Gaycation: Japan
March 15, 2016 9:56 PM - Season 1, Episode 1 - Subscribe
Ellen Page and Ian Daniel go to Japan to examine a culture where popular media focusing on gay relationships co-exists with a society in which same-sex marriage is still not legal and same-sex couples often bear a social stigma. Through experiencing the country's vibrant LGBT culture and nightlife and speaking with rights activists and LGBT individuals, they explore what it's really like to identify as LGBT in Japan and meet some of the people struggling to find their voice in a country that refuses to give them equal rights under the law.
As will be a theme with this series, obvious trigger warnings for homophobia. This episode, though, is relatively mild given the content being explored.
As will be a theme with this series, obvious trigger warnings for homophobia. This episode, though, is relatively mild given the content being explored.
The scene where the young man comes out to his mother is really difficult to watch, especially with these two Americans sitting politely watching it happen. I kind of felt bad for the mother in that scene, being ambushed (in a way) by a camera crew and a couple of strangers.
That said, I really like this show. The second episode is in Brazil, and is well worth a watch, especially for the interview toward the end.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:21 AM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
That said, I really like this show. The second episode is in Brazil, and is well worth a watch, especially for the interview toward the end.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:21 AM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
On the other hand, now I want to hire Mr. Ishii for all my family gatherings.
posted by Mogur at 5:32 AM on March 16, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Mogur at 5:32 AM on March 16, 2016 [3 favorites]
Yeah that scene was pretty awkward, Thorzdad, and I felt bad for the mother too. I feel like them being there might have made it more difficult for her, but at the same time the young man was pretty insistent about them being there? So ambivalent about that scene. I get the feeling throughout the whole series Ellen and Ian are realllly gonna be putting themselves out there in a way that I don't think I'd be able to do. And I think they're handling everything in a way that tries to balance being sensitive to cultural differences while still holding people accountable for and acknowledging the situations of the LGBT people living that life, you know?
Anyway I'm really happy with them and grateful for what they're doing with the series so far. I'd like to see more stuff like this.
The Brazil episode was... difficult. Was hoping to see/make a thread for that ep. too depending on participation and interest.
posted by suddenly, and without warning, at 8:26 AM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
Anyway I'm really happy with them and grateful for what they're doing with the series so far. I'd like to see more stuff like this.
The Brazil episode was... difficult. Was hoping to see/make a thread for that ep. too depending on participation and interest.
posted by suddenly, and without warning, at 8:26 AM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
Such mixed feelings about the coming out scene. Because he needs support, the whole episode up to that point sort of pointed out that a young man in his situation has no support. I've been the awkward support in the room during coming out that the parent would have massively preferred not be there, that's kinda the point. But it's not a non-event for her either. The camera and the culture clash... The can of worms, so big, tons of worms in there.
One thing I took as a positive is that her face is visible which means she consented to it afterwords, there are many other faces blurred out throughout the episode. I saw that as a silver lining.
posted by French Fry at 12:38 PM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
One thing I took as a positive is that her face is visible which means she consented to it afterwords, there are many other faces blurred out throughout the episode. I saw that as a silver lining.
posted by French Fry at 12:38 PM on March 16, 2016 [2 favorites]
I watched the third episode last night. Jamaica. I had no idea Jamaica was such a homophobic place. It actually seems worse than Brazil.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:20 AM on March 21, 2016
posted by Thorzdad at 5:20 AM on March 21, 2016
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Also, currently this and the second episode are viewable on Viceland's website for free.
posted by suddenly, and without warning, at 9:59 PM on March 15, 2016 [1 favorite]