20 Years Later, “Thirteen” (2003) Should Be In the Queer Girl Coming-of-Age Canon
In “Lost Movie Reviews From the Autostraddle Archives” we revisit past lesbian, bisexual, and queer classics that we hadn’t reviewed before, but you shouldn’t miss.
Some movies are so powerful, you don’t even have to see them. It’s enough to steal a furtive glance at two older girls with pierced tongues on a DVD cover at your local Blockbuster. It’s enough to hear rumors that at some point in the movie these two goth-lite cool girls will kiss — French kiss.
This week marks the twentieth anniversary of Catherine Hardwicke’s Sundance-winning debut Thirteen, starring Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter, and then 14-year-old co-writer Nikki Reed. When it was first released in theatres, I was nine and my older sister was the titular age of rebellion and destruction. All I knew about the film was that its alluring poster scared me — almost as much as the snippets of forbidden moments shared with me by my sister and her friends.
By the time I turned thirteen, by the time I, myself, was at the age where kids watched movies on a dare, this particular film about girlhood was passé. I was a cinephile — my dare films were far more grotesque than this D.A.R.E. film. When you’re a young teen watching Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, there’s no need to go back and watch Thirteen. And when your closeted trans lesbianism starts to poke out, you’re going to watch clips from Cruel Intentions and Wild Things and even Gray Matters over two girls who are now your own age.
Twenty years after its initial release, I have finally confronted my two decade old fear and my slightly less than two decade old indifference. I watched Thirteen on Disney+ — I’m in Canada — and received a window into the culture that raised me. Watching it now in 2023, it’s obvious that Thirteen, for better or worse, belongs in the canon of lesbian cinema. Its tale of queer girl coming-of-age goes deeper than a kiss — even a French one.
Thirteen is about a girl named Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) who lives with her mom (Holly Hunter) and brother (Brady Corbet). She’s a good kid, gets good grades, and has good friends who are good kids and get grades. But then one day she decides to seek the approval of her school’s resident bad girl, Evie (Nikki Reed). As that friendship deepens, Tracy falls further into a spiral of drugs, sex, and self-harm.
The film succeeds where similar neo-after school specials fail by expanding Tracy’s world beyond this one relationship. Evie may be a bad influence, but there’s a reason Tracy seeks out the potent drug of a fucked up bad girl. Tracy’s mom is a great mom — she’s also distracted with problems of her own. Tracy’s dad is absent unless he’s giving excuses for his absence. And the deeper structural issues of sexism, capitalism, and a lack of mental healthcare add further grief to Tracy’s angst.
The problems Tracy faces may not seem particularly brutal or unique — her rebellion isn’t either. Despite the movie’s scared-straight reputation, Hardwicke wisely knows the limits of raised stakes. There are many unpleasant moments, Tracy experiences things no one her age should, but the film also knows when to pull back. It’s surprisingly restrained in its narrative, which makes its difficult moments feel more authentic.
Even as a trans girl who spent her adolescence as a boy, I experienced the thin line between a pained lesbian crush and codependent female friendship. At that age — any age? — the feelings are blurred. Straights and queers alike often experience their first romance through friendship and people will disagree about what lines must be crossed for something to count as queer. One woman might view a relationship as proof of youthful platonic intimacy while the woman she kissed and cuddled looks back on it as proof of nascent lesbianism. But as a queer woman watching Thirteen in 2023, Evie and Tracy — especially Tracy — are just so extremely gay.
Before their friendship begins, Tracy eyes Evie like a crush. She wants Evie’s approval and is drawn to her sexuality. The first time we see Tracy cut herself is after Evie runs off with a boy. And when Evie returns she puts her arms around Tracy, kisses her neck, and says, “I love you.” The only times we see Tracy do anything sexual with a boy is when Evie is there. During her first straight hook up, Tracy is literally watching Evie with another boy, mimicking her actions. Post-coital, the boys are no longer there, just Tracy and Evie cuddling. Tracy rubs lotion on Evie, almost has a threesome with Evie, is penetrated by Evie’s piercing, and then, of course, there’s the kiss.
This moment begins like so many kisses begin in coming-of-age movies: Evie is teasing Tracy about her lack of experience, questioning her kissing abilities. “Want me to prove it lesbo?” Tracy asks. They kiss. And then, as proof it isn’t one-sided, Evie says, “I barely even felt that.” She might as well say, “Wait. Don’t stop.” They kiss some more and will soon consummate this makeout using those two boys as each other’s proxy.
The reason this buzzed about kiss scared me as a kid is because it was supposed to. It was discussed with the nervous disgust of suburban kids raised to think queerness was wrong. In the film, it acts as another stop in Tracy’s spiral, proof that she’s approaching an inescapable point of immorality. Earlier, Evie kissing Tracy’s mom on the lips acts as a first warning. Queerness — specifically bisexuality — is a mark of immorality and sexual depravity.
Race is used the same way as the movie’s flashes of explicit queerness. The two boys Tracy and Evie hook up with are Black and any time Tracy interacts with someone who isn’t white — hookups, the guy who gives her the tongue piercing, some girls who try to beat her up — it’s meant to signify how far she’s drifted from the safety of heterosexual white suburbia.
At its worst, Thirteen is just a Dateline special about “rainbow parties” with great acting and overzealous color grading. But whenever it starts to edge too far into this tired conservatism, it redirects toward something true — about girlhood, about motherhood, about queer discovery.
The most noteworthy detail in Tracy and Evie’s kiss scene isn’t the kiss itself — it’s a line right before. When Evie first doubts Tracy’s kissing abilities, she responds, “Me and Noel practiced with Cruel Intentions like 50 times.” Noel was Tracy’s best friend before Evie, a good kid played by Disney’s own Vanessa Hudgens. This line is brief but it’s one of the few moments that includes queerness as more than a sign of danger. This line hints at a queerness that’s inherent in Tracy, inherent in many girlhoods. Plenty of girls practice kissing on their hands. Instead, Tracy and her goody-two-shoes friend Noel watched Cruel Intentions and made out — like 50 times.
This conflict between the normativity Thirteen aims to present and the lived reality of girlhood is even more 2003 than the painful fashion. Throughout my childhood, being gay was said to be undesirable and rare. Even the most liberal parents in my community seemed to accept queerness in other kids but not their own. And yet queerness was all around us. It appeared when two girls practiced kissing with a bit too much enthusiasm, when two boys had weekly jackoff contests, when TV shows let a female character kiss a girl to boost ratings.
The girls whose bisexuality was seen as just another piercing are now simply bisexual. The girls who admired those girls from afar are queer too. More of our queer teens — on-screen, in life — get to just be queer. Parents might still not like it, new laws still might try to legislate it away, but two decades later the kids themselves have the language. Evan Rachel Wood is an out bisexual actress — she’s joined by a new generation of queer actors whose work is unavoidable even on American Disney+. Queerness can no longer be dismissed as kids acting out or a sign of promiscuity.
Adolescence is still a time of pain and confusion. We still haven’t done much about sexism, capitalism, or mental healthcare. But at least fucked up teens have a better chance of understanding why they want to makeout with their friend. At least it might not take kids decades to know why they scroll so quickly past a certain movie poster.
It’s dangerous to romanticize the present — each moment contains its own challenges connected to those of the past. But watching Thirteen twenty years after I first blushed under the gaze of those two teens and their pierced tongues, I kept having the same thoughts again and again:
I’m so glad we survived 2003. I’m so glad it’s no longer 2003. I never want to go back to 2003.
No Filter: Evan Rachel Wood, I’ll Take “Images That Stopped Me in My Tracks” for 600!!!
Ya girl is back! For the record, it is me, I am your girl, Christina. And this is No Filter, the roundup of queer Instagram content that you simply must see this week! Let’s dive right in!
SHORT HAIR ON HAYLEY! WE LOVE THIS CUT, WE LOVE THIS NINETIES VIBE, THIS IS ME USING THE ROYAL WE I GUESS??
See the joke here is that she DID make a pun! Also it is currently 21 degrees with a real feel of 13 in Philadelphia so yes, I am looking at this and weeping a little!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYfERaNJXwM/
Do I want to be this dog or do I want Javicia to hold me like I am this dog? Tough to say!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYkagdJuhG-/
God I would LOVE to throw a big, colorful coat on and saunter around, what a good idea.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYUX7S5Pnyx/
The early 2000s of that fabric is giving me so many complicated feelings. Mostly awe that she is pulling this off???
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYb_NhRL2Tb/
Few things more delightful than dogs who love the snow in the snow, tbh!!
HMMMM but dogs in the sun….. also very cute… much to consider here!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYiJVDrF2Du/
I’ll take “Images That Stopped Me In My Tracks” for 600!!!
You know what? I am going to bravely allow you to draw your own conclusions about my feelings on this image.
Hmm, I had… a fine day, I guess? Nothing really wrong, but still a little low energy? That January feeling, you know? Thanks for checking in though! Means the world!!
No Filter: We’re Thrilled to See That Evan Rachel Wood Is Back on Public IG!
Welcome back to No Filter, the place where I round up all the hottest celesbian content for you, sometimes while watching old videos of Celine Dion!
Do you, dear reader, know Thighself? I encourage you to.
Have we considered that clams are weird as hell? Y’all just be living in the damn sandy waters!! And then you are a shelled creature??? I just don’t know about all that.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRovbt3JtJ9/
I would be lying RIGHT out of this mouth of mine if I acted like Stacy’s pivot to, well, dyke fashion hasn’t been a joy to see, but there is something comforting about seeing my girl in a high femme moment!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRo07-3lqOs/
The first comment on this carousel from a stan account is just “mommmyyyyyy 😭😭❤️.” While Megan is simply too young (she’s THREE years old than me what?????) to be in my personal mommy issues cannon… points were made.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRowL6dh8Hb/
*Stanley Tucci voice* Well, you know me, give me a hint of that watch ad that destroyed me for a full calendar year and a side part and I’m on board.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRq9vnNBu_m/
Some might say Trace sitting next to Patricia Clarkson is an image pulled personally from my brain and to them I say? You… are right.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRxuZrsl95V/
I am THRILLED to see that Evan is back on public IG! She is still one of the rarest posters, but when she delivers? She delivers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR1sG2iBogl/
Is it possible I watched too much America’s Next Top Model as a youth or is “posing in front of a blank wall for a Polaroid” still absolutely the definition of modeling??
https://www.instagram.com/p/CR15Bj_Bydd/
If Indya is feeling good and grateful to be alive, well then SO AM I!!!
Ali in leather pants has…. fully short circuited my brain hahaha it’s fine I’m cool.
I urge you to bring this sumptuous, loving yourself energy to the rest of the week!
I’m Fucking Tired of Writing About Abuse and Sexual Violence Against Bi Women Like Evan Rachel Wood
CONTENT NOTE FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE, INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, BIPHOBIA
I feel like I write this article every year.
In 2016, when I authored the Invisible Majority report.
In 2017, when #MeToo tore through the entertainment industry.
In 2018, when Queerty ran a piece titled “Why does bisexuality make us so uncomfortable?”
In 2019, when I answered the questions of bi+ women wondering if they’re “bi enough” to call themselves bisexual.
And now, in 2021, when Evan Rachel Wood confirmed the open secret that Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson) was the person to whom Wood had alluded for years — the person who raped her. The person who subjected her to constant sexual and physical violence.
I’m fucking tired of writing this article. And I know I’m not the only one. Here’s Lo Shearing in The Independent. Here’s Reina Gattuso in Teen Vogue. Here’s Zachary Zane for Bi.Org. Here’s Nicole Johnson and MaryBeth Grove in the Journal of Bisexuality. Here’s Sarah Head in the new book Intimate Partner Violence and the LGBT+ Community. Here’s Lynn Addington, a Professor in the Department of Justice, Law & Criminology at American University, writing for the University of Minnesota’s Gender Policy Report.
Same stats, over and over. I know them by heart.
From the Centers on Disease Control and Prevention, 2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation:
- Forty-four percent of lesbian women, 61% of bisexual women, and 35% of heterosexual women experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- Twenty-six percent of gay men, 37% of bisexual men, and 29% of heterosexual men experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
- Approximately 1 in 8 lesbian women (13%), nearly half of bisexual women (46%), and 1 in 6 heterosexual women (17%) have been raped in their lifetime. This translates to an estimated 214,000 lesbian women, 1.5 million bisexual women, and 19 million heterosexual women.
- Four in 10 gay men (40%), nearly half of bisexual men (47%), and 1 in 5 heterosexual men (21%) have experienced SV other than rape in their lifetime. This translates into nearly 1.1 million gay men, 903,000 bisexual men, and 21.6 million heterosexual men.
- Of those women who have been raped, almost half of bisexual women (48%) and more than a quarter of heterosexual women (28%) experienced their first completed rape between the ages of 11 and 17 years.
- Approximately one-fifth of self-identified lesbian and heterosexual women (20% and 22%, respectively) and one-half of bisexual women (48%) reported they were concerned for their safety and/or reported at least one post-traumatic stress disorder symptom (20%, 46%, and 22%, respectively).
- Nearly 1 in 3 bisexual women (37%) and 1 in 7 heterosexual women (16%) were injured as a result of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
Sixty-one percent of bisexual women experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Nearly half of bisexual women (46%) have been raped in their lifetime.
Sixty-one percent.
Nearly half.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS INFORMATION??
How do I hold this information in my body? The body that has also experienced sexual violence. The body that has, in the past, held my friend’s bodies, their hands, their trauma as they told me stories of their own assaults — whispered stories, shouted stories, secret stories, “was this enough” stories, “was I really raped” stories, “but I was drunk” stories, “but he told me I deserved it” stories.
Sometimes I feel like the data makes it worse; the data confirms what we suspected all along.
Violet* reached out to me on Twitter. In November, Violet was able to leave her abusive relationship, her first same-gender relationship with a woman who ended up gaslighting Violet and weaponizing her sexual orientation. I asked her how her story made her feel about her bisexuality. “I am now hesitant to pursue relationships with other people because I feel even more fragile and unsure about being bi+ than I was before coming out. My situation didn’t “look” like the abuse that I had seen on TV or in movies, so it took reading an article my mom sent me about coercive control for me to allow myself to accept the reality of what was going on, and start taking steps to leave.”
I’m sharing Violet’s story because she shared it with me, but I must also provide the context that Violet’s story is very rare. The vast majority (95% in one study) of perpetrators of intimate partner violence against women are male. I often hear from survivors whose perpetrators were female and I think it may be a call for validity. “Am I a survivor if my perpetrator was female?” Of course. You are. You are a survivor.
Male violence in the United States is an epidemic that ties Marilyn Manson directly to the insurrection on January 6th, a connection built on the living bodies of bisexual people, with a quick stop by AOC’s recent video connecting her own experience of sexual violence with the terror she felt during the insurgence.
Alex DiBranco is executive director of the Institute for Research on Male Supremacism. She’s written extensively about the connections between misogyny, male supremacy, and intimate partner violence. In her piece Mobilizing Misogyny, DiBranco details how anti-feminism infects Men’s Rights Movements with rhetoric openly advocating for violence against women.
The virulent misogyny promoted by male supremacists, often couched as anti-feminism and accompanied by racism and nativism, has serious repercussions that play out on a global stage. In 1989, Marc Lépine killed 14 women at an engineering school in Montreal under the guise of “fighting feminism.” In 2009, George Sodini killed three women and then himself at a fitness class in Pennsylvania, leaving behind a website that complained about being rejected by women (and leading PUAs to coin the term “going Sodini”). Anders Breivik murdered 77 adults and children in Norway in 2011, leaving behind a manifesto attacking “the radical feminist agenda,” Islam, political correctness, and “Cultural Marxism” (see David Neiwart’s article in this issue). And in May 2014, Elliot Rodger set out to “slaughter every single spoiled, stuck-up blonde slut” at the “hottest” sorority at the University of California, Santa Barbara, writing, “I don’t know why you girls aren’t attracted to me, but I will punish you for it.” He ultimately killed six people and himself, though he failed to make it inside the sorority.
Violence against bisexual women fits perfectly into this narrative: a group that is over-sexualized by mainstream media and isolated from community support. The ideal target for male supremacist anger and violence. Sarah Head explores the particular vulnerability of bisexual people to intimate partner violence in her new book chapter. “For instance, an abused person will experience a sense of dissonance when their experience and their beliefs about what a relationship should be conflict with each other. So, when a partner, for example, threatens to “out” a bisexual person to their children’s school to undermine how their parenting is viewed, this behavior conflicts with an abused person’s belief that their partner acts in their family’s best interest. Such an abusive tactic will evoke a degree of discomfort (or dissonance) for the abused person.”
Nicole Johnson and MaryBeth Grove offer a comprehensive theory of the outsized vulnerability that bisexual women face. (With the caveat from me that while substance use and alcohol use may be correlative to an increased vulnerability to intimate partner violence, that does not mean that if bisexual women were to decrease their substance use or alcohol use, that this would reduce their vulnerability to violence.)
The limited research to date points to several vulnerability factors, including: a cultural milieu prone to hypersexualization, objectification, and dehumanization of bisexual women; stereotypical understandings of bisexuality in women that may engender negative appraisals and resulting aggression toward this group; and an increased risk of problematic substance use, or negative consequences associated with one’s use of alcohol and/or other substances, in this population, possibly as a result of the aforementioned risk factors.
Evan Rachel Wood has talked openly about her vulnerability to Brian Warner’s abusive tactics. Wood and other accusers have come out publicly about Warner’s torture and manipulation, and his insistence on total control and sexual availability.
Wood’s bravery cannot be understated.
Violet, like me, is incredibly proud to call Evan Rachel Wood family. This is because Evan Rachel Wood saved Violet’s life. “The only reason that I am out of my abusive relationship now is because of Evan Rachel Wood. My mom went to a talk hosted by a legislative advocate that is working with ERW to extent the statute of limitations for domestic violence, at which the concept of coercive control was discussed. I had discussed some of my issues with my mom, and she had concerns of her own, so when she heard the talk a lightbulb went off and she sent me an article about it.”
*Violet’s name has been changed.
No Filter: Evan Rachel Wood Is a Muppet IRL
Hello everyone, welcome to another week of surveying the world of queer celebrity Instagram. It’s been a weird week; Kristen Stewart apparently showed off her toned torso and Ewan McGregor’s daughters are both bisexual I guess? We’re all doing fine. Go get yourself a latte.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwkhiQIgV_u/
This is what it would look like if you were on a beach chair, staring down at your girlfriend Janelle Monáe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwf6B-Ig58f/
And this is what it would look like if she got up to get you a drink.
This is what Hayley Kiyoko would look like if Janelle got her that drink instead.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwi_i1GBciK/
This is what it would look like if all my dreams came true at once.
OK so! A commenter asked me about the possibility of Emily Hampshire and Teddy Geiger breaking up. Honestly, I’M NOT 100% SURE – they haven’t posted about each other at all lately?
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwa7Jc9pS6R/
BUT THEN another commenter informed me that they recently saw Teddy Geiger’s very sexy profile on Tinder the other day, so all bets are off.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwgjrRtgBG1/
Gaby Dunn has gone full sea punk.
I have never enjoyed photos from someone else’s vacation quite as much as I’m enjoying photos from Stephanie Beatriz’s Japanese vacation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwa-3Y9H7wt/
I’m so glad there was finally a collaboration between Sesame Street and the cast of Westworld, because so many toddlers who are currently learning to read are also deeply into sexy cowboy robots?
I’ll very happily deal with a muppet Evan Rachel Wood. Or rather, a second, much smaller muppet Evan Rachel Wood.
I’M STILL DEALING WITH BABY SAMIRA WILEY. Samira Wiley’s birthday happens all year long.
The 2018 Met Gala’s Best Lesbian, Bi, and Queer Looks
In the fashion industry, the first Monday in May is its own kind of holiday.
The Met Gala (formerly known as the The Costume Institute Gala, and informally known to me as “your favorite celebrity’s favorite red carpet”) is a fundraiser, co-sponsored by Anna Wintour and Vogue, supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Costume Institute in New York City. It’s also the soft launch of the Metropolitan Museum’s annual summer fashion exhibit. An unabashed love letter to the craft and art of fashion, the night’s red carpet is more iconic than the gala itself.
Designers invite celebrities as their guests to wear masterfully constructed, and often avant-garde, “costumes” based on a central theme. This year’s theme, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” gave a me a bit of pause. Little did I know that 20GayTeen would once again work it’s magic when I least expected it!
Eleven out queer women and non-binary folks walked the carpet last night, more than any previous record. We have all of those looks for you here! We also included a few special extras that we didn’t want you to miss.
Grab a quick mid-afternoon lemonade and enjoy!
The Best Lesbian, Bi, and Queer Looks
Lena Waithe, in a custom Carolina Hererra.
Is there anyone else we would have started with? As a black masculine-of-center lesbian, Lena Waithe was already going to make an impact in her Met Gala debut just for walking the carpet in her signature well tailored suit and perfectly beat face. She took it further. She made sure that we were in the room, and that everyone would know it. Lena always puts her community on her back, this time literally, and we can’t help but love those who are out there loving us so openly.
To really take in the weight of this costume choice, we can’t forget that the theme of last night’s gala — “Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. It was criticized by many for being insensitive to the history of the church’s relationship with homophobia, sexual abuse, and racism. Lena turned her red carpet moment into a statement of defiant pride, solidarity, and visibility.
A real life black lesbian superhero.
Seriously, what did we do to deserve her? What a time to be alive. Waithe also took time on the carpet to talk with Vogue about the significance of her fashion choice, including the decision to include black and brown (representing people of color) with the Pride flag rainbow.
Janelle Monáe, in Marc Jacobs with Jennifer Fisher Jewelry.
.@janellemonae is looking heavenly! #MetGala https://t.co/raXDxYUVPu pic.twitter.com/uTKDk4thMx
— NYT Fashion (@NYTFashion) May 8, 2018
Janelle Monáe returned to her iconic black & white aesthetic, using the gold brim of her hat to play on the event’s theme — it’s meant to cast a “halo” framing her face. It’s been a while since Monáe brought back the black & white uniform of her early career, but as she reminded Vanity Fair last night, “My black and white is meant to honor my working-class parents. My mother was a janitor, both my fathers, my biological father and my stepfather, were custodians, sanitation workers, post-office workers.” They wore uniforms everyday. It wasn’t about what they were wearing, but who they were.
Miley Cyrus, in Stella McCartney.
Miley, along with Autostraddle “Vapid Fluff” regular Paris Jackson and Stella McCartney, who dressed both women, talked about the future possibilities of sustainable fashion and the environment.
Amber Heard, in Carolina Herrera.
Forever crushing on Amber Heard. #MetGala #MetHeavenlyBodies https://t.co/rLv7uGXR1a pic.twitter.com/EHDT2INJ0o
— E! News (@enews) May 7, 2018
Stella Maxwell, in Moschino.
Sadly, she left KStew at home.
https://twitter.com/Moschino/status/993858197193658368
Ruby Rose, in Tommy Hilfiger with Judith Leiber Accessories.
Oh and Ruby left a ‘lil message for ya on their Instagram ?
Yeah they will.
Cara Delevingne, in Dior Haute Couture.
.@Caradelevingne is attending the #MetGala for the seventh time tonight. See more from the red carpet: https://t.co/lb4SZlV88p pic.twitter.com/jcUegkhlR6
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) May 8, 2018
No pictures of Cara with her alleged girlfriend Paris Jackson on the carpet last night, but you know, a girl can dream.
Kiersey Clemons, in a custom H&M.
.@KierseyClemons is stunning in her custom-made #METGala dress. Are you loving it as much as we are? #HM pic.twitter.com/a0zrFHf8UZ
— H&M (@hm) May 7, 2018
Did we mention that out actress Kiersey Clemons has a new gay movie coming out? It’s called Hearts Beat Loud and its going to have a limited release this summer. Be on the lookout for it!
Sasha Lane, in Tory Burch.
Speaking of young actresses to be on the lookout for, check out this bi actress and future star of the film adaption to the lesbian cult classic The Miseducation of Cameron Post. 20GayTeen is going to be her year!
Evan Rachel Wood, in a custom Altuzarra.
Angelic Vision: Evan Rachel Wood wears a Custom Altuzarra Gold Paillette and Thread Embroidered Feather Cape, Black Jumpsuit and ‘Kiss’ Bag. #MetGala #MetHeavenlyBodies @evanrachelwood pic.twitter.com/fahz2ONNmb
— ALTUZARRA (@ALTUZARRASTUDIO) May 8, 2018
Evan Rachel WOULD, indeed.
Sarah Paulson, in Prada with Tiffany & Co. Jewelry.
.@MsSarahPaulson wore #Prada while attending The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala celebrating the opening of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” in New York. ⠀#PradaPeople ⠀#MetGala⠀#MetGala2018#MetHeavenlyBodies pic.twitter.com/7bvFktyjPi
— PRADA (@Prada) May 8, 2018
An icon.
Even More Looks From Favs That We Didn’t Want You To Miss!
Tessa Thompson, in Thom Browne with Tiffany & Co. Jewelry.
Damn. ¡Y Tessa Thompson! Slayyy #MetGala pic.twitter.com/sj3941pSV1
— Emilio Doménech (@Nanisimo) May 8, 2018
In her MET GALA DEBUT!!!! Come thru Tessa!!! I am so ready for your astronomical rise ?? ?? ??
Lynda Carter, in Zac Posen.
Princess Lynda Carter of Themyscira, sculpted from clay and brought to life by the gods. #MetGala pic.twitter.com/AD2ANMuGFE
— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan) May 7, 2018
Wonder Woman!!!!! Fresh out of Themyscira and into our hearts.
Rihanna, in Maison Margiela.
I went to Catholic high school, and I can 100% promise you I would have paid more attention if these pictures had been in our religion textbooks.
Damn Rih. You want to see that outfit in motion, don’t you? Well, if you watch one video from last night, let it be this one from Rihanna and Vogue.
Paris Jackson, in Stella McCartney.
.@ParisJackson was absolutely gorgeous on the #MetGala carpet! See all the pics from tonight: https://t.co/UM9hWRCA9B pic.twitter.com/1SLpJCYEMx
— ExtraTV (@extratv) May 8, 2018
Solange Knowles, in Iris van Herpen.
😭… Only 👑 @solangeknowles! Name another who could kill this look!? *Waiting* #metgala pic.twitter.com/p6e1vCwDbD
— EBONY (@EBONY) May 8, 2018
The night before the Met Gala, Solange uploaded three potential outfits from her Twitter followers to choose from. She picked this, a clever take on an hip hop angel (notice how the bottom of the outfit invokes a famous Missy Elliott aesthetic), because as one of her followers put it, “God Loves Durags.”
Cardi B, in Moschino.
Rapper Cardi B shows off her baby bump in a shimmering gown at the Met Gala https://t.co/UqUAUGAJRe pic.twitter.com/MberTjUkdA
— CNN (@CNN) May 8, 2018
Cardi B as a pregnant Madonna is what I need in my life.
Zendaya, in a custom Versace with Tiffany & Co. Jewelry.
Zendaya didn't come to play with this Joan of Arc #MetGala look, WOW!!!! pic.twitter.com/Vsz0Sgvbyu
— MTV (@MTV) May 8, 2018
Zendaya pulled her inspiration from Joan of Arc, the unofficial Catholic saint of tomboy lesbians everywhere.
Frances McDormand, in Valentino.
Frances McDormand just did that. #MetGala #MetHeavenlyBodies pic.twitter.com/gzixhs8ayO
— E! News (@enews) May 7, 2018
Stay weird. Do you.
Ashley Graham, in Prabal Gurung.
A sparkling @ashleygraham walks the #MetGala carpet. #MetHeavenlyBodies #AshleyGraham pic.twitter.com/NgkOuavmGg
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) May 7, 2018
For all of its moves towards inclusivity in recent years, the Met Gala is severely lacking when it comes to body diversity. At least Ashley Graham was there to represent — and damn does she look great! Still, it’s far from being enough. As we take in all the drama and beauty, let’s also keep pushing for more of us to be seen each year.
Did you have any favorite Met looks from 2018? Are you already custom ordering your Pride Cape for all your summer gay needs? Let us know in the comments!
Evan Rachel Wood Allegedly Newly Single, Definitely Still Bisexual
According to something called The Blast, everybody’s favorite bisexual dreamboat superhero Evan Rachel Wood has reportedly split from her fiancé and bandmate, musician Zach Villa. The story was picked up by People and appears to be gaining traction, despite no official confirmation from publicists and/or any actual participants in the aforementioned relationship. According to sources, the split took place roughly a month ago. Wood is currently filming Season 2 of the HBO series Westworld, while Villa appears to be working with a new band in Los Angeles.
The world of Vapid Fluff moves fast, and it’s tricky to stay ahead of stories like these. We would not have given this report a second thought if we had not noticed several weeks ago that Evan had unfollowed Zach on Instagram and Twitter, and seemed to have deleted photos of the two of them together from her feed. I flip through celebrity Instagram accounts every single week as part of my job so I mean, I’m just saying.
I brought receipts.
Villa and Wood met in 2015 when they were both participating in a John Hughes-themed cabaret; their band Rebel and a Basketcase is named after the Breakfast Club characters they played (respectively). They went public with their engagement this past January. Wood was previously ever-so-briefly linked to Kate Moennig, and before that she was married to Jamie Bell, with whom she shares a 4-year-old son.
A neat thing about being a bisexual (and a famous bisexual in particular) is that when you end a relationship, you have to explain all over again that you’re still bisexual. It was Wood’s 30th birthday yesterday, and she happened to innocently tweet, “all the single ladies!” for all the single ladies out there, as one does. While many single ladies certainly appreciated the romantic gesture, she was also met with this:
https://twitter.com/gringa2504/status/905902637140377600
https://twitter.com/evanrachelwood/status/905913004021096448
Evan Rachel Wood has been an outspoken advocate for the bisexual community since coming out in 2011. In an eloquent video posted during Pride 2016, she detailed her struggle coming to terms with her sexuality and offered solidarity to others.
In November of 2016, she gave an interview to Rolling Stone in which she openly discussed her history of sexual assault and discussed how being so open about her orientation had affected her life. “It was always talked about like a phase or something stupid, or something you were doing for attention… You know, bisexuality is worthy of eye rolls. And I didn’t realize how damaging that was until I tried to have healthy relationships as an adult and realized that there was still all this shame and conditioning and stigma around my sexuality that was really affecting the way I related to people. I think I was taken advantage of because someone knew there was something about me that they could exploit.”
Earlier this year, she gave an impassioned speech at an HRC gala in her home state of North Carolina, detailing once again the journey she’d taken to understand and accept her queerness. She has often mentioned her keen awareness of her position as a role model for young girls, and it’s been refreshing to see such a successful actress providing thoughtful, much-needed visibility. Despite existing in a world that appears determined to pigeonhole human beings as either gay or straight based on the gender of their most recent partner(s), Wood patiently explains the concept of bisexuality to anonymous eggs on Twitter with astonishing regularity.
Evan Rachel Wood Wears A Goddamn Tuxedo To The Golden Globes, Everyone Faints
The Golden Globes are here again, an annual celebration of a bunch of television shows and movies I haven’t watched and probably won’t watch but will pretend to know a lot about when the Oscars roll around. On the red carpet, stars arrived in droves to gush to the press about their gowns and general excitement – and then there’s Evan Rachel Wood.
https://twitter.com/BisHilarious/status/818269342580117504
Evan arrived on the red carpet wearing a custom Altuzarra tuxedo and a motherfucking cravat, an homage to the androgynous stylings of Marlene Dietrich and David Bowie (who would have been 70 years old today). The openly bisexual star has worn a lot of flattering suit situations recently, both on red carpets and on late-night talk shows promoting her excellent HBO show Westworld (which got fucking robbed tonight), but this ensemble was truly next level.
“This is my third nomination and I’ve been to the Globes six times,” Wood told Ryan Seacrest. “I’ve worn a dress every time, and I love dresses! I’m not trying to protest dresses! But I wanted to make sure that young girls and women knew they aren’t a requirement. And that you don’t have to wear one if you don’t want to, and to just be yourself because your worth is more than that.”
Unfortunately, Wood did not receive an award this year for her performance as sentient robot Dolores, but she did look like this:
So in a way, we all won, you know?
No Filter: Laura Jane Grace Goes To Live Among The Sand People
Welcome back to No Filter, our weekly stroll through the transcendental world of queer celebrity Instagram. This week, we are pleased to bring you some fine examples of very famous people being totally endearing weirdos. Let’s get to work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNnAr3pDGEj/
Brittani Nichols getting meta.
The entire caption for this photo is sand people noises.
Hers and Hers @HollandTaylor pic.twitter.com/k79RqCFLhF
— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) December 5, 2016
You guys need to SETTLE DOWN.
The caption on this one kind of explains what’s going on here, but I couldn’t get enough of this picture so here it is. Danielle Brooks is a treasure.
For all I know, Jiz Lee swam down there as part of some kind of triathlon or whatever it is you sporty people do.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNniBcoju7K/
This sweet angel is CRYING because her SHOW IS OVER and I’m crying because the show was SO GOOD and now I have to wait a full year to find out what happens (but have been entertaining myself imagining adjacent worlds like Vestvorld, the vampire version).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNkWwEDhFQT/?hl=en
Cameron’s description of Rhea’s outfit is so spot-on I can hardly improve upon it.
Craftiest babe on the block Jasika Nicole stitched this octopus vagina for you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNsigr8Buy0/
Would watch this Broad City episode. Honestly, Abbi and Shaq’s friendship might outshine Ruby Rose and Vin Diesel’s.
Join us next week, when Ruby, Vin, Abbi and Shaq battle it out to figure out which unlikely duo will win our affections.
No Filter: Evan Rachel Wood Finally Joins Instagram, Glory Hallelujah
Welcome back to No Filter, in which we survey the week in celebrity Instagram. You’d think with Halloween that these weirdos would have been all kinds of crazy this week, but it turns out on nationally sanctioned holidays, for the most part famous people are very boring. Instead, they have shared these random moments from their actual lives which prove to be much more interesting. Let’s get to it.
Evan Rachel Wood FINALLY joined Instagram because she wanted to improve the quality of this column and also because she wanted to share this image of herself as she gently carresses her Dolores costume. So far she’s following her bandmate, her manager and Beyonce.
We can all go home now because Danielle Brooks won Halloween.
I guess Cara isn’t too broken up about Annie and Kristen; honestly this whole thing seems pretty amicable and Cara is gonna be juuuust fine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMSCsj4gbQx/
You guys have got to be fucking kidding me. Walking with an actual ghost.
This is a look that Brittani thought was OK to foist upon the masses. Nichols, how very DARE you?
Were you wondering what it would be like to be gently held by Jiz Lee in a hoodie? Well, you are now.
Here’s Jasika wearing a dress she made herself from fabric she made herself in a building she built herself, furnished with these shelves she built out of some old milk crates and paper clips. No big.
This is a look.
Were you wondering if these lovebirds were still together? I wasn’t cos look at them, they sure are, bein’ cute, havin’ a dog! Guys if we’re getting real, I’d like to see more VARIETY.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMMJ8jSjXcG/
Just thought you’d like to know.
Ruby Rose joined the Misfits I guess.
Join us next week, when Ruby Rose joins more costume bands, like probably Daft Punk and possibly KISS.
If Women’s Magazine Covers Were Aimed at Queer Women, Pt. 2
Welcome back to covers of JKLAFGHD Mag, the Magazine for Women Who Aren’t Straight. Every so often we check in here to catch up on the latest not-straight trends, get updates on the not-straight classics, and check in with our favorite not-straight celebrities. Up next in our September through November issues are Evan Rachel Wood, Kate McKinnon and Stephanie Beatriz.
September – Evan Rachel Wood
October – Kate McKinnon
November – Stephanie Beatriz
Pop Culture Fix: Ellen Page, Keke Palmer, Evan Rachel Wood, Tegan & Sara and Xena, Who Could Ask For Anything More
Welcome to your weekly Pop Culture Fix in which we update you on all the latest developments in Lesbians who eat Pop Rocks before giving oral sex.
Movies
Photo by Amanda Friedman for Brooklyn Magazine via Ellen Page is in Escape Mode
+ AfterEllen talks to Evan Rachel Wood about co-starring with Ellen Page in “Into the Forest,” a thriller about two sisters trapped in their house 30 miles from the nearest town during a somewhat apocalyptic situation. Wood discusses feeling like Ellen Page’s ‘Mama Bear” and how fun it is to work with other women insetad of being the solo lady in a sea of men. Also:
AE: You’re three queer women working on this film—
ERW: Woo!
AE: I wonder if that brings any kind of energy to the set or the performances because it’s not a queer film.
ERW: No, no. It’s not, and it didn’t change anything, which I thought was kind of cool. Yes, we’re all out queer women, but we still do the same job; that doesn’t change what we do or how we do it. If anything, it was just kind of a cool—we all sat on set one day and looked at each other and went, “Hey! Pretty cool. Pretty cool. All three of us man.” [laughs] So it’s kind of showing we’re just as capable and doesn’t really make a difference. If anything, it’s kind of cool to show it works the same way. It’s a good question because of course we all had little moments of “This is pretty cool.”
(Also if while you are reading the interview you find yourself bothered by those unblockable video ads that pop up and form themselves in the middle of every page, just a quick PSA: the network that runs AE’s ads runs most of our ads too, and the only reason we’re not running that same style of ad is because we hope that enough of you will join A+ so we don’t have to!)
+ Ellen Page is on the cover of Brooklyn Magazine LOOKING FINE and talking about Tallulah and Into the Forest.
+ Pimp, an indie film from writer-director Christine Crokos, stars Keke Palmer as a pimp and Haley Ramm as her girlfriend. They dream of a better life from their current situation existing “on the streets of New York amidst the hustles and dangers facing those working in the illegal sex trade.”
+ The biggest box-office actress right now is a lesbian. (It’s Ellen DeGeneres)
+ On a post-Twilight Kristen Stewart.
Teevee
+ Vogue talks to Sarah Sutherland about her breakout season on Heather’s current obsession, Veep:
How did you feel about Catherine’s coming-out episode? I’m happy it was handled as such a normal thing.
David [Mandel, executive producer of Veep] talked to me about wanting Catherine’s relationship to be a surprise and to come out of nowhere. It felt appropriate to have this huge thing happening to Catherine that her mother and nobody really noticed. Similar to what you just said, I was relieved that it wasn’t going to be made into any kind of big deal that it was a woman, specifically; if you actually pay attention, it has nothing to do with that.
+ Episode 412 of Orange is the New Black broke our hearts right open in so many ways, and has made a lot of fans (including us) angry at the show for sacrificing a black lesbian character to, apparently, teach white people a lesson. Our Episode 412 reviewer, Raquel Willis, was also not a fan of this development. The AV Club, however, gave the episode an A-.
+ Looking back on Xena: “Storylines teased the audience with the possibility that Xena and Gabrielle might be a romantic couple, though it was never made explicit, in part because of concerns of alienating the audience. But it wasn’t an aspect the show’s creators shied away from, either.”
+ Lea DeLaria talks to HelloGiggles about how the AIDS crisis made her want to become a comedian.
+ The Advocate thanks HBO for having lesbian characters.
+ Jessica Williams is leaving The Daily Show. Are y’all listening to Two Dope Queens though? ‘Cause that is my new favorite podcast AND YOU SHOULD BE.
+ Constance Wu, who I am in love with, will be playing a lesbian military psychologist named Jane on Hulu’s new series Dimension 404. Lea Michele will also star.
Music
+ “With [Tegan and Sara’s] recent appearance on Charlie Rose, they’ve cemented themselves as people who are willing to converse with Charlie Rose as he tries to talk about things that have nothing to do with them or their work, such as novels.”
+ How Tegan and Sara are queering mainstream pop in Toronto
+ Watch St. Vincent Perform at a Charity Concert While Wearing a Toilet Costume
Evan Rachel Wood Has Some Bisexual Feelings For Pride Month
Happy pride month! I hope you are planning on celebrating responsibly! If you’re like me, you’re celebrating by hiding from every single crowded parade and event happening in your fair city, but maybe you’re taking full advantage of this very special holiday. My girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual has some words she’d like to say to you concerning her own bisexual experience, as well as issues facing bisexuals in the world at large. She’d like to tell you about them while wearing this super-cute button-down that she also wore when she took me to the movies last week. We saw The Conjuring 2. She bought me a cherry Coke and held my hand the whole time.*
*- a girl can dream.
First of all, Evan Rachel Wood’s YouTube name is KaraokeNinja33, and before we touch on any of the very serious topics touched upon in this video, let’s take a moment to appreciate her and everything she does.
“There are so many grey areas in this world, especially when it comes to gender roles, especially when it comes to sexuality,” declares Evan Rachel Wood. She opens by discussing some alarming statistics regarding bisexuals, particularly the large percentage of people who have contemplated suicide, experienced abusive relationships and/or struggle with depression and addiction.
Wood goes on to describe the negative reaction she faced the first time she kissed a girl as a kid, and the internalized biphobia that she faced throughout her adolescence. Like a frighteningly large number of bisexual women, she considered suicide while struggling to understand her sexuality. She describes her struggle with her sexuality frankly and openly, with a candor that’s unfortunately rare among public figures. Although she seems much more at ease with herself as an adult, Wood posits herself as a “flare” for the bisexual community — a visible representation, something that bisexuals need. By seeing examples of ourselves in the world, maybe we can begin to address the issues that so often plague bisexual women in particular. Wood goes on to debunk some common misconceptions about bisexuality, all while maintaining that bisexuals are actual and legitimate human beings (imagine that!).
I could continue describing this adorable and important video, or you could watch it yourself. I’m not sure what we as a community did to deserve the thoughtful, earnest and precious Evan Rachel Wood, but whatever it is, as a bisexual woman I am very, very grateful.
If you’re looking for more of Evan Rachel Wood, her band Rebel & a Basketcase just put out their first single “Oh Yeah” and it’s pretty great actually.
Also, if you are my girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood, call me.
Also.Also.Also: Wait, Evan Rachel Wood Smells Like a Forest Floor and Other Stories for Your Day
feature image by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Monday again! Well, as I write this it’s actually Sunday night and I’m snacking on a ridiculous grilled cheese made with Swiss and coupled with a rosé because that’s what was in my fridge, and listening to this terribly good playlist that Laura Wooley compiled for us a couple of years ago. She asked every Autostraddle team member to submit the song they felt was the most beautiful song in the world. Listening to it is a lot like walking off an elevator into the secret middle of the person who submitted the song. Why did they find this the most beautiful? What can you learn about a person based on their choice? Lots of us gave explanations about our songs, but a handful of us didn’t. I didn’t. I didn’t have the words and I still don’t. My song sounds kind of sad on the surface? But then again it feels like just being yourself, too. Like Sunday nights. It feels like Sunday night to me. Like you don’t have to talk to anyone on Sunday nights, but that doesn’t mean you’re not thinking about them.
One Sunday night I sat on the back porch with my grandmother and watched a red fox eat the scraps she’d tossed under an oak tree. She said, “Looka there.” And I did, and then we didn’t make another sound until that fox filled itself up and left. She let her cigarette ashes fall in her cupped hand instead of turning around to the ashtray. I wanted to burn it into my soft wooden brain because I hadn’t seen a fox before, and I haven’t seen one since.
Anyway though, Sundays! I hope you had a good one.
Queer as in F*ck You
+ Study Finds That LGBTQ Bullying Has Terrible Longterm Mental Health Consequences! Who knew.
+ SoJourner McCauley, a Bronx Lesbian Activist, Looks Back — And Forward.
+ Alaina Leary resiliently shares her story here: Why I Changed My Name After I Was Raped.
+ Carmen shared this yesterday but I’m still not over it.
+ A quick heads up that Evan Rachel Wood Smells Like the Earth, in case you didn’t already want to [consensually!] bury your face in her neck.
+ The headline reads St. Vincent Made a Sexy, Funky Rolling Stones Cover for Tilda Swinton’s New Movie, As If We Weren’t Already Swooning, and that really truly sums it all up. Here’s the video!
Doll Parts
+ Hasbro’s New Star Wars Toys Feature Some Amazing Women.
+ Katie Klabusich is here to explain What Justice Scalia’s Death Means for Your Reproductive Rights.
+ Why I Was Shocked to Enjoy the Deadpool Movie by Rebecca Watson.
+ Maybe you can relate to this piece by Dawn Claflin: I Hate Babies. Just read it, I promise it’s good.
+ Hey! Queer Mama Haley Jude has gifted you with the second interview in her video series for Mutha Magazine, Real Muthas, and you’re gonna love it a bunch! Skedaddle over there and soak up some of the beautiful real truth of mama-ing.
Saw This, Thought of You
+ First things first: The Day Beyoncé Turned Black.
+ What Made Scalia and Ginsburg’s Friendship Work.
+ Simran Sethi: “We’re Losing Biodiversity in Foods”.
+ This is the reason I turned to Laura’s playlist this weekend. It’s from 2014 but I still loved it and maybe you will too. In Search of the Perfect Love Song.
+ WHY IS VOICEMAIL STILL A THING. Attn: Riese Bernard.
And Finally
You want to make this DIY Memory Game! Just think of the possibilities! I can’t even keep typing there are just too many amazing—
10 Tenderly Tomboy Moments From Evan Rachel Wood’s Collaboration With Wildfang
all photos courtesy of Wildfang
“Evan Rachel Would”? Damn right, Evan Rachel Would. A cheeky short film launches the capsule collection by Wildfang featuring gal pal about town Evan Rachel Wood. If you haven’t seen the spot (which guest stars Beth Ditto and Kim Gordon, among others) you can view it right here.
“It’s not the clothes—it’s how you feel in them.” The looks throughout lend themselves to the anything-goes rhetoric of the video — Evan chills with Kim Gordon at a book signing, hangs with a sweet posse of grannies and head out to a karaoke duel with Beth Ditto. It’s a wild ride, and one with a highly enviable wardrobe. Sweet booties, tailored blazers and laid back flannels all look at home with Portland’s beautiful landscape. And guess what? You can shop the whole damn thing on Wildfang. If you want to get in on the ERW party in a major way, 100% of the proceeds for the #EvanRachelWould tee go to the Friends of the Children foundation. A win-win, eh?
Evan Rachel Wood Knows Exactly What You Should Wear This Weekend
Evan Rachel Wood, Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress and babely human, might have mastered weekend cool. Earlier this week, the star was on set for a mysterious new film project in Portland. After changing out of a gorilla suit, she was snapped by Chris Hornbecker in an outfit from Wildfang. Evan made an oversized bomber, bright boots and a beanie a very enviable look… #EvanRachelWould, indeed.
If you’re lookin’ for exactly what Wood is wearing, you can snag it all at Wildfang.
I’ll be spending my weekend paying homage to ERW, now that I’ve whipped up a similar look with pieces from my own wardrobe.
Vintage Giants bomber, vintage flannel plaid shirt, black Old Navy high rise jeans(DIY cut off hem), Madewell “Bien Fait” tee, vintage beanie, vintage roper boots.
And if you don’t want to break the bank, a guide for your pleasure.
With the secret layer of warmth (shout out to plaid), I think Evan Rachel Wood makes this feel like easy but cute weekend/off duty/whenever wear. What do you like to wear when you are kickin’ it casual but want to look good?
Gothip Girl’s Top 10 Most Important Celesbian Moments of 2014
Oh, what a year it’s been! In 2014, Autostraddle’s own Gothip Girl (and other dedicated writers) served up important investigative journalism regarding the greatest issues facing queer women today: what famous queer women are up to, who they’re kissing, what they’re eating for lunch. To honor this successful year of hard-hitting reports, we’ve assembled a few of the most life-altering things that have happened in Vapid Fluff within the past twelve months.
10. Melanie B Says She Used To Be A Lesbian Sometimes
We’ve given our dear Melanie Brown a lot of flak on Autostraddle dot com this year for statements she’s made to various press outlets regarding her previous relationships, many of which happened to be with ladies. Nobody ever said we were put on this earth to police how public figures (or anybody really) choose to identify themselves, but Melanie often brushed off her (significant) relationships with women as a crazy phase she’d gone through and spoke glowingly of how she’d moved past all that now that she’s married to a man. Were we too critical of Scary Spice’s flippant remarks? Is it responsible for a very public figure to distance herself from her own fluid sexuality and dismiss her previous dalliances as being less meaningful than her marriage to a man? Was it OK when Jessie J declared that her bisexuality had actually been a phase, or when Raven-Symoné told Oprah earlier this year that she doesn’t want the world to see her as “African-American” or “gay,” but as a “colourless” human being who just loves other human beings? Should we hold celebrities to a higher standard when it comes to queer visibility? Do we have the right to demand that from these people? These are the questions that keep us up at night. Anyway, it gave us a very excellent reason to comb Tumblr for appropriate Peggy Peabody gifs, so thanks a bunch, Melanie! We wish you a happy and prosperous 2015.
9: Keira Knightley Went To Prom With A Lady
It didn’t happen this year, but the revelation that British pretty person Keira Knightley took a girl to prom sometime in the early 2000s affected the entire Autostraddle staff in a deep and meaningful way. According to Ms Knightley, the celebrated affair took place during the shooting of Bend It Like Beckham, arguably Keira’s gayest film, and that she wore leather pants and a crop top. Her BFF Emily (a model, apparently) arrived in ripped jeans and a tie. They kissed for a photograph, and were subsequently chastised by school administrators for inappropriate behaviour. My esteemed colleague Laura took the time to assemble this imaginary play-by-play of the alleged events. None of us knew it at the time, but now that we’re aware of this momentous occasion, we will never be the same.
8. Taylor Swift Maybe Held Her Face Close To Another Girl’s Face
Recently, Taylor Swift attended a rock concert at Terminal 5 in New York with Karlie Kloss, a famous white lady who looks a whole lot like Taylor Swift. The music was very loud, and it was difficult for the two of them to hear each others’ angelic voices during the 1975’s presumably brilliant set. At one point, Taylor grabbed Karlie, pushed her face very close to her friend’s face and shouted directly into her ear, “HEY! I’M GOING TO THE BAR IN A MINUTE, WOULD YOU LIKE ANOTHER SHIRLEY TEMPLE?!?!?!” Just then, an enterprising young paparazzo on the floor below shot a grainy iPhone photo and determined that the two were obviously kissing. As much as I’d love to believe this one, I’m not sure I buy it — there are just so many other plausible possibilities! I would also like to consider the theory that Karlie had suffered a head injury earlier that day, and Taylor was closely examining her pupils to make sure she didn’t have a concussion. With her tongue.
You can tell they’re not making out because the men next to them are actually watching the band.
7. OMG Kristen Stewart Just Date Me Already
Kristen Stewart is a woman of many secrets. The disaffected young actress was brave enough to reveal her poetry to the world in 2014, but not the nature of her relationship with Alicia Cargile. She put on a goddamn mustache and full-body tracksuit for a Jenny Lewis video, got herself a super-flattering alternative lifestyle haircut and hung out with Jodie Foster. She taunted us all year long with possibilities, but as the year draws to a close we can only speculate as to how gay this picture actually is:
VERY. (via JustJared)
6. Brittney Griner Gets Engaged
It was a magical day for basketball enthusiasts and people who enjoy preciousness in general as inspirational human being Brittney Griner proposed to her girlfriend, fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson. This was a momentous occasion not only because they’re high-profile out athletes, but because they’re on opposing teams. When they play against each other, there is gonna be some crazy A League Of Their Own loyalty shit happening, probably. I don’t know how basketball works.
http://instagram.com/p/ruefERzBWn/
5. Michelle Rodriguez And Cara Delehooha Get Really Drunk at a Basketball Game
In other sports-related news, these two. Michelle Rodriguez had long been cagey about her sexuality, but when she met animate pair of eyebrows Cara Delevingne, she fell dramatically in love and lost her sense of give-a-fuck. They traipsed adorably around, petting illegal tigers and having great skin, but the two really took it to another level when they got piss-drunk at a Knicks game. Sloppy makeouts and amazing facial expressions were plentiful, and luckily photographers were on hand to painstakingly document all of it. As we reach the end of 2014, we must acknowledge that Michelle and Cara have gone their separate ways, but in their heart of hearts they will always have that night. So will we.
SOMETHING ABOUT SPORTS!
4. Angel Haze And Ireland Baldwin Make Me Vomit All Over Instagram
At first, we weren’t sure about these two! Were they maybe just really good friends? Really good friends who get matching tattoos and kiss each other and roll around in the grass and adopt puppies together? Luckily, Angel Haze was on hand to set the record straight. “We fuck, and friends don’t fuck,” she informed the Independent, and there you have it. Since then, the two have been spotted canoodling all over the world, tweeting gooey messages at each other and staring at each other all googly-eyed. More recently, Haze posted several pictures of the two sporting pretty official-looking rings. Guys, they’re being gross. They’re so in love and have to tell everybody about it and like, we GET it already, OK? Ugh.
3. Lauren Morelli And Samira Wiley Publicly Hold Hands And Do Adorable Shit
Season 2 of Orange Is The New Black was a Very Big Deal to almost everyone, and when it premiered right in the goddamn middle of my city’s pride, you best believe I stayed inside and watched all of it in one sitting instead of going outside and meeting other human beings. Samira Wiley’s character Poussey had a much meatier role this season, and in doing so she confirmed once and for all that her character was queer. Just a couple of months later, the world learned that Samira herself was involved in a relationship with lovely OITNB writer Lauren Morelli. Throw in a quick mention of that time Jackie Cruz (OITNB’s Flaca) made out with Kourtney Kardashian and it’s been a pretty intense year for everybody.
Oh COME ON.
2. Ellen Page Comes Out, Takes A Lady To Whole Foods
Where were you when you heard that Ellen Page had finally come out of the closet this past February? It was Valentine’s Day, and I was at the Burbank Ikea on a romantic excursion with DeAnne Smith, buying an electric screwdriver. Seriously, that’s where I was; did you know they have a Valentine’s Day buffet? Anyway, this was a glorious moment for queer women everywhere, and celebrations were held worldwide. We’d all known for years, but for Ellen to bravely come forwards was an important and momentous occasion for us all. After the dust settled, there was one question on everybody’s minds: does this mean *I* get to date Ellen Page?!?!? Unless you are this blonde lady she took to Whole Foods, the answer is no. With their arms draped casually across each others’ waists, they perused organic produce and overpriced spaghetti sauce in a visibly romantic fashion. They probably paid $30 each for salads. They regretted nothing.
1. Evan Rachel Wood And Kate Moennig Date Briefly
I’m gonna be honest with you, you guys, this relationship was my bread and butter in 2014. When we prayed earlier this spring that newly single Evan Rachel Wood would publicly date a lady, we never imagined that she would wrangle the wildest lesbian mustang of all, Kate Moennig (née Shane from the L Word). They flirted via Twitter, they stood sort of near each other at a fancy gala, they snuggled furtively as paparazzi took creepy shots of them while they waited for the valet to fetch one of their cars. We here at Autostraddle hitched our dream wagon to these two, and we were absolutely crushed when their great romance fizzled after only just a few weeks. In 2015, we respectfully hope that our darling Evan Rachel Wood finds true love, and we not-so-secretly hope it’s with one of us.
XOXO,
Gothip girl.
Evan Rachel Wood And Kate Moennig Break Up, Earth Implodes, Sadness Ensues
feature images via Getty
In mid-October, we breathlessly reported that the glorious romantic union of fictional Lothario Kate Moennig and Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual was a real thing happening in our lives. We were delighted to learn that two very goodlooking, very famous human beings were maybe/definitely kissing each other on the regular. How innocent we were then! So young and full of promise! It is with our deepest regrets that we inform you that according to trustworthy sources at Us Magazine, our favourite power-couple of 2014 may have gone their separate ways. We never even got to give them a catchy name!
Although the two had been reportedly text-flirting since February of 2013, it seems that the relationship itself was only a couple of months or maybe even weeks old – a great deal of anticipation for a relationship that burned too brightly, and could not last. You were too pure for this world, Kate and Evan. The world just wasn’t ready.
A forlorn Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual has been tweeting very sad things, the modern equivalent of leaving a bunch of heart-wrenching Fiona Apple lyrics in your AIM away message.
…all the time, to keep you off my mind!
— Evan Rachel Wood (@evanrachelwood) October 27, 2014
ok excuse me everyone, 2001 throwback song of the day ‘gone’ #nsync — Evan Rachel Wood (@evanrachelwood) November 3, 2014
Kate Moennig has tweeted a lot about television shows she’s been watching.
To be fair, the only solid evidence we have of this (dreamy) affair is their singular appearance at a Los Angeles gala last month – beyond that, their relationship remains a complete mystery. The two were rarely photographed together, never spotted gazing lovingly into each others’ eyes over a $30 kale salad, never adopted a rescue cat together. A solid 99.9% of their relationship happened inside my own imagination.
Like the relationship itself, the reasons for the break-up have been very private. At this time, there is no reason to suspect that Moennig left Wood at the altar at a picturesque ski resort in British Columbia, paid for by a very rich British woman the couple barely knew. A source tells Us that the split may only be a break, which fills our hearts with hope for the future.
Commenters on said Us Magazine article made sure to remind Evan Rachel Wood that she only just divorced her husband (determined ballet dancer Jamie Bell) this past spring, and that probably she isn’t really bisexual anyway. Those people are all gross.
In these trying times, dear reader, we hope that both Moennig and Wood are taking excellent care of themselves, not watching each others’ movies obsessively and crying in the shower (which is what I’d be doing/am doing, whatever). Evan, if you want to get brunch and talk about your feelings, I’m around all week and I’ll even buy you a mimosa. It’s good to get out of the house, girl. We’re all here for you.
…Oh girl.
Wait, Are Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual And Kate Moennig Dating?
This past May, Gothip Girl reported that newly single Evan Rachel Wood was prowling Los Angeles ladies’ nights, potentially in search of new paramour situations. It could have been you, dear reader, but it looks like you may have missed your chance. Today, Page Six reports that Ms. Wood may have landed the great white whale of this great queer ocean: Kate Moennig, aka The L Word‘s Shane McCutcheon.
Take a minute, catch your breath, and let’s review the facts.
In February 2013 (long before Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual’s separation from husband Jamie Bell was public knowledge, or perhaps even a thing), Ms. Wood encountered Ms. Moennig at a flea market. Maybe their hands brushed against each other as they both reached for the same box of dusty cassette tapes. Maybe their eyes met across a table full of handmade bangle bracelets. Regardless of the circumstances, what is known for certain is that Evan Rachel Wood did the only thing a red-blooded American can do in the presence of Kate Moennig, and she blushed, got flustered, bolted and then tweeted about it like a total nerd.
@evanrachelwood you should have said hi. :)
— kate moennig (@katemoennig) February 10, 2013
This happened to me once with Samantha Ronson and I died, so.
From what we can discern, the two struck up some sort of Twitter-based relationship, and Wood continued to moon over the spindly seductress, even tweeting about dreaming about the two falling asleep together in a cab during NYC pride. You have probably also periodically tweeted about Kate Moennig-based fantasies, but you, dear reader, you aren’t Evan Rachel Wood.
Although Kate Moennig was most recently reported to be in some sort of relationship-esque arrangement with mysterious hat aficionado Holly Miranda, noted Instagram behavioural analyst Crystal Silvester reports that “…Holly Miranda has not posted a photo of Kate Moennig’s dog for at least three months now, which indicates either nothing or everything re: their relationship status.”
At the Hammer Museum’s Los Angeles gala (honoring artist Mark Bradford and singer Joni Mitchell) this past Saturday night, Wood and Moennig arrived holding hands, both nattily dressed in blazers, appearing “very much a couple.” Page Six’s source also notes that the two “kept close all night” and spent time at a “secluded table,” which (as we all know) constitute the two primary girl-on-girl sex acts. Although the two were not specifically reported to be “canoodling,” it is heavily implied that this was the case.
The two were not photographed together, but here is a composite image we have put together from photos from the event. Our resident body language expert Stef Schwartz notes, “these two are all about it.” Evan Rachel Wood looks resplendent, even glowing, and as always, Moennig’s hair remains full of secrets.
Photos: Donato Sardella/Steve Granitz/Getty
At press time, neither Kate Moennig’s three-legged chihuahua nor her haircut could be reached for comment.
Evan Rachel Wood Bisexual Is Single Again: What Does This Mean For You?
feature image by Hilary Walsh
Professional attractive person Evan Rachel Wood and unlikely-but-determined ballet dancer husband Jamie Bell have reportedly split after two years of marriage. The couple met in 2005 while starring in Green Day’s video for “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and wed in 2012. Their son, whose name has not been made available to the public, was born in July of 2013. According to a rep for Mr. Bell, “Evan Rachel Wood and Jamie Bell have decided to separate. They both love and respect one another and will of course remain committed to co-parenting their son. This is a mutual decision, and the two remain close friends.” Bell has recently deleted his Twitter account, and Wood announced yesterday that she’d also be taking a hiatus from Twitter.
via Getty Images
Noted goodlooking human Evan Rachel Wood came out as bisexual in a 2011 issue of Esquire, and since then has continued to be a bisexual person, breathing the same air as other human beings on Planet Earth and walking among them. Following her wedding in 2012, a Twitter follower inquired as to whether her marriage to a man meant that Ms. Wood no longer identified as bisexual. Evan Rachel Wood replied that she was in fact still bisexual, just no longer single. In the wake of her marriage’s dissolution, Ms. Wood now appears to be not only single, but also still bisexual.
Sources close to Autostraddle.com report that the newly single Ms. Wood was spotted dancing at a ladies’ party called the Grind in Los Angeles this past Wednesday night, sparking rumors that you, yes YOU stand even a snowball’s chance in hell of becoming Evan Rachel Wood’s new paramour. Presumably, Evan Rachel Wood will also start showing up in your OKCupid matches, Tinder and at your local happy hour. Is she looking at you? OMG maybe she’s looking at you. You should say hi! Maybe you could work up the nerve to dance awkwardly with Evan Rachel Wood, and then later on you guys might exchange numbers! Later this weekend, you’ll meet up to drink almond milk lattes and shyly hold hands, and the paparazzi could describe you as Evan Rachel Wood’s “mystery flame.” She just got out of a pretty big relationship so she isn’t in a rush to get serious, but that’s OK, Evan Rachel Wood! We just want to peruse used bookstores and eat Thai food with you. We’ll take this at your pace.