In the essay "Lesbian and Writer: Making the Real Visible" lesbian author Jane Rule discusses her career. Rule talks about the many hardships she has had to overcome in order to be a noticed author. Also, Rule explains the various criticisms that she has received from the heterosexual and homosexual populations.
Since Rule is a lesbian writer most readers have certain expectations. They expect her work to contain only issues that concern lesbianism or not to discuss the topic at all. For instance, Rule writes a story in Chatelaine magazine. The story concerns two characters named Harry and Anna. There are no lesbian characters in the story; instead, it is about a traditional family with children. The magazine editors feel that the story would lose readership if the readers knew Rule was a lesbian.
Rule feels that her sexuality is used to measure her characters. Her lesbian characters are found to be persuasive while her male characters are weak. Homosexual critics hold her politically responsible for gay characters who are lessthanperfect. They warn her to not include a lot of heterosexual characters in her stories, or she will lose readership. Rule's heterosexual friends tell her that she would be better understood and have more readers if her lesbianism was not as visible.
Rule began writing so she could speak the truth as she saw it. Both homosexuals and heterosexuals are part of her reality. However, she knows a disproportionate number of homosexuals so they play an important part in her novels. Her stories speak of people who happen to be gay or lesbian, but the plot does not center on their sexual orientation.
Rule concludes by explaining that being a lesbian is very meaningful
to her. She realizes that if people will not accept her work
due to her sexual preference it is "their problem and not
mine."
The 1984 article "Lesbian and Writer: Making the Real Visible" was originally published in the San Francisco magazine New Lesbian Writing. Lesbian author Jane Rule describes the hardships she has had to overcome. Although the essay is directed at a primarily homosexual audience, all of Rule's work is discussed not just the work published for the lesbian community.
In the beginning of the article Rule explains what it has cost her to be a visible lesbian. Rule is not known simply as a writer; rather, she is considered first a lesbian and then a writer. She is expected to either write only about lesbian issues or not at all. Rule is very confined in her writing due to the limitations placed upon her. For example, when writing for Chatelaine magazine homosexual issues cannot be discussed. Personal experience is a crucial part of good writing; however, Rule is limited in what she can include since, so much of her life is considered taboo.
A lot of emphasis is placed on Rule's characters. Heterosexual critics perceive lesbian characters as strong while male characters are seen as being weak. Homosexual critics hold Rule accountable for every gay character with an imperfection. Society addresses everything with certain expectations, and Rule's work is no exception. Judgements are frustrating for Rule because she is not trying to glamorize the homosexual lifestyle; instead, she describes the truth as she sees it.
Everyone knows a disproportionate number of people from certain groups. Just as a doctor knows a lot of medical professionals, Rule knows many homosexuals. She functions in a society which includes a lot of lesbian women and gay men. Since, she writes from personal experience homosexuality is an important issue. Rule interacts with heterosexuals also, so they are included in her writing.
Rule is a writer who does not include characters because they are gay; rather, sexual orientation is only one facet of the character. Similar to a handicapped character who does more than sit in a wheelchair, a gay character does more than sleep with men. A lot of times, it is the audience who puts emphasis on a female character being a lesbian. Homosexuality is not an everyday occurrence for some readers so it takes a while for a deeper understanding of the character to develop.
Rule wrote "Lesbian and Writer: Making the Real Visible"
as a request for understanding. Being a lesbian is a very important
part of Rule's life, but writing is her passion. Rule wants to
be judged on the quality of her writing and to be respected as
a person who has insightful ideas to contribute. In the past
she has been judged and disqualified because of her sexual preference.
The homophobic members of society are missing out on many valuable
lessons due to fear of the unknown. Rule still is delivering
her message, and it is those who do not listen that miss out in
the end.
© Sarah Lewis, Winona (MN) State University, 30 January 1997. This document may be freely distributed for educational use as long as this notice of its authorship accompanies its distribution.
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