The Butch Factor
Thursday, November 12 at 7:30pm
The fifth season of Frameline at the Center continues with Frameline33 favorite The Butch Factor.
Masculinity and homosexuality have always been hopelessly — and
helplessly — intertwined. From clones to queens, Bears to gym rats, the
gay community has responded to these intersections with its own unique
responses. Christopher Hines’ wide-ranging documentary explores them
all.
Jason Hefley speaks about his San Diego gay flag football
league while Kevin Reed discusses his affinity for baseball and
problems of homophobia in the African American community. San Francisco
Lt. Sheriff Vince Calvarese touches on being a big and burly out and
proud member of the force. On the less testosterone-heavy side is Mark
Snyder, an SF resident who embraces his effeminacy with a “sissy”
tattoo, but also mentions the violence he faces on Bay Area streets.
Frequently,
Hines gets his subjects to reflect revealingly on what made them the
type of man they are today. The director also presents recent changes
in cultural norms of masculinity, such as the “bromance” and the
metrosexual, while excavating the past for images of the mustachioed
“clone” and stereotypical queen. On the expert level, a knowledgeable
cross-section of teachers, writers, and psychologists discuss their own
views of gay culture and masculinity. Amongst all these different men
and their corresponding “butch factors,” the salient point of Hines’
clever and fast-paced film is that, for gay men, acknowledging your
homosexuality is just one of the steps along the path of discovering
exactly what kind of man you are.
Co-presented by Bears of San Francisco, The Community Initiative, and Folsom Street Events.
Watch the trailer:
Kindly arrive early as seating is limited. Don’t miss this FREE screening of this powerful film!