Hollywood’s rainbow: Hollywood Pride author Alonso Duralde

Hollywood has long been a place of glamour and storytelling, but
its history with LGBTQ+ representation is complex and
ever-evolving. Film critic Alonso Duralde dives deep into this
fascinating world in his new book, Hollywood Pride: A Celebration
of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film. Hollywood Pride
is a history of queer Hollywood in chronological order, starting
from the very beginnings of cinema in 1895 and journeying all the
way to 2022. It's not just about the movies themselves; Alonso
delves into the lives of the artists – actors, directors, writers,
and more – who have shaped Hollywood, both on and off screen. "The
book is a look at how queer history evolved over those decades, off
the screen and in society," Alonso explains. "And then how that was
reflected in the movies." Each chapter focuses on a specific
period, highlighting the key LGBTQ+ figures and films of that era.
It explores not only positive portrayals but also the coded
messages and subtext that emerged during times of censorship, like
the Hays Code era. Alonso argues that even negative portrayals hold
certain significance. "Even negative inclusion is at least
visibility and a reminder that we exist," he says. "It's not the
greatest reminder, but it's better than nothing." The book examines
Alfred Hitchcock's films, some of which are very homophobic, but
still offer a glimpse of LGBTQ+ characters.There are also
unexpected gems celebrated in the book, such as 1999's The Mummy, a
film that has resonated with the bisexual community. By the 1970's,
Dog Day Afternoon and Midnight Cowboy could more openly deal with
gay characters, if not in the best light. Alonso especially enjoyed
writing about Salome, Caged, I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, Ed
Wood's Glen or Glenda, and by the 1990's, the era of the New Queer
Cinema movement. While celebrating the strides made in LGBTQ+
representation, Alonso acknowledges there are still many stories
waiting to be told. "It feels like I was skimming the surface of a
very deep topic," he says. But even a glimpse into this rich
history is a valuable step forward, offering a deeper understanding
of LGBTQ+ experiences in cinema and beyond. You can find Hollywood
Pride as a book, ebook, or audiobook wherever books are sold. **WIN
A COPY OF HOLLYWOOD PRIDE! Like, Follow and Comment on our post for
this week's episode on Instagram, Facebook or Threads and we will
pick a winner** *Winner must be within the continental U.S.!* Find
Alonso Duralde: Instagram: @alonso.duralde Listen to our previous
interview with Alonso Duralde about his Christmas film book, Have
Yourself a Movie Little Christmas.
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