Invasion of the Small Town Queers
Asad Kiyani

Among the more interesting things to do this Hallowe'en weekend, check out the Out:Here, Invasion of the Small Town Queers Plan B show in downtown Guelph. A compilation of short films and videos that portray people coming out of the closet in small towns and rural areas, it is a show that provokes thought and introspection.

Justin Stayshyn, curator of Ed Video Media Arts Centre in Guelph, sees Out:Here as a presentation that can relate to both the gay and straight communities.

"Hopefully, it's a chance for queers to get together in a non-bar environment... somewhere they can explore issues, not just have a social. Also, it gives non-queers an opportunity to learn more about the gay community."

The first part of the presentation is a 1972 short film entitled "Sackville, I'm Yours." It portrays Art Star as a gay man in a small town who is in denial about the discrimination he faces. Captured in black and white, the film has Star answering questions from an inaudible interviewer and his responses vividly illustrate how illusory and delusional a person in the minority can become when confronted with the reality of their opposition.

"My New Roommate" is a somewhat incoherent video that tells the tale of a gay man who has sex with a man who picks him up from the side of the road. While the lavish and exuberant giggling of the actors is amusing, the poor audio detracts from what could have been an interesting point of view.

The third film, "Water Into Fire," is the story of a native man infected with HIV. The third part of Zachary Longbow's trilogy, Stained-Glass Windows, mixes traditional native images with the assumed counter-culture of the gay community.

Despite being one of the shortest works, its incredibly complex visuals allow the viewer to contemplate a clash of cultures that normally isn't seen, and to experience the isolation a dying gay man faces in a hostile community.

"Queer Across Canada" is a film by Maureen Bradley, who was featured on the CBC series, "Road Movies." A personal biography, the film describes Bradley's awkward search for her identity. She becomes increasingly confused as both she, and others, attempt to define and label her.

"Names are strategic...they seem to fit [only] in certain places," says Bradley. "I'm not gay and I'm certainly not a queer--I'm a dyke."

Perhaps the most experimental clip is "Warm," by Wrik Mead. Barely three minutes long, it shows a naked man desperately trying to stand up on his own and remove the handcuffs that have been placed on him.

Set to an industrial dance score, the film is blurred and has colour strained from it until the man is rescued by his partner. While short, it's stark presentation and bleak background make it one of the more visually imposing pieces in the presentation.

In direct contrast to the intensity of "Warm," is "School Fag," which focuses on the story of 19- year- old Shaun Fowler. The light-hearted attitude of Fowler removes some of the gloom associated with a number of the other films. "School Fag," tells the story of Fowler growing up gay in a "white bread," neighborhood: from his childhood adventures as Wonder-Woman and his obsession with Rupaul, to the abuse and mental trauma he suffered as the result of coming out of the closet.

While obviously a bright and funny young man, the film also shows the despair that can so easily take root in those who are condemned for reasons they can't understand.

"Spacejazzeros" is another short film that seems to only make it halfway across the screen. While it clearly shows the physical abuse members of the gay community can suffer on the streets, it seems to wander too far in scope for such a short film. It has an important idea behind it, but nothing as striking as some of the other films.

"Bone, Gut Got Fornotten" (aka "Gone, But Not Forgotten"), is a five minute video that brings together the past and present of film-maker Christian Morrison. Inspired by the brutal murder of a gay high school teacher, the film shows Morrison as the viciously attacked man singing, "Song at Nightfall."

The camera slowly moves from the scene of the murder back to the rural beginnings of Morrison's hometown as he mournfully sings a cappella. While not as powerful as some of the others, it brings to the fore the universality of the abuse.

What is a terrific grouping of films, is unfortunately brought to a noticeably unresounding close with, "The Wild Woman in the Woods." Innovative in that it presents the struggle of a South Asian woman to find her identity, its superficial acting and not-so-subtle approach devalues what could have been an interesting perspective. Still, the overall presentation is an excellent collection which will strike a chord among those who view it.

The importance of the collection certainly is not lost on Stayshyn, especially in the wake of the brutal murder of a gay student in Wyoming a few weeks ago.

"It puts [the gay experience] in perspective for many who don't see it on a daily basis... it's very poignant for non-queers," said Stayshyn. "Big Hollywood pictures aren't as poignant, as immediate as these.

This is about people you know, people you can relate to, and the message gets across clearer and easier. Hopefully it will inspire others to do the same."

Out:Here Invasion of the Small Town Queers: Plan B screens on Friday, October 30, at Ed Video Media Arts Centre in downtown Guelph. Admission is whatever you can afford. Call (519)-836-9811 for more information.