I was not aware that James Dean was gay.

[Hurricane]

I was just reading about James Dean and apparently he was gay. I did not know that.

[BnL]

I thought he was bi.

[Tages]

Yup. Bi, if we're to accept William Bast's say-so on the topic.

[J.R. LeMar]

There is no actual proof that he was gay or bi. Just rumors told by others, decades after he was killed.

[Vakanai]

I thought he was bi.

I got to agree with this. I thought he was too.

[Hurricane]

Yup. Bi, if we're to accept William Bast's say-so on the topic.

According to what I've read, Bast wrote in his 2006 book "Surviving James Dean" that Dean was homosexual.

[ScottyQuick]

Obligatory Goo Goo Dolls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akBrJR3eee0).

[Michael P]

According to what I've read, Bast wrote in his 2006 book "Surviving James Dean" that Dean was homosexual.

Anybody can write something. What was his source?

[Tommy]

Anybody can write something. What was his source?

Bast was James Dean's best friend and roommate. Also numerous other people have come forward claiming he was gay, including ex-girlfriends.

[lexid523]

I'd heard that when asked about his sexuality, he once said, "I'm not going to go through life with one hand tied behind my back."

Sounds bi to me.

[Sean Walsh]

Why all these rumors? Why doesn't someone just ask hioh wait I thought you said Howard Dean never mind...


:tongue:

[LewisH]

we don't even care about such things. Oh well at least I personally can say I don't care. I just wish he had lived long enough to make more movies.

[Cam63]

Ah well, Jim... It was just your time, mate.

[fireSTRIKE!]

and the point of this thread being?...

I mean, after over 50 years, does anyone really care?... or does it really matter?...

[KevinTBrown]

and the point of this thread being?...

I mean, after over 50 years, does anyone really care?... or does it really matter?...

Seriously, when you think about it, is there a point to any thread?

Some people just like to discuss things. Not a big deal.



Now if this was the 4th thread in 10 days whining about how James Dean was being portrayed badly by a writer in a comic..... THEN you'd have a valid complaint! :tongue:

[fireSTRIKE!]

Seriously, when you think about it, is there a point to any thread?

Some people just like to discuss things. Not a big deal.



Now if this was the 4th thread in 10 days whining about how James Dean was being portrayed badly by a writer in a comic..... THEN you'd have a valid complaint! :tongue:

agreed, no biggie, Kev... I'm just looking at it as the man was tragically killed so long ago, had so much more to offer as an actor, but it was all cut short... and so he was either, straight, bi or gay... whichever way he swung, it makes no diff to me... it was what he had to offer in the way of his talent and his ability that interests me... his sexual preferences being discussed at this late date just seems so... pointless... and so immaterial...

and hey, maybe I'm just too crabby this morn and I needs my cawfee... like I said, it's all no big thing...

[Black Vespa]

Those scenes between Plato and Jim make a lot more sense now.

[BnL]

agreed, no biggie, Kev... I'm just looking at it as the man was tragically killed so long ago, had so much more to offer as an actor, but it was all cut short... and so he was either, straight, bi or gay... whichever way he swung, it makes no diff to me... it was what he had to offer in the way of his talent and his ability that interests me... his sexual preferences being discussed at this late date just seems so... pointless... and so immaterial...

and hey, maybe I'm just too crabby this morn and I needs my cawfee... like I said, it's all no big thing...

It actually does make a difference, to a lot of people. One of the biggest movie icons in history being bisexual is historically significant.

[Spackling Compound]

Without Googling or wiki'ing, I seem to remember Sir Alec Guiness being somehow involved with Dean.

I was in seventh grade when I heard of his homosexuality (over 30 years ago) and that was the same year Star Wars had come out. Hearing that Obi Wan was friends with James Dean but both were gay was a total mind-trip for me at the time.

[AaronJ]

It actually does make a difference, to a lot of people. One of the biggest movie icons in history being bisexual is historically significant.

I'm with fireSTRIKE! on this one.

[BnL]

I'm with fireSTRIKE! on this one.

That's wonderful for you.

[AaronJ]

That's wonderful for you.

Umm ... just stating my opinion. Which is, if I'm not mistaken, what you did.

I just didn't feel the need to repeat what he said. What the hell?!

[BnL]

Umm ... just stating my opinion. Which is, if I'm not mistaken, what you did.

I just didn't feel the need to repeat what he said. What the hell?!

Well, you essentially did just repeat what he said, while not really adding anything to the discussion, but that's besides the point. I'm sorry for my dismissive response. However, I felt that fireSTRIKE's post (and your agreement) was dismissive and condescending to those of us who DO have some kind of interest in the issue, and I reacted with frustration. So again, I apologize.

I'm just not very surprised that a straight man, who has no stake in this, would not be interested in James Dean's sexuality. Of course you don't care whether he was gay, all you care about is his ability to act. What a shocker. :wink:

Personally, I do happen to think it's historically significant. As a gay person, it's nice to look back on prominent LGBT's of the past. I also think it's noteworthy that one of the biggest sex symbols in film history was bisexual (if not gay). He was a heartthrob to millions of women, and knowing the truth of his sexual orientation is kind of interesting to me.

And yes, there is also a curiosity regarding his sex life, being that he was such a sexually appealing man. Do you mean to tell me that if you discovered that Marilyn Monroe had lesbian affairs with other Hollywood starlets that you wouldn't be the least bit interested?

[AaronJ]

Well, you essentially did just repeat what he said, while not really adding anything to the discussion, but that's besides the point. I'm sorry for my dismissive response. However, I felt that fireSTRIKE's post (and your agreement) was dismissive and condescending to those of us who DO have some kind of interest in the issue, and I reacted with frustration. So again, I apologize.

I'm just not very surprised that a straight man, who has no stake in this, would not be interested in James Dean's sexuality. Of course you don't care whether he was gay, all you care about is his ability to act. What a shocker. :wink:

Hey, no problem. I didn't mean to jump on you, either.

As to what I care about, sure it might be interesting. In a larger context. But really? No, not that interesting. And I really don't think that has anything to do with my being straight.

Personally, I do happen to think it's historically significant. As a gay person, it's nice to look back on prominent LGBT's of the past. I also think it's noteworthy that one of the biggest sex symbols in film history was bisexual (if not gay). He was a heartthrob to millions of women, and knowing the truth of his sexual orientation is kind of interesting to me.

And yes, there is also a curiosity regarding his sex life, being that he was such a sexually appealing man. Do you mean to tell me that if you discovered that Marilyn Monroe had lesbian affairs with other Hollywood starlets that you wouldn't be the least bit interested?

First, Marilyn: I've always assumed that there was something going on with her. I have no idea what her sexuality was, nor do I plan on ever knowing, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if she had some bisexual affairs.

Second, I get teh idea about his being a heartthrob, but I guess I just don't see what is going to be gained by our discussion of his sexuality, so long after the fact, and with (apparently) so little evidence.

Personally, no, I don't care if he was straight as an arrow, bi, or gay. He died before I was born. And that would have been his personal business, had he been alive to talk about it.

I guess, in general, I'm not interested in anyone's sexuality when it comes down to it. Personal business is personal business.

[BnL]

Hey, no problem. I didn't mean to jump on you, either.

As to what I care about, sure it might be interesting. In a larger context. But really? No, not that interesting. And I really don't think that has anything to do with my being straight.



First, Marilyn: I've always assumed that there was something going on with her. I have no idea what her sexuality was, nor do I plan on ever knowing, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least if she had some bisexual affairs.

Second, I get teh idea about his being a heartthrob, but I guess I just don't see what is going to be gained by our discussion of his sexuality, so long after the fact, and with (apparently) so little evidence.

Personally, no, I don't care if he was straight as an arrow, bi, or gay. He died before I was born. And that would have been his personal business, had he been alive to talk about it.

I guess, in general, I'm not interested in anyone's sexuality when it comes down to it. Personal business is personal business.

Okay, I can respect that. :smile:

[Hurricane]

Openly discussion how legendary ICONS such as James Dean and Abraham Lincoln were, at the very least, bisexual, certainly will not hurt the image of the LGBT community. Perhaps having someone to look up to will encourage young gay people and help their self image.

[AaronJ]

Okay, I can respect that. :smile:

Thanks. :)

Oh, and I will make one exception (to the 'I don't care about people's sexuality' thing):

If someone is regularly going on and on about how gays are the cause of the ruination of the world, and how being homosexual is a sin, etc., then they turn out to be gay -- well, in that one case, I do care.

I freakin' hate hypocrites!

[fireSTRIKE!]

Well, you essentially did just repeat what he said, while not really adding anything to the discussion, but that's besides the point. I'm sorry for my dismissive response. However, I felt that fireSTRIKE's post (and your agreement) was dismissive and condescending to those of us who DO have some kind of interest in the issue, and I reacted with frustration. So again, I apologize.

I'm just not very surprised that a straight man, who has no stake in this, would not be interested in James Dean's sexuality. Of course you don't care whether he was gay, all you care about is his ability to act. What a shocker. :wink:

Personally, I do happen to think it's historically significant. As a gay person, it's nice to look back on prominent LGBT's of the past. I also think it's noteworthy that one of the biggest sex symbols in film history was bisexual (if not gay). He was a heartthrob to millions of women, and knowing the truth of his sexual orientation is kind of interesting to me.

And yes, there is also a curiosity regarding his sex life, being that he was such a sexually appealing man. Do you mean to tell me that if you discovered that Marilyn Monroe had lesbian affairs with other Hollywood starlets that you wouldn't be the least bit interested?

gotta jump in here to say that my earlier statement was not intended as condescending or anything of the like... it's just that I'm of the mentality that a person's sexual preference doesn't interest me in the least... it's a person's accomplishments in whatever particular field is what matters to me... I'm a straight guy and a person's sexual preferences have no influence on how I feel about that person... it's just the way I feel about it all and there's nothing negative or derogatory or whatever in the statement that I made, I feel... if a person's sexual preference is whatever it is, then that's fine... sexuality is just not an issue with me when it comes to anyone... so again, no offense was intended... if I offended you by what I said, well then I guess I offended you and so be it... I don't think I should have to apologize for my statement as I feel there was nothing offensive, condescending or mean-spirited as to what I said earlier... hope what I've just said clears up any misunderstandings that may have come up... and I DO understand and respect your point of view and what you stated earlier and where YOU'RE coming from, as well... just wanted to let you know...

[BnL]

gotta jump in here to say that my earlier statement was not intended as condescending or anything of the like... it's just that I'm of the mentality that a person's sexual preference doesn't interest me in the least... it's a person's accomplishments in whatever particular field is what matters to me... I'm a straight guy and a person's sexual preferences have no influence on how I feel about that person... it's just the way I feel about it all and there's nothing negative or derogatory or whatever in the statement that I made, I feel... if a person's sexual preference is whatever it is, then that's fine... sexuality is just not an issue with me when it comes to anyone... so again, no offense was intended... if I offended you by what I said, well then I guess I offended you and so be it... I don't think I should have to apologize for my statement as I feel there was nothing offensive, condescending or mean-spirited as to what I said earlier... hope what I've just said clears up any misunderstandings that may have come up... and I DO understand and respect your point of view and what you stated earlier and where YOU'RE coming from, as well... just wanted to let you know...

Thanks for explaining, and it's fine. I know you meant no harm.

[Corrina]

Openly discussion how legendary ICONS such as James Dean and Abraham Lincoln were, at the very least, bisexual, certainly will not hurt the image of the LGBT community. Perhaps having someone to look up to will encourage young gay people and help their self image.

There's just something WRONG with James Dean and Abraham Lincoln in the same sentence.

Probably because they're from such different worlds and times, and I don't think acting in a few movies is somehow similar to being President of the United States and holding the union together.

Not offended, mind you. It's just damned odd to see those names thrown together.

[Tages]

Openly discussion how legendary ICONS such as James Dean and Abraham Lincoln were, at the very least, bisexual, certainly will not hurt the image of the LGBT community. Perhaps having someone to look up to will encourage young gay people and help their self image.

The evidence that Abraham Lincoln was bi or gay could charitably be described as "sketchy."

[fireSTRIKE!]

Thanks for explaining, and it's fine. I know you meant no harm.

thanks for the listen, thanks for the understanding and thanks for your response... just wanted to let you know my stand about it all and that there never was any disrespect meant or intended in my post...

[Hurricane]

There's just something WRONG with James Dean and Abraham Lincoln in the same sentence.

Probably because they're from such different worlds and times, and I don't think acting in a few movies is somehow similar to being President of the United States and holding the union together.

Not offended, mind you. It's just damned odd to see those names thrown together.

I see where your coming from. I wasn't trying to compare the two, just stating their common status as American icons, each for their own, very different reasons.

[bert]

Iconic
http://media.bigoo.ws/content/image/celebrities_male/celebrities_male_85.jpg

sexy as all hell
http://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2008/04/james_dean_shirtless.jpg

and a young talent gone way too soon
http://speak2all.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/james_dean_smoking2.jpg


and yes, by all accounts I've ever seen/read, definately bisexual, but with more male lovers than female (although, who knows how the numbers would have added up if he had lived longer).

this thread needed more visuals. . yummy, yummy visuals.

[sweetdreams]

That is exactly what was missing and you did well!