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MacDonald:
That's a stereotype I've not heard, actually.
Rainer:
Oh? It's in the culture. I don't think I invented it, and I really want to investigate it:
Is
it a stereotype?
Privilege
does raise all the stereotypes about desirability and women getting "old" before men get "old," and the old maid stereotype.
MacDonald:
I guess the stereotype I've heard is that old maids are lesbians whether they know it or notthough I'm certainly not in touch with the conventional stereotyping of lesbians.
Rainer:
What's very interesting to me is that the instant you get involved with someone of your own sex, it's like crossing the Rubicon! I mean, suddenly, I'm not a "political lesbian" (well, I
am
a political lesbian), I'm lesbian. I felt I couldn't
say
that before, which was odd, because years ago, there was a time I couldn't say I was a feminist because I thought, "Oh a feminist is a political
activist,
not just someone who makes art." I got past that, and have been an avowed feminist for years.
You know, this is the first time I've uttered all this. No one has asked me directly.
MacDonald: Privilege
gave me the sense you wanted to be asked, but I wasn't sure I'd have the nerve to ask you.
Rainer:
I'm glad you did. It's the beginningfor meof talking about it. Which means the beginning of fomenting a film.