Blue Jean: A Timely Tale of Personal Freedom Amidst Legislating Homophobia
In Georgia Oakley’s debut feature film, “Blue Jean,” set in 1988 Newcastle, UK, the impact of legislated homophobia takes center stage. Against the backdrop of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government and the impending passing of “Section 28,” the film explores the life of Jean (played by Rosy McEwen), a gym teacher at a secondary school. Divorced and living a closeted life, Jean’s sexuality remains a secret known only to her trusted group of friends. However, the introduction of the new legislation and its potential consequences for her career and personal life plunges her into increasing anxiety about keeping her queer identity hidden.
When a new student named Lois (Lucy Halliday) appears in her class and later discovers Jean’s presence at a local gay bar with her girlfriend Viv (Kerrie Hayes) and their lesbian friends, Jean’s carefully constructed world starts to crumble. Fearful of accidental revelations, she resorts to lying to her family and work colleagues to avoid socializing with them.
As tensions escalate, Jean’s personal life begins to unravel, particularly her relationship with Viv, who is defiantly out and proud. A pivotal incident involving Lois and another classmate, Siobhan (Lydia Page), forces Jean to make a critical decision: either stand up for the truth and risk exposure or conform to the “official” narrative to protect her own safety.
“Blue Jean” captures the struggle faced by ordinary individuals navigating the hostile political climate of the time. It highlights the impact of Section 28 on personal freedom, particularly for LGBTQ+ teachers who felt compelled to remain silent and suppress their identities to safeguard their jobs. Oakley’s film draws on the experiences and stories of lesbian physical education teachers who faced similar challenges during this era, shedding light on the mental health toll and constant fear they endured.
Through the exceptional performance of Rosy McEwen, who expertly portrays Jean’s journey of fear, frustration, and desire for liberation, the film encapsulates the suffocating effects of internalized homophobia and the weight of government scrutiny, subtle homophobia, and insidious stereotypes.
“Blue Jean” serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of progress, the specter of hate and homophobia can still loom large. As we celebrate Pride month and the advancements made, it is vital to recognize that discrimination persists and remains a threat to personal freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
Sources:
- Scarpa, V. (2022). Review: Blue Jean. Cineuropa.
- Patton, E. (2023, June 14). ‘Blue Jean’ evokes the anxieties of being a gay teacher in the Thatcher era. NBC News.
- King, J. P. (2023, June 15). ‘Blue Jean’ explores impact of legislated homophobia on personal freedom. Washington Blade.
- Photos Credit: cineuropa.org