For those who have access to Netflix can I recommend Nanette, a one hour show by the Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby. We watched it last night and were very moved by her story of growing up 'non-normal' in Tasmania.

Already award winning it deserves being seen by a wide Australian audience. Hannah skillfully and passionately confronts us with the reality facing people from her community. It is a highly topical and important piece of work from a gifted artist.

Dear Steele,

Thank You for drawing our attention to Hannah Gadsby and
"Nanette," it certainly isn't an ordinary show. It makes
great demands of her and the audience. She's certainly a gifted
artist and a skilled storyteller. We can only wish her
every success in whatever she chooses to do next.
I personally would love to meet her and give her a big
hug.

Dear Foxy,

Did you see it live or the recording at the Sydney Opera House?

I'm sure there would be wide variety of responses but very few could leave without a certain degree of introspection. As a male who mostly grew up in Australia, including a few years in Tasmania, there were many things that struck home. What we walked past did become the standard we accepted. We have thankfully progressed in many ways toward making our societies a little more safer for Hannah's community but there is a long way to go.

I am still in awe of her bravery.

More strength to her arm.

Dear Steele,

I didn't see it live - unfortunately.

You may be interested in Hannah's memoir which is
scheduled to be released June 1st 2019 (Allen & Unwin),
ISBN 1742374034. It's 304 pages. "Ten Steps to Nanette."
It was supposed to be released in June of this year
but it's been delayed. It can be pre-ordered from Dymocks.
I'm going to my favourite book-shop - Readings.

According to the descriptions - "it's a string of stories
that draws together the varied funny and sometimes dark
events of her life compelling readers to understand the
damage society can visit upon those who find themselves on
the outside."

Dear Foxy,

Yes it should be a good read.

I've never been one to dwell too much on the notion of heterosexual white male privilege because I always felt it was a bit of a misnomer, preferring instead to recognise the historical and cultural disadvantage our society has placed upon 'other' groups.

Hannah's presentation has me quite rightly reassessing my position as well as reviewing my past actions or just indifference.

I'm wondering what responses other males in your life may have had to Nanette if they have watched it. While there certainly is some discomfort I can't put my finger on exactly what I see as a common thread with males I have discussed Nanette with. The best word I can come up with, acknowledging its deficiencies, is sheepishness.

I also have had a real issue of how identity politics has been used to muddy and corrupt debate but this is one instance where it is very relevant.

Dear Steele,

Many of the males/females - in my life happen to be
gay. They are my closest friends with whom I socialise,
and share my life. Their sexual choices have never
been a problem in my accepting them. I simply accepted
them, as I hope they accepted me. I enjoyed their company,
and shared my life with them - as you do with any of your
friends.

As for my husband? he was raised by the Christian
Brothers - and it turned him off religion. As far as I'm
aware - he has never expressed any strong negative
judgements about anybody
(except with the exception of Donald Trump). He simply
takes people as he finds them - and he seems to enjoy the
company of my gay friends.

The only thing I have to confess is - when a close friend was
dieing of AIDS- everyone shaved their heads in solidarity.
I chickened out and hid in the closet. I felt so ashamed
afterwards. But I'm so proud of my rich mane of hair. It was an
ego thing - and a selfish move on my part. I felt like a
bad person as a result. But I just couldn't do it. Not sure
what that says about me? I should have done it!

cont'd ...

As for what my husband thought of "Nanette?"

He didn't say anything. But he was very quiet
and seemed a bit emotional. I decided to leave
him alone for a while. He's a very gentle soul.
And I think it did affect him greatly.

Dear Steele,

Sexuality aside, people are people. We don't choose
our friends because of their sexual orientation or
because we view them as being "different." We're
all different. We choose our friends because we
share interests, we have something in common, and
because we like them.

I watched about half of it and turned off in boredom. I used to remember her being quite funny in her earlier days, seemed a bit same ol' with worse delivery.

She was quite good in Please Like Me.

Hi Houllie,

Welcome back!

Well, everybody had been raving about it so I finally signed up to Netflix (and now they have my soul, I suppose).

Good show. I don't know if it quite lived up to all the hype, but definitely worth watching.

Dear Houellebecq,

Lol. Mate if you were watching for the humour then may I suggest a substantial premise of the show was the deconstructing of jokes and the toll self deprecating humour can inflict on the deliverer.

The first part of her show was really setting up the second so I can understand you feeling a little underwhelmed. If you did feel like finishing it one day I think you may well change your mind.

Dear Toni,

I understand you might have felt it didn't live up to the hype. Someone told me to watch it without giving much away therefore I had few expectations so I will admit that may well have been a factor in how much it impacted me.

There are a few people I have discussed this with who have found it quite transformative and some of them are very alpha male. I think it is an important work that will not move everyone to the same degree but it blew me away.