Anyway, difficult as it seems to be for most commentators to conceive, there may be many more women who find the idea/image of two men together erotic than current definitions of female desire may permit even them to recognize openly. That straight men are hot for lesbians (or, at least, girl-on-girl action) is a cliche. So women and gay men? Open-minded people should get past the tired misogyny of "fag hags" and ask more questions.
> <quote>
>
> "Brokeback" is a shrewdly crafted "prestige" picture aimed like a
> heat-seeking missile at the same female viewers who made "Queer as Folk" a
> cable hit. The movie is not daring, or edgy, or even particularly
> controversial. It's not about "gay liberation" or the radical politics that
> would transform self and society. What it is is a well-closeted romance,
> replete with studly leads smooching and muttering about "feelings" in ways
> sure to set aflutter those feminine hearts longing for a soft-core version
> of hot man-to-man action.
>
> <end excerpt>
>
> I don't mean to deny other readings, but I found this surprisingly true in
> own life.... And I have to say, my first reaction was to feel there was something
> progressive in this for young heterosexual girls, if not for grown up gay
> men. And perhaps when her cohort grows up, and forms half the world men
> inhabit, maybe they'll be that much less homophobia for them to have to deal
> with.
>
> Michael