Content warning: This episode mentions the Killing Stalking manhwa, discusses problematic elements of dramas (such as non-consensual grabbing, stalking, kidnapping, and misogynistic behavior), mentions drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, fictional suicide in Orphan Black, underage relationships with regards to Queer as Folk, microaggressions and exclusionary behavior re: Pride events, fake suicides and hate crimes, and deals with a complex and potentially tender subject―that of pen names and pronouns in queer romance being policed. We also mention Santino Hassell.
Austin and Amanda talk about stuff they've been consuming―including a strangely enjoyable but deeply problematic Chinese BoyLove drama―and also discuss gatekeeping and accessibility issues at Pride events. The last half of the episode is dedicated to the subject of pen names in queer romance, and how policing what pronouns someone uses in their author life can be harmful. Though there are genuine examples of people appropriating experiences for artistic cred and social capital and using that to cause real harm, we need to focus on the harm done and not what pronoun the person used while doing it.
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Episode notes:
The free bleep I used was found here!
Elton John - Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (with Kiki Dee)
The Ella Enchanted version
Ngozi Ukaz - Check, Please!
Koogi - Killing Stalking (TW for kidnapping, rape, murder, violence, and other disturbing content)
Keezy Young - Never Heroes: Yellow Hearts
Robin Bennis - The Guns Above: A Signal Airship Novel
Westworld (TV show)
P.G. Wodehouse
The Hopeless Romantic - Episode 30 - Beefman
Orphan Black (TV show)
Addicted (Chinese drama)
Brokeback Mountain Theme
Screencaps from Addicted
Elton John - The Circle of Life
Queer as Folk (US TV show)
The L Word (TV show)
The Fussy Librarian: "Cockygate" hearing transcript released
J.K. Rowling aka Joanne Rowling
George Sand aka Amantine Lucile Dupin
AO3 Census: Masterpost
Book Binge: A Statement About Santino Hassell
LGBTSR.Org: Gay Mystery Icon Josh Lanyon Comes Out as a Woman
Also, Amanda didn't mention them by name, but another case of manipulation and fraud in M/M had to do with the author Thorny Sterling.