Rudolph the Young-Gay Reindeer

Gay Rudolph
Ok, admit it. Every year you watch the Rankin/Bass version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and so do I. It is one of those classic Christmas flicks that we watch every year along with A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. One thing that probably didn’t occur to you though, was that Rudolph was gay.

As a child growing up I identified with little gay Rudolph. I knew I was different from the other children at a young age, just like Rudolph. I was awkward at sports, kids “called me names” and did not want me to play in their “reindeer games”. I had a gal pal, like Clarice-still do today, and I had my share of other misfit friends like Hermy. While my father was alway supportive of me, Rudolph’s father is ashamed of him and even tries to “cover up” his flamboyant tendencies. Even Santa in the beginning of the story is not supportive of poor Rudolph. Santa could be thought to represent the government, the religious right, or even mainstream society. One might even make the case that Yukon Cornelius would be known in gay culture as a “bear”. Bears are hairy, husky, usually bearded, gay men. Just as Rudolph, I have hung out with my share of Yukons.

Do I think that the creators really meant to portray Rudolph as a gay youth? Probably not, but I can assure you that the experiences and feelings that this character suffered have been felt by many a gay child. All children… whatever their difference… should be encouraged to “take flight” and express their natural “glow”.

Happy Birthday John Fricke!

John Fricke
Today John Fricke is 55. John Fricke is the world renowned author and expert on The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland. I first met John in June of 1989 at the Judy Garland Fesival in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He had just produced a great documentary, Judy Garland: The Concert Years, and was a featured guest speaker at the event. John was and is, one of the most personable and articulate people I have ever met. A group of us befriended him and spent evenings watching rare Judy Garland television appearances back at his hotel room using my old clunky VHS camrecorder. John would give us a history about the appearance and speak of Judy with great knowledge and reverence. Over the years John and I became friends and I have a special place in my heart for this man. Happy Birthday John!

There is an interesting biography and interview with John here and another here.

Recommended Books by John Fricke:

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial History
Judy Garland: World’s Greatest Entertainer
100 Years of Oz : A Century of Classic Images
Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art & Anecdote

Great Blogging Book

I am reading a great book on blogging called Who Let the Blogs Out? by Biz Stone. It answers a lot of questions about the history of blogging and it is a must reference for anyone who blogs or is just getting started. What I find interesting is that his blog is so simple and isn’t put together well. There is little information about him, no contact information, no comments allowed, and if you leave his front page there is no easy way to get back to the top! I expected much more from him after reading his book. You can read his blog here.

Mass Bay Bears visit IKEA

From the Mass Bay Bears site

Join the Mass Bay Bears on our excursion to reasonably-priced swedish-contemporary furniture & housewares. IKEA in other cities is a hugely popular Bear-spotting spot, let’s kick off our local one in Stoughton. By Dec. 2nd the crowds should be under control & the shelves restocked. We’ll be meeting in the front lobby at 7pm for shopping, then reconnecting at 8pm in the trés chic café for $5 Swedish Meatballs dinners & $6 salmon ones. This will be a fun casual way to meet new Bears & stock up for the holidays.

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