What's the Deal with Judy Garland and the Gays?

Why did Judy Garland become a darling for the gay community? What's in her charisma that caught the hearts of so many gay men? And, why the heck is she associated with the phrase, "Friend of Dorothy"?

Let's tackle that question first.

Picture the 1940s, when identities were hidden behind the heavy drapes of societal norms. The concept of being openly gay was nothing short of taboo, and coded language was used as a covert tool of communication and self-identification within the LGBTQ+ community. Amid this reality, "Friend of Dorothy" emerged as a beacon of identification, a lighthouse in the dense fog of discretion.

The term "Friend of Dorothy" harkens back to the Wizard of Oz's lead character, Dorothy Gale, played by none other than Judy Garland, our previously discussed icon. Dorothy, with her wide-eyed innocence, embodies compassion and acceptance, endearing herself to her unusual friends - a tin man, a scarecrow, and a lion, all misfits in the eyes of the world, just like Dorothy herself. See the correlation? Just like Dorothy's friends, the LGBTQ+ community often found themselves feeling like outsiders in the heteronormative society.

Now, you might wonder, how did this fictional character become synonymous with being gay?

The first whispers of this phenomenon can be traced back to the underground gay culture that bloomed within the dark corners of mid-20th century America. Picture secret meetings in dimly lit bars, where just being yourself was an act of rebellion.

Judy Garland's connection with the gay community was already well-established by then. Her role as Dorothy and the inherent symbolism of the rainbow, so intertwined with the gay rights movement, created a powerful emblem.

"Dorothy" wasn't merely a character to the community, but a representation of acceptance and diversity. Being a "Friend of Dorothy" was a covert way of identifying oneself as gay without attracting unwanted attention.

The term truly took flight in the bustling cities of post-WWII America, where urban gay culture was slowly starting to flourish. As renowned historian George Chauncey notes, "'Friend of Dorothy' was born out of necessity but became a playful form of camaraderie in the gay community." In New York, a gay bar named 'The Wizard of Oz' became a popular rendezvous point, further entwining the 'Dorothy' reference with gay culture.

There's a fascinating story about how the phrase even caught the attention of the US Navy during the 1980s. When officials noticed that a number of sailors were identifying themselves as "Friends of Dorothy," they launched an investigation to identify this mysterious "Dorothy" who had so many friends within the Navy. The idea of a woman having such sway was enough to cause concern! They were soon set straight – there was no woman corrupting their ranks, just a community finding ways to identify themselves discreetly.

Thus, the phrase "Friend of Dorothy" has sailed through time, carrying on its back a history of subtle defiance, identity, and the power of a community in bonding over shared experiences. It's more than just a term; it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to find light in the darkest corners, to signal to each other that even in the most dire of circumstances, they are not alone.

The Drama, The Glitz: Camp Aesthetics Theory

Why is Judy Garland a gay icon? Let's start with Susan Sontag's Camp Aesthetics Theory. Garland was no stranger to drama, with those exaggerated expressions and theatrical presence, a core element of 'Camp'. It's no wonder she's seen as the epitome of this aesthetic.

This doesn't mean she was camping around, rather her flamboyance on and off stage resonated with the queer community's love for all things campy. As film critic Emanuel Levy put it, "She was vulnerable, a hard worker, she had talent, and she was a survivor."

Her Strength, Their Strength: Identification and Resilience Theory

Enter Diana Fuss' Identification and Resilience Theory. Garland's life was not all glitz and glam. The woman had her share of adversity, but what's admirable is her resilience. She was the embodiment of the proverbial phoenix, always rising from the ashes.

For many gay men, this mirrored their own experience in overcoming societal prejudice. As cultural observer Camille Paglia said, "Garland's tumultuous personal life, filled with triumphant highs and devastating lows, resembled the roller-coaster existence of many gay men."

A Shining Beacon: Liberation Theory

Next up, Adrienne Rich's Liberation Theory. Judy Garland was no damsel in distress waiting for a prince. Nope, she was more of a fire-breathing dragon in a world of princesses. Her liberation from societal norms might just be what the gay community saw as a beacon in a heteronormative society.

Cultural critic Michael Bronski says, "Garland was seen as a woman who lived outside the conventions of her time, in many ways like the gay men who admired her."

Mirror, Mirror: Mirror Image Theory

The gay community saw in Judy Garland a reflection of their own struggles, and ambitions. Judy, with her defiance, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity, was a mirror image that many could identify with. As Prof. Richard Dyer from the University of London opines, "Judy Garland was able to touch so many because in her they saw a reflection of their own struggle for acceptance."

The Undeniable Charisma: Divine Femininity and Androgyny Theory

Let's take a moment to look at the stage with the lens of Judith Butler's Divine Femininity and Androgyny Theory. Judy Garland, with her beautiful femininity interlaced with a tinge of androgyny, hit the perfect note that echoed in the hearts of many gay men.

They admired her, not only for her expressions of femininity and power, but also for the slight touch of androgyny that they could resonate with. Film historian Vito Russo once said, "She was a strong woman who could show vulnerability, and a lady with a tomboyish quality. She was the embodiment of a non-binary gender expression long before the term was coined."

The Feeling of Being Seen: Marginalized Representation Theory

Alright, so let's pivot a bit. Why would anyone idolize someone else? Stuart Hall's Marginalized Representation Theory has an interesting take on this. Judy Garland was open about her struggles - from her tumultuous love life to her battles with addiction. This honesty made her a relatable figure for many gay men who felt marginalized, just as she was.

They saw in her a symbol of their own struggles, making her not just an icon, but also a companion in their journey. Film critic and historian David Ehrenstein elucidates this idea, "For gay men, Garland's struggles were a mirror to their own. Her candidness about her battles was a testament to their shared experience of feeling 'othered'."

A Sense of Belonging: Homosocial Desire Theory

Now, let's delve a bit into Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's Homosocial Desire Theory. You know, it's not always about sexual attraction. Sometimes, it's just about feeling a sense of kinship, a sense of belonging. Judy Garland, with her warm and welcoming persona, became a beacon for the gay community.

Idolizing her wasn't just about being fans, but it was also about forming non-sexual but intense bonds with each other - creating a sense of community and strength. As sociologist Eric Anderson said, "Idolizing Judy Garland was less about Garland herself and more about what she represented - a bond that strengthened the gay community."

Judy Garland was more than just a glamorous star. She was a mirror reflecting the struggles and aspirations of many gay men, a symbol of defiance and resilience, and a bond that held a community together. It's not hard to see why she became such an icon. Her charisma wasn't just in her talent, but also in her authenticity - a trait that made her a beacon of light in the midst of many battles.