Guest JamesBarnes Posted October 22, 2012 Posted October 22, 2012 I will be doing an interview with Sir Ian McKellen later tonight so if you have a question that you would like me to ask him, please post it here or at www.out-in-thailand.com/facebook The best will be asked and get a free OUT iT t-shirt Warm wishes, James. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted October 22, 2012 Posted October 22, 2012 Very interesting, James, and fantastic that you have got the interview. I have some. Question 1 When you visited Singapore in 2007, you were brought into the debate about Singapore and the laws on the statute books criminalizing homosexuality. Whilst you were reluctant to comment, you did so – as follows in an interview with Reuters: "I would not come to Singapore and comment on any aspect of its society but as a gay man invited here with the full cognisance of the government, how can they not notice that my right to have sex are inhibited by the country?" he told Reuters. Q: Were you aware that Singapore senior statesman Lee Kuan Yew has said it would be difficult to repeal the law on sexual acts between men because of popular opposition from the country's conservative majority. A: "Yes. Then he must expect gay people not to come here, he must expect gay people to emigrate, he must expect no company to have their gay employees work here. Under that pressure he will change the law, I guarantee you. I'll take a bet." Have you any indication from your friends that the situation in Singapore has improved, even though the law remains in force? Question 2 One of the great theatrical memories of my youth was seeing you at the Edinburgh Festival performing as Richard II and Edward II. Edward II is a play by a homosexual about a homosexual king. Did you, as a homosexual actor who, like most at that time, had not come out, have any concerns about playing such an overtly homosexual character? Question 3 You came out in 1988. Was this in any way influenced by the very pubic discussion which had arisen as a result of the onset of HIV/AIDS around the world? Did you see your coming out as a way of helping to change some of the public’s perceptions of gay men? Question 4 After the award of your knighthood, Stephen Fry dubbed you “Serena” (Sir Ian!) and you yourself have sometimes used it. Do you find that in any way demeaning? Question 5 What are you views on many younger gays reclaiming the word “queer”? I ask because some in Asia are concerned that this reinforces negative prejudices, especially in what are generally very conservative societies, and that “being queer” was a phrase for a particular time. Many thanks James. Hope you can get one in! Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 How did the interview turn out, James? Quote
Guest JamesBarnes Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Dear Fountainhall, He was charming, funny, articulate, urbane and produced some great quotes. My only regret was that the interview with this quintessentially English, gentle man, was not double the length. Still, with the imminent release of The Hobbit- An Unexpected Journey (this December) he was most generous with his time considering the onerous round of pre-publicity that has already engulfed him. Thank you for your kind interest and the fascinating questions- 'fraid you'll have to wait for our December issue to see if he answered one of yours! Best wishes, James. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 The interview was an amazing coup given all the pressure on his time. Congratulations! I look forward to reading it. Hope it helps you increase your print run. Quote
Guest JamesBarnes Posted October 23, 2012 Posted October 23, 2012 Dear Fountainhall, Many thanks for your kind words. You can be sure that the coming months will see a veritable galaxy of stars interviewed in OUT iT and thanks to all our loyal readers and advertisers, who have helped us build an international reputation and a positive image of Thailand, we have been most fortunate to garner the support of Sir Ian and other top 'names'. Friends often question my long hours and shortage of social outings but I really could not be happier with my occupation for OUT iT and enjoy every minute! Best wishes, James. Quote
