Recently, the Gene Autry Heritage Museum invited me to attend a much-anticipated press party (August 11th) for the unveiling of a display featuring two of the Cowboys shirts that were worn by the lead characters (Jack & Ennis) in the award-winning film - "Brokeback Mountain" - directed by Ang Lee.
Unfortunately, the day for the event to put the spotlight on the iconic shirts has come, and I am unable to attend due to a back load of five or six posts that need polishing and subsequent publishing on the Internet.
I am there in spirit, though.
According to the public relations department at the Museum, the exhibit represents the LBGT community's struggle for safety and inclusion in the rural western communities from where many originate yet often feel forced to abandon.
The shirts are on loan from openly gay collector, producer, and sociopolitical commentator - Tom Gregory - who teasingly referred to the shirts worn by stars in the film as the"ruby red slippers" of this generation.
In my generation - "The Front Runner" - was the book that impacted young men struggling with their sexual identity and a prevailing attitude that yearnings for a homosexual relationship signaled a mental illness that was curable with appropriate treatment.
One Doctor (back in the fifties) argued that men flirted with "homosexuality" (the term gay had not been coined yet) - not because they were attracted to members of the same sex - but rather - because they were seeking their manhood (yet undeveloped in themselves due to an overbearing mother or the lack of a father figure in the home environment) in another male.
He theorized that once the individual was secure in his own masculinity, the unhealthy sexual phase would pass, and that the "once-confused" young male would move on to heterosexual relationships with women, start a family, whatever.
Meanwhile, between the covers of the "Front Runner", author - Patricia Nell Warren - put forth the notion that it was not only okay to be "gay" - but entirely appropriate - to shout it out.
The shocking climax in her subculture classic underscored, however, that there may be dire consequences in following one's heart.
I read the book years ago when I attended West Hill Collegiate in a Toronto suburb.
Because I was a long-distance runner on the track & field team, I was immediately drawn to Warren's book, for obvious reasons.
In fact, I day-dreamed about playing the lead character, the young runner.
The plot focuses on a gay coach (pre "out-&-proud" days) who transfers to a small University so that he may remain closeted about his homosexuality and free of temptation.
A young runner saunters onto campus, strikes up an intimate relationship with the reluctant lover, and with his mentor's expert coaching skills goes on to compete in the Olympics as the 1st openly-gay athlete.
Controversial stuff in those days!
Years later - during my stint as a Literary Agent representing screenwriters - it occurred to me that "The Front Runner" was ripe for adaptation for the big screen.
If two identifiable bankable stars signed on for the lead roles, it would surely be a box-office hit, in my estimation.
One one occasion, when I met Patricia Nell Warren at a Book Fair, I blurted out my once all-consuming-passion to play the lead when I was a young actor.
I stuttered for a moment, then made a confession to the startled writer.
"I'm too old to play Billy now. The Coach, maybe. But, I'm not right for that part."
She stared at me like I was mad!
Unfortunately, whenever it was announced there was a production in the works featuring a popular actor like Jan Michael Vincent (star material at the time his name was bandied about - who likewise - met the sexy hunk requirements) or Paul Newman (and yes - even straight-as-lace - Robert Redford) the gay community got revved up once again over the possibilities.
But, on each auspicious occasion, the projects fizzled out.
Today, the "Front Runner" has little relevance, except in respect to the fact it was one of the first gay-themed books on athletes "coming out" about their sexuality.
So, when it was announced that a short story about two studly cowboys entwined in a love trys, was being adapted for the silver screen, I was skeptical.
In fact, when I slipped into the theatre opening day, I did so with a lot of trepidation.
But, a short few minutes into the well-crafted beautifully-thought-out-feature, my fears were alleviated.
For instance, when the two lead characters in Brokeback (played by Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger) first encounter each other at a job site, the awkward love ritual that plays out thereafter onscreen - not only resonates with remarkable truth - but also speaks volumes about the love that once dare not utter its name.
The wardrobe pieces featured in the film weren't particularly fancy.
But, the shirts on display at the Gene Autry Museum, have been intertwined without shame to represent a "visual symbol of love", according to a Museum spokesperson.
Why the Gene Autry Museum?
Jeffrey Richardson, assistant curator for film and popular culture at the Museum, was instrumental in accelerating the idea for the project, once it was pointed out to him by a patron that the Autry Museum has always been celebrated and respected for exploring all people of the American West.
Now, Jack & Ennis - two love-struck cowboys portrayed on celluloid in Brokeback Mountain (and the symbol of their love) - are a part of that glorious Western folk lore.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger take leap of faith with Ang Lee
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