A metaphor that has been applied to the X-Men is that of LGBT rights. Comparisons have been made between the mutants’ situation, including concealment of their powers and the age they realize these powers, and homosexuality. Several scenes in the X-Men films (two of which were directed by openly gay director Bryan Singer) illustrate this theme. The first film featured a scene in which Senator Robert Kelly questioned whether mutants should be allowed to teach children in school, mirroring such debates as that over Section 28, in which Sir Ian McKellen (who played Magneto in the film, and who is also openly gay) was involved. Bobby Drake (Iceman) “comes out” as a mutant to his parents in X2: X-Men United. In response, Bobby’s mother condescendingly asks him, “Have you tried not being a mutant?”, referencing the (incorrect) belief that homosexuality is not inherent but rather a lifestyle choice. Also in X2, Nightcrawler has a conversation with Mystique in which he asks her why she doesn’t use her shapeshifting ability to blend in among non-mutant humans all the time (an option Nightcrawler evidently wishes he had). Mystique replies simply, “Because we shouldn’t have to.” In the comics series, gay and bisexual characters include Anole, Destiny, Karma, Mystique, Northstar, Graymalkin, Rictor, Shatterstar and, in a significant change from his mainstream counterpart, Ultimate Colossus.

Mark Millar’s run on the Ultimate X-Men series makes the implication that Colossus (whose real name is Peter Rasputin) is gay through his interactions with fellow X-Man, Wolverine. Colossus nearly kills Magneto for simply threatening to harm Wolverine. Jean Grey jokes that Colossus’ favorite show is (stereotypically) Will & Grace, but states more directly in that the main reason Colossus left the X-Men might have been that he was unable to make the X-Man he’d fallen in love with love him, even in the slightest. Storm also suggests Peter is gay when Angel arrives at the school and Storm explains to him that the reason that all the girls “and maybe Colossus” stare at him is because he is good looking. It is more openly addressed later during a series of mutant murders by Sinister, Colossus tends to the wounds of Northstar, the only survivor. He is shocked when the openly gay Northstar asks if Colossus is single, which triggers a transformation into his metal state. Colossus and Northstar amicably part ways and keep in touch even after Northstar’s team, the Academy of Tomorrow, come to blows with the X-Men. Colossus later agrees to accompany Northstar to his homecoming dance.

This disturbs Nightcrawler, Peter’s friend, who begins to avoid and resent him. Their relationship becomes very strained after this and never really recovers, Nightcrawler believing that Colossus deliberately misled and “betrayed” him. This also marks a significant change in Nightcrawler’s character: much of his relationship with Colossus in the mainstream versions of them also involves Kitty Pryde (Colossus’ recurring love interest throughout most of the various X-Men chronicles)’s close relationship with Nightcrawler. In this version, however, there is no romantic relations between Pryde and Rasputin and all three characters are affected. In other versions, Nightcrawler is routinely seen as an outsider trying desperately to fit in, more so than the other X-Men, but in this one his blatant homophobia and disgust towards Colossus is a strong theme. Comments have been made with a double meaning toward Peter’s sexuality, such as Bobby Drake saying “Too bad he’s playing for the other team” during a baseball game against the Academy of Tomorrow.

Transgender issues have also been explored in mutants’ ability to “pass” as non-mutants - in the origin of Angel, he binds his wings. Shape-changers like Mystique can change gender at will.

The comic books delved into the AIDS epidemic during the early 1990s with a long-running plot line about the Legacy Virus, a seemingly incurable disease similarly thought at first to attack only mutants. Ironically, while the X-Men had the Legacy Virus, they are incapable of getting AIDS due to their genetic mutation being able to combat the disease.

Whoever said that didn’t quite get the whole picture. There are sometimes when people shouldn’t be ignorant. Like ignorant about other people. Peoples of different races, religion, sex, age, and yes, sexuality. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t talk. Simple as that really. Thanks.

Today I actually didn’t turn in an assignment for Mr. Zannetti. Mr. Zannetti is the nicest man on campus and never gives out homework. The least I should do is actually complete the assignment. But I didn’t. This, including the fact that I haven’t studied for anything in my AP Government & Politics class, don’t have the required book for my World Lit class AND the fact that I haven’t done a single homework assignment in my Algebra 2B class shows that something is wrong.

Alas, I am still maintaining a 4.0 GPA, which is all fine and dandy (this is mostly because of the fact that I have A’s in my honors band and AP Spanish class). However, this not being prepared and not doing homework thing isn’t me. Sure, I talk a lot of crap about homework, but I still DO it. Until now. What’s up with that?

College apps. That’s what. This past weekend was devoted to: one, Work. And two, college apps. Albeit, I did successfully finished and turn in my applications to Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount (including the School of Film & Television). So I am happy about the fact that that’s two less schools I have to worry about. But STILL. The USC SCA app is killing me. Thank God for my resource, Liza Pano. I don’t know what I’d do without her guiding me through the SC app.

Well, now I have 4 late assignments in math and an essay to write for religion. Awesome.

The most powerful stories are ones that last forever; ones that will stick with you for the rest of your life. These stories are captivating, gaining the audience’s attention from the very start. They are ground-breaking, telling you something that you’ve never heard or seen before. They, in my opinion, must be relatable. If the audience can’t relate to the subject matter, then why tell the story? And above all else, they must be something people will care about. In order for the story to be all of these things, the storyteller must know how to tell it. A storyteller needs to understand the plot development beforehand. They need to be able to see the outcome and make sure the story flows towards it. The story’s characters are extremely important. Whether the character is a protagonist or antagonist, if no one likes them, then no one would want to hear about the story. Storytellers need to know that there has to be a good conflict or struggle that the main character of the story has to go through. Very importantly, a well structured resolution to the conflict is most beneficial to the story. The ending is the defining factor of some stories. It is the ending that will leave people talking, discussing, debating. The best storytellers know how to leave people wanting more. They are able to use their stories as a form to reach the people. All in all, the best storytellers are normal people. Although most can validly argue that some people are born with a gift to tell stories, you need to have some experience be it formal or informal. They are made. The best storytellers have failed at telling stories before. But it is because they learned from their mistakes that they are great.

(Loyola Marymount University Supplementary Material essay for all those applying to the School of Film & Television)

Right now, I’m about to go ape s**t crazy. Why? College apps.

As of right now, I’m basically done with the bulk of the applications for my 6 choices (USC, LMU, Pepperdine, CSULB, CSULA, & SDSU). However, my top two choices (USC & LMU) both require a dump load of supplementary material. LMU has an additional 3 essays (statements) in addition to the Common App essay. I need these finished this week for the Nov. 1st Early Action Deadline.

USC on the other hand is a lot more intimidating. I’m applying to the School of Cinematic Arts, just about the most competitive and successful film school in America. In addition to the whole USC application (which includes a 500-1000 word essay and three short answers), the SCA application requires: a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation, two more essays of intent, a writing sample, a work sample (either a video or picture), and a portfolio list. All this to be due by Dec. 1st for the SCA and scholarship consideration for USC.

OMFG. Why is this so stressful? It’s my senior year. Aren’t I suppose to be “living it up” and….well, enjoying myself? Seriously. I cannot wait till after these are all done and turned it. Then it turns into a waiting game until the letters of acceptance (or rejection) start pouring in. I’m hoping there are the former, but there’s always that chance. I mean, USC SCA accepts only 10% of applicants. TEN PERCENT. That means that 90% don’t get in. 90% aren’t good enough. We’ll see where I stand on that one.

Anyway, the reason I’m doing this whole tumblr thing (and started up my twitter again) is to get my mind off of this. Not wholly get my mind of it, beacuse I still do need to focus and all. But, this is just to take a load of and relax while finishing my apps. This seems like a little more productive than facebook (which is actually open in another window. I’m a fb whore). We’ll see how much I do with this. And see who even reads this.