Julia: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what do I have to do to get a decent night's sleep around here?!

Mirror: Darling, just lock yourself in and call on your dear B.O.B. , of course!

Tom: "Sorry, I'm new at this... just where am I supposed to bite you again?"
Julia: "Just rip off that Orbach's scarf and do me - do me now!!  I've told you five times!!"

"...there have been reported sightings of a disheveled sandy-haired hunk in the woods in and around Collinsport and people are instructed to remain in their homes until further notice - and by no means should any people open their doors to anyone claiming they've been hired to give the lady or man of the house a free hickey with a happy finish!!"

Many thanks for sharing these RJ, Steve, and co...
New discoveries involving all things Grayson is always a thrill to see, and I have to say - those are absolutely gorgeous photos of her!
xo

Thanks for the birthday greetings everyone...early or late, they meant a lot.
Haven't had much time to post anything since I've graduated and been on the job hunt, but I do enjoy reading the posts when I pop over here.
There's only one important birthday wish I have at present, and the wait is driving me batty [pun intended].
I think I'll save the celebration for when said wish comes true & I land an apartment...

hugs-- xo

Wow...awesome essay Steve!!

You've earned a golden Pepe award for that one...

Wear it with pride, damnit! [wink]

And, I just wanted to comment that I too celebrate diversity. It's what makes each individual unique in this world that is most special. We can all learn from each other, in good times and in bad. For me personally, although I am now proud of who I am (certifiable Bisexual since birth,) growing up in an environment which did not support, condone, or acknowledge the GLBT community, combined with an inherited mental disorder (Bipolar) made it difficult for me to assimilate in the world as I grew up. After I graduated from High School I found DS (second generation fan here) and I found the show to be a respite for my oft disquiet mind and situation. I identified with the many characters on a symbolic level, could appreciate how they were dealing with one terrifying problem after another, and of course who could not appreciate the absolutely fascinating gothic, supernatural, and mysterious dramas played before me on the screen.
I don't believe the gay metaphors that we can find on the show were intentional on part of the writers, but I do think it is fun and healthy to find meaning in things and connect with others in ways that one can relate to, no matter where you are in life or what you believe in...that's one of the great things about art, literature, writing, and even this show, IMO.  Through my involvement with a particular divine DS group, I have met met and become close friends with people I never would have found otherwise, people who have made a real difference in my life and have , in their own supportive way, helped me to take pride in who I am and strive to become a better person each day. It's not always easy, but such is life...

Dark Shadows DVD collection.....pricey, but worth it
The episodes....addictive and a blast to devour
The memories and people behind the fandom....priceless!

And now back to your regularly scheduled debate.... 

Perhaps a good reason has to do with the character of Barnabas Collins. When we meet him, he's a vampire, a creature who's definitely something to be reviled -- an outcast to human society. Yet, as time goes on, he gains acceptance by those around him and a self-acceptance as well. A parallel could be drawn between his experience and that of a gay person dealing with coming out of the closet. I don't know if that's over-analyzing, but I can see where someone who's gay could relate to Barnabas' experiences.

I kinda agree...
from my own perspective, I've found myself identifying with Barnabas in some ways....also Julia at times too. Not just the reciprocated love issue, but the struggle of who you really are vs. what a certain society wants you to be, also accepting yourself vs. wanting to be accepted, at times having to keep a part of you secret from people, except those you really trust...
I could go on and on.

also, in the line of what msbryk was saying, those of us in the LGBT crowd seem to have an appreciation for drama and all that which is.....

DIVINE!


[sorry, couldn't help myself...  ]

hugs,
Heather H.