhelming critical praise (Oscar snub notwithstanding) and pop culture caché (for better or worse), Brokeback was an exception to the rule that a gay-themed movie could be a major hit at the box office ... and exceptions don't rewrite the rules, as far as the suits are concerned. One only has to look back to Philadelphia, another movie earmarked to change Hollywood perceptions. Where was the tidal wave of studio pictures with gay themes after that one? Exactly.

As long as we are marginalized in one extent to the other in all corners of society, we will always have to fight for positive and/or realistic visibility. No doubt, things have improved in the two short years since Brokeback, and they will continue to do so. We just can't rely on Hollywood to do it.

Link via EW.com.