Pariah

Pariah is a film about a coming-of-age, black, lesbian girl. Different than other teenage gay films, the main character, Alike, is certain about her sexual orientation and not afraid to show it. Pariah expresses Alike’s struggle with her sexual orientation through the depictions of her family, friendship, and romantic relationship.

While watching this film, I kept thinking about the reasons for separate views on butch lesbians. Alike is the daughter of a family, a friend to a gay female and a friend whose sexual orientation is unclear. I can understand the worries of the parents, on some level. They acted out of protection for Alike, because they know how the world treats lesbians unfairly. Especially to butch lesbians, since the way they dress is comparatively unusual for girls. This perspective is also very common to many parents and teachers in China. On the other hand, Alike knows herself very well and only wants to express herself freely. She is certainly aware of the hate on lesbians (she is receiving it from her parents), but ultimately, she decided to face it. Seeing her kind of reminded me of myself. When I was younger, I received comments on how masculine I dress and was told by my father to act/dress more girly. I feel her frustration with the comments and conflicts around her and was glad Alike took the path that is honest to herself.