Queer Xennies: What cultural figures, productions, or moments do you associate with your 90s baby-queer awakening? For me, Angelina in Gia started it all.

[-]

VampirateV@reddit

I didn't realize that I was queer until my early 30s, just genuinely was naive and not very self-aware. Should have been obvious all the way back in like 1994, when I found Mulder and Scully equally hot 😅

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

>I found Mulder and Scully equally hot 😅 There ya go!

Reply

[-]

boneso@reddit

Aaliyah

Reply

[-]

chasinfreshies@reddit

Hollywooooooood from Mannequin.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Ha! Love this one. Were you a Designing Women fan too?

Reply

[-]

chasinfreshies@reddit

Oh hells yeah!

Reply

[-]

sapient_pearwood_@reddit

In high school I was in one of those friend groups who were just "weird" and most of us turned out to be some flavor of queer in our 20s. I didn't have an inkling (or a single F) about my queerness until 2001-ish, when I saw Velvet Goldmine. Not too many queer ladies in that, but still, lightbulb moment for my 19/20yo self. Ewan McGregor in general, I guess. (I'm super bi.)

Reply

[-]

Sans_Pants_666@reddit

I'm going to out myself as someone with a type, but for me it was Jenny Shimizu, kd lang, and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Reply

[-]

hashuan@reddit

I’m not queer, but I am an Xennial bassist from DC and MeShell was my early-90s baby-queer-adjacent-and-visionary-musician-appreciator awakening. What a genius! What a dreamboat! 😍

Reply

[-]

Sans_Pants_666@reddit

I just watched her "what's in my bag?" interview at amoeba records, and she seems like such a delight! She recommended Harold and Maude and it made me love her a little more.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Jenny! Foxfire is def way up there on the list!!! iirc thats when her and Angie started dating. Me'shell is very intimately tied to my first gf in college. Every time that damn Fast Cars song comes on the radio!!!

Reply

[-]

Sans_Pants_666@reddit

what's so funny is I first heard/saw Me'Shell do "if that's your boyfriend" and I was like, "um...I don't think I need a boyfriend anymore..." It was a moment, for sure!

Reply

[-]

BigCommunication193@reddit

BLAH, you literally NONE of this crap. For me it was Absolutely Fabulous, Patsy and Edina WERE the best, still are.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

AbFab!! OMG hadn't thought of that show in decades. Gonna have to do a rewatch!!

Reply

[-]

Writeforwhiskey@reddit

Prince 'Kiss'. I was young, maybe 6 amd thr woman dancing started my path. Once I learned the terms gay/straight, I figured I wasn't straight, but I liked both. Didn't know what that or "bi" meant until later, but I knew girls needed to be in my rotation.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

commented elsewhere that one of the things I love about gen z is how they often exist outside the binaries that were forced on us, def feels like evolution in a good direction. Once "queer" came (back) into use It felt so liberating to me bc even 90s "bi" felt restricting.

Reply

[-]

MattTheFlash@reddit

I'm straight, this was just a softcore porn movie for me, with Angelina Jolie so that made it extra special.

Reply

[-]

ConcreteKeys@reddit

Same.... She does a photoshoot where she jumps up against a chain link fence naked and her boobs look all smashed. It looked painful.

Reply

[-]

brennttost@reddit

That's about all I remember from the movie lol

Reply

[-]

Pirate_Queen_of_DC@reddit

I didn't start to acknowledge my not-straightness until high school (thanks Mom and Dad!) so it was Rachel Weisz in *The Mummy* (and Patricia Velasquez, tbh), and Rene Russo in *The Thomas Crown Affair*. Goddamn, she was a fox in that movie.

Reply

[-]

prairieaquaria@reddit

That see-through dress???? 🔥

Reply

[-]

Pirate_Queen_of_DC@reddit

Definitely.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

>Rene Russo in > >The Thomas Crown Affair > >. I think this is my reply fave so far.

Reply

[-]

HeyYoEowyn@reddit

This is kinda yikes but the girl in the video for Billy Idols Rock the Cradle of Love. The bed scene specifically. Now, as a 10 year old baby queer, that scene did not raise any red flags - watched it again with a bunch of my queer girls last year and they were like….. this video is not appropriate 😂😂😂 I had absolutely no idea that it was about an underage girl, bc I WAS UNDERAGE. Jesus. Didn’t even think about the lyrics of the song!! But yeah, that was it. And also the picture of Cindy Crawford shaving kd Kang’s face: https://preview.redd.it/jmqbxrswbbdc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84d3bde97d8991ac799bcf7d005ebf45ea598541

Reply

[-]

ridiculousdisaster@reddit

I'll see your yikes and I'll raise you that Aerosmith video. You know the one

Reply

[-]

HeyYoEowyn@reddit

Girl, you got to change your crazy ways!! 🫣 the 90s were a different time 😂

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Ahh Liv Tyler, another one!!! I only recently realized how weird/creepy it was that Steven Tyler cast his daughter in such a sexualized video. I ain't complainin though.

Reply

[-]

Dependent_Bug7346@reddit

That video delivered for brunette and blond fans.

Reply

[-]

brennttost@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/5tz9kf2ltddc1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7efcb5039e8e13172efd79f5ab4543a58058e626 Louise Post of Veruca Salt Oh my gosh

Reply

[-]

creamywhitemayo@reddit

I was a punk rock baby from my teeny days, so Debbie Harry, Dale Bozzio, Wendy O. Williams, and Siouixie Sioux were definitely awakenings. As well as Marvel comic ladies, the women of Rocky Horror, every single thing Jennifer Jason Leigh did, Gillian Anderson, and also Ricki Lake in both talk show host and John Waters muse forms. The 90s were a wild time for me. My Dad and I totally bonded over watching stuff like To Wong Foo & Priscilla & The Birdcage. His brother who did drag died from AIDS related illnesses in 1995, and I often wonder if he knows I was queer before I truly did. He passed in 2015 and I miss him terribly.

Reply

[-]

TappyMauvendaise@reddit

RuPaul’s Supernodel of the World album

Reply

[-]

TappyMauvendaise@reddit

To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newman (1995), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1995), Truth or Dare (1991)

Reply

[-]

OracularOrifice@reddit

Buffy. Well, really Willow. But the show Buffy.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

THIS moment (1:16 if timestamp doesn't work) [https://youtu.be/trA44lcQCkg?feature=shared&t=76](https://youtu.be/trA44lcQCkg?feature=shared&t=76)

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Gotta say I'm a little saddened by the 67% upvote/33% downvote rate on this post. 😔 Not cause I care about votes but cause it means our gen still has a ways to go. Womp womp.

Reply

[-]

jp112078@reddit

As a very straight man, I can agree that her portrayal in this was also very memorable to me both how hot she was and also the actual performance. Amazing and underrated

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Angie 4ever 4everyone!!!

Reply

[-]

sed2017@reddit

[Chloe Sevigny](https://images.app.goo.gl/pvkZE7C8CmB2BcCN6) Be still my heart.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Ugh yes! KIDS! and how could I forget her BFF Natasha Lyone in "But I'm a Cheerleader"? I didn't realize until this thread that there were actually more instances than I thought.

Reply

[-]

sed2017@reddit

Yep, Whatta babe! ✨

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

To this day!

Reply

[-]

jasonhamrick@reddit

Donna Dresch. That fucking album!

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

🙌🏽 I recently rescued cd's from my parents' basement, and have an old car with a cd player, so Team Dresch is still on regular rotation!

Reply

[-]

ridiculousdisaster@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/3dmrc5embbdc1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ac5c278955c2be2a1b887717ed4dee4e17660d0

Reply

[-]

ridiculousdisaster@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/7lvgp5i8cbdc1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97c8c64810e93ae4ed4e8490c9b9e4298cebfd11

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Yup yup yup. Nothing like those Drew pixie days.

Reply

[-]

ridiculousdisaster@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/bbqtx5mbcbdc1.jpeg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=985a55b60f1391422c3f3374441e6747fdc59a75

Reply

[-]

ConcreteKeys@reddit

I thought she was so cool. Always having daises in her hair and being wild.

Reply

[-]

ConcreteKeys@reddit

Not me, but I know a lesbian who had a crush on Darleen from Roseanne.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

She had good early gaydar!

Reply

[-]

always4wardneverstr8@reddit

Gwen Stefani and Shirley Manson and so many others.

Reply

[-]

Beezel_Pepperstack@reddit

I'm just some random guy, but I wholeheartedly share your appreciation of Gia! Cheers!

Reply

[-]

EternalSunshineClem@reddit

Same. Straight female but Angelina in Gia had me feeling some kind of way.

Reply

[-]

epidemicsaints@reddit

Remember how every girl would have to pick which girl they would be all bi-curious with? Drew Barrymore vs. Angeliuna.

Reply

[-]

ridiculousdisaster@reddit

My friend used to say Mila Jovovich. (My female friend who is straight.) But the way she would talk about Mila was exactly like Andy Bernard talks about Brad Pitt on the office 😂😂

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

haha I think that's why those are the first two I always think of when I contemplate this q, and why they're the first two in the slideshow!

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

I am sure that role sparked sexual awakenings all across the spectrum!

Reply

[-]

EternalSunshineClem@reddit

Definitely. She's just stupid hot.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

I am sure that role sparked sexual awakenings all across the spectrum!

Reply

[-]

Popular_Bite9246@reddit

I’m straight but had some gay friends in college that all seemed universally interested in Gavin Rossdale.

Reply

[-]

Mysterious-Maybe-184@reddit

I’m 41 and still listen to Ani Difranco everyday!

Reply

[-]

Puzzleheaded_Runner@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/c3ojfsv76bdc1.jpeg?width=620&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e4080c5f38e177fbe3aee15e84920234d08b493 This video lol

Reply

[-]

anOvenofWitches@reddit

Madonna in all things. Going back to the Material Girl video. 🤷‍♂️

Reply

[-]

sidvictorious@reddit

Honestly? Rufio in Hook. 10 year old me was hit with a ton of bricks with the plot, and I BAWLED in the theater with so many feelings I didn't understand!

Reply

[-]

manyuska85@reddit

For me it was the entire cast of foxfire

Reply

[-]

Transplanted_Cactus@reddit

Absolutely. That movie had such an impact on me.

Reply

[-]

epidemicsaints@reddit

Remember when Ryan Phillippe played a gay teenager on One Life to Live? They even did it in the summer so kids could see it. It sure had me watching!!!

Reply

[-]

camptastic_plastic@reddit

Fellow Grease 2 fan here. The actor that played Louis is actually gay so your baby gaydar was clearly already working!

Reply

[-]

epidemicsaints@reddit

Isn't it crazy how that works? I caught him later on Thirtysomething as a gay character too. He's such a dreamboat.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

I literally remember the scene in Gia that made me tingle! Our lil developing selves were so thirsty to see moments that resonated w who we were becoming, and we didn't realize that's what was happening. I think that's why they stick with us.

Reply

[-]

SashimiRick@reddit

The first time I saw Placebo in concert, Brian Molko was a sight to behold. Learning that he was openly bisexual made me feel a lot more normal. I was still confused, but it helped. "The Real World: San Francisco* was the first time I saw a male kiss. HUGE. The way the housemates supported Pedro and Sean against the hate of Puck was absolutely beautiful. I wanted that support. There was an explosion of guy-liner and nail polish in rock/metal bands during the 90s that allowed me to try out my personal fashion more freely. The first day I wore black nail polish to school, one of the usual bullies thought it was cool because Kirk Hammett of Metallica did it. *Bound*, starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon changed my life. Even though they were lesbians, a lot of the closet themes spoke out to me. In the end, they were two badasses who stuck it to the dinosaurs and had their happily-ever-after. I came out to my family after that...and had to go to Camp Courage so they could "fix" me, thanks to the Catholic church.

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

Bound!! How could I forget. 🤤 I randomly think about Pedro a lot. He was so key in shifting how our gen saw and understood queerness and AIDS. RIP/QEPD to that beautifully brave man.

Reply

[-]

SashimiRick@reddit

Aww, I heart you for the "QEPD." Yeah, Bound is just so so good! From the extremely hot scenes, the grittiness of the settings, and the unashamed bar cruising by Corky, the movie hits all the right notes. I love how you can see so many shots and elements the Wachowskis later used for the Matrix movies. They are my favorite queer storytellers by far.

Reply

[-]

witch_of_winooski@reddit

The androgyny of such figures as Annie Lennox, David Bowie, and Grace Jones was foundational to the cracking of my nonbinary egg (even if I didn't have the language to express it until years later).

Reply

[-]

Murky_Permission_822@reddit (OP)

We complain a lot about the youngins on here, but one of the things i love about gen z is their capacity to live outside the binaries we were forced to live in. Gives me a lil hope.

Reply

Reply to Post

75 Comments