Ross Mallett wrote:

In thinking of slash (especially f/f) in the larger context, I normally think of contrasting Blakes 7 with my other fandom -- Xena. As with Blakes 7, the show started with purely subtextual elements, but once the way in which many fans were interpreting it became known, it became deliberate policy to insert them into every episode. Thus each episode contains deliberately tantalising clues that always fall short of an outright declaration (much to the dismay of many fans). We call this "the subtext" and divide fanfic into "gen" and "alt" depending on whether the author considers the relationship between the central characters to be sororal or saphic.

The difference, however, is that in B7, no such "deliberate policy" was ever implemented, and we have the word on this of Chris Boucher, David Moloney, Terry Nation and other people closely involved with the show. I applaud the producers of Xena for taking this decision, but I don't see what relevance that has to B7.

As with Blakes 7, anything other than gen is extra-canonical but I would deny in both cases that it is uncanonical just because some labourious hetrosexual explanation can conceivably be constructed.

But once again, the difference is that in the Xena case the subtext is very much intentional, as I understand it (I've also been told that this was also true of "Batman" the TV series, but I couldn't quote an article on it). While I agree that both shows can both be *interpreted* in slash and gen ways, one had a deliberate subtext and the other didn't.

Whereas the majority of B7fic is gen and the majority of slash is m/m, Xena fic is almost evenly divided between the two, and the overwhelming majority of slash is of course f/f. That the show has such a large lesbian fan base belies any claim that f/f is insulting to them in any way -- much the reverse.

Another difference, actually, since I get the impression that gay men are a minority in B7 fandom and the bulk of fans are straight women.

One slash fan writer has written three episodes of the show itself, on the invitation of the producers, who were impressed with her work.

Good for her-- but that never happened with B7.

The cast have been broadly supportive of the slash, signing such items as artworks. Lucy Lawless has been known to put in appearances at lesbian clubs for her gay fans, and Lucy and Renee appeared at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1999.

Another difference. I applaud their attitude-- but at the same time I do feel that since the B7 actors apparently do not feel OK with artwork (to engage in a bit of understatement), it shouldn't be forced upon them. I should add that I don't in the slightest believe that their discomfort with slash artwork has anything to do with homophobia-- a homophobe wouldn't last long in the British acting world :). But we should respect their wishes.

As with Blakes 7, the anti-slash position has been attainted with a sorry list of crimes over the years, including destruction of web sites, verbal and physical abuse and assault and some have been gaoled.

Ahem! Look, I decry homophobia and regard the destruction of websites simply for containing homoerotic material to be a crime on par with bookburning. But I have to say, it's been two pro-slash fans who have been doing the namecalling on Lysator for the most part.

In Xena fandom, it's still possible to have anti-gay beliefs, but you won't be allowed to express them openly on most mailing lists and chat channels.

Up until the original Kathryn-abuse post, I was thinking to myself "isn't it great that I'm on a lyst where gay people and anti-gay people can both state their positions without tearing each other's throats out and can agree to disagree."

A plea: People, that's what *I'd* like the lyst to be. Does anyone else out there agree with me? It's very sad that some people have left this lyst; some are undoubtedly offended slash fans, some offended Christians. Now, the slash fans can go to Freedom City, but where do the offended Christians go?

You'd also have to be aware that the opinion of many cast, crew and fans is that your beliefs are (as Robert Trapert said) "beyond contempt"

I personally do not hold anti-gay beliefs; I *am* gay. But IMO, what is "beyond contempt" is abusing someone for their beliefs and convictions, whether these are about orientation, religion or politics.

Shane

"I don't take anything on trust."--Avon

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