Riverdale Welcomes Diversity

If you're not too familiar with Riverdale High and the fun loving boyish antics of Archie and Jughead...perhaps now would be a good time to check out Archie Comics! Recently, this traditional staple of American comic books (established in 1939), has expanded it's horizons and brought the changing world right into the comic setting of Riverdale!

Recently, the folks at Archie Comic's shook things up when they made the decision to explore the subject of interracial dating, by bringing in Valerie from Josie and the Pussycats to be Archie's new girlfriend. For those of you who don't follow this sort of thing- Valerie is an African American character. (This issue was released just yesterday!)

Well, they're at it again- later this year they'll be introducing a whole new character... KEVIN!!

Check out writer/artist Dan Parent talk about the some of the new things you can expect to see at Riverdale this Summer:

Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Co-CEO said of this breaking news:

"The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive. Archie's hometown of Riverdale has always been a safe world for everyone. It just makes sense to have an openly gay character in Archie comic books"

Thanks for keeping it real Archie Comics!

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"

Food for Comedic Thought

Lately there have been a lot of comedy television shows and movies portraying strong gay characters, and I'm certainly not hearkening back to the days of Will & Grace or even the string of drag queen flavored films which spawned from Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Has anyone seen Modern Family? True- the show is full of stereotypes but the pilot episode also tackled a big issue... gays adopting a baby. Pretty forward thinking for American TV. Or how about Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist? The main character, a straight teen, plays bass for a Queercore band with his best friends who are gay. They play it off as almost a side note- their sexual preference is not drawn into focus as a comedic diversion but rather used as a way to show the main character's "open mindedness" and dependability. Both positive qualities to see in a teenage boy- wouldn't you say?

Well, I came across this clip of Jane Lynch playing her Glee character Sue Sylvester... and hilarity ensued... but it also made me think....

What do you think? Are there too many "sneaky gays" out there? LOL.

While I do think that in the past homosexuality was sometimes used in film and television as a comedic device for men to appear in women's clothes or to show how "eccentric" a character was, I am happy to see more homosexual characters and themes used in a nonchalant way....

Now then... "swish it up gays!"

-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -

"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"