Is Bruno Character Gay or Just Effeminate?

Sacha Baron Cohen's new comedy Bruno opens on July 10, 2009. Many people are anxiously awaiting the sure-to-be box office hit because of how outrageously funny Sacha Baron Cohen can be. Bruno will be irresistible to some because the economy is so bad that people need an escape and laughter is often the best medicine and surely the cheapest.

Bruno may become a hit but it will not do so without offending thousands or millions of people around the world. Sacha Baron Cohen plays a gay Austrian fashion designer in the film, but many people think that this character is just another stereotypical portrayal of an outlandish gay person.

Sure, maybe some gays dress and act like Bruno but this is a very small percentage of the gay community. Most gays and lesbians look and act like everyone else on a regular basis. They are doctors and lawyers, engineers and architects, race car drivers and movie stars.

A recent Variety article noted someone's opinion that the Bruno film may, in effect, validate homophobia. Many people watching the film may already have negative views of gays or may be homophobic and this kind of portrayal may further cement these views or opinions.

Some music rappers have been criticized as being homophobic by the content of their songs. Eminem's recent appearance and connection with the Bruno character at the MTV Music Awards made it seem like Eminem was turned off or repelled by Bruno's body or antics.

A Sun Media article quoted someone as saying that the Bruno character would further promote "ideas about all gays bring flamboyant" and that gay stereotypes would be reinforced.

There are organizations dedicated to prevent the spread of negative stereotypes against gays. One of them, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has at its goal the mission to change hearts and minds about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

Bruno and Sacha Baron Cohen may bring laughter to millions of people this summer, and everyone may welcome the opportunity to escape their troubles and laugh at Bruno's silly behaviors.

Try and make an effort to be sensitive to gays in your community. Do not further perpetuate negative or stereotypical portrayals of gays and lesbians. Do your best to engage in your community and reach out to gays and lesbians.

Remember that very few individuals come close to matching the outrageous flamboyant attributes of Bruno. Take note that Sacha Baron Cohen is trying to make lots of money from the movie and the character Bruno, and one way to do that is to create lots of controversy.

Sources:

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Bruno flick upsets gays, Kristy Brownlee, Sun Media, June 15, 2009.

A Disclaimer for Bruno?, Wilshire & Washington, Variety, June 12, 2009.

Canadian rappers weigh in on whether hip-hop music is homophobic, Nick Patch, The Canadian Press, June 1, 2009.