Fire Island's Bechdel Test Controversy Explained
The Hulu film Fire Island was released this month to critical acclaim and audience appreciation, except for one writer who exclaimed that the movie failed the Bechdel Test. Set against the backdrop of the real-life Fire Island—the barrier island that runs parallel to the southern coast of Long Island, New York made famous for being a resort for gay men—the movie is a love letter to gay pride throughout the ages. Based on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, Fire Island is a unique entry into a film genre that hasn’t seen much in the way of mainstream opportunity until more recently. A highly diverse cast of incredibly talented performers pushes this uplifting flick beyond expectations.
The Bechdel Test was created by cartoonist Alison Bechdel in the 1980s to determine what pieces of fiction in pop culture demonstrate a greater than average depiction of women. The test was conceived to bring writers, filmmakers, artists, and others to task with the intent to make sure at least two female characters are featured in the work of fiction, and that said female characters have discussions with one another that don't include talking about men. While many films and television series don't necessarily pass the test, the Bechdel Test was devised to call attention to gender inequality in works of fiction.
Related: Why LGBTQ+ Representation Is So Important In Media
Recalling the characters of Fire Island, writer Hanna Rosin came under a great deal of scrutiny when she took to Twitter to announce her displeasure with the film, and how it was an example of failing the Bechdel Test. The reason Rosin gave for this is due in large part because the movie seemed to represent Margaret Cho's character of Erin as a boring lesbian who gives into
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