This question of sanctified representation comes from a place of reverence, but maybe also fear. Since 2019, there have been several books and movies released that reflect a positive cultural shift and provide more room for morally questionable queer expression, not least of which is Christopher Bollen’s 2020 literary crime caper, A Beautiful Crime, and Todd Field’s 2022 cinematic social puzzle, Tár. In the novel, my protagonist’s vanity borders on the maniacal, and any threat to his flimsy ego elicits a sadistic response. In the four years since the publication of my essay and story, I have written my own novel, Performer Non Grata (Rebel Satori Press), which explores the narcissism-and even sociopathy-of gay male characters. Publishers and producers seem too timid to permit us more complex roles, like villains, or at least flawed antiheroes. The premise was that the majority of LGBT characters in literature and film are either saints or victims. In April 2019, I wrote an online essay titled “ If This is Freedom Enslave Me,” which accompanied my short story, “Please,” about a cynical, cruel, older gay couple who take advantage of a poor young gay man.
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