Fran from the Start
Our next featured artist who is paving the way to more LGBTQ+ representation in the media needs no introduction. However, she does deserve to have more recognition for her contributions to not only the world of media and entertainment, but for her efforts to make the world a more equal place to exist in. And she does it all while getting us to think. Fran Lebowitz, who identifies as a lesbian, is an American author/public speaker who has been making a name for herself since the early 1970s. As an avid reader growing up, it seems that Lebowitz was destined to have her pen to the paper as a way to comment and contribute to a wide range of topics happening within the world. Her career as a writer built her much recognition with other artistic minds such as Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe and was even a frequenter of the infamous Studio 54, a popular house for entertainment. However, she was not always one who fit the typical mold to becoming the star she is today. Her story is one with not so traditional upbringings, and by this, I mean to say that Lebowitz seems to have always been herself from the start, even if it meant not fitting into everyone else's box. I would even argue that Lebowitz is an artist who invented herself, on her own terms. What makes her story just as unique, is that she is relatable. In her early academic years, she struggled with numbers, had difficulties following the rules, and did not earn the top marks that some might expect from a brilliant mind like Lebowitz's. But that is the very thing that makes her stand out - she does the unexpected, and she does it quite well.
What is also interesting about her creative approach to the arts, is that she has been known for having what is most often universal to writers of their craft, and that is writer's block. Her first body of work, Metropolitan Life was published in 1978. Since that time, Lebowitz has only published around four official books in total and is usually more frequently working in front of an audience as a public speaker. And speaking of pubic speaking, Lebowitz certainly knows how to work a crowd with her words. Known for some of her commentary on major social issues, she has publicly spoken out about an array of topics, such as feminism, democracy, gentrification, and the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Using her platform to bring awareness to these topics makes her a certified hero, as it is not every day that those in the media light take the opportunity to speak freely about their beliefs and opinions. What is more, is that Lebowitz makes an extra space available for LGBTQ+ representation as well. And it does not stop at print or public speaking. She is also known for being an occasional actor, proving that her talents are not only widely ranged, but capable of flourishing with multiple achievements.
In Her Own Words
At just seventy years old, Fran Lebowitz is redefining what it means to express one's self through their art, and she does so in the most unapologetic way possible. And there is also something just as humbling about her as well. As mentioned earlier, Lebowitz is an artist that many can relate to and she carries herself with a strong sense of who she is in the world, never putting herself above others. It can almost seem like she is in a world of her own, as she is not one who conforms to societal norms or standards. Lebowitz is also known for being, "famously resistant to technology." So much so, that she is against using certain electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and even typewriters. Yet, this somehow only makes her public platform not only slightly mysterious, but deeply admirable. From not rushing her written projects or channeling her creativity around her own interests, her force in the media is unlike any I myself have ever encountered thus far. Perhaps some other brilliant minds come to mind, but Fran Lebowitz definitely seems to be ahead of our time and the times are changing. And so is the LGBTQ+ community and the way that they are being represented in the media. And Lebowitz's writing and speeches are certainly creating the vessel to make it all happen. "A book is not supposed to be a mirror. It's supposed to be a door." And it is certainly words like these from Lebowitz that are holding that door wide open.
The Future is "Fran"
And as that door gets held open, the future of representation seems to be secured and the fight for LGBTQ+ awareness may be drawing closer to more recognition in the years to come. With artistic and creative minds like Lebowitz paving the way to these possibilities, we are building something worth standing on, and we are getting there one step at a time. This "Fran Factor" is clearly rubbing off on others (myself included) and inspiring many to speak out more openly about the very things that society often tells us not to. Lebowitz is also a role model for LGBTQ+ representation and is willing to show us that there is no one right way of making a name for yourself - sometimes the rules are the ones you create for yourself. With the right amount of passion, hard work, and a willingness to give your craft all you've got, nothing is impossible and all dreams are capable of becoming a reality. And while according to Lebowitz's statement about books not necessarily being mirrors, any kind of media made by LGBTQ+ artists offers us all something that we are able to feel seen through. Through the many extraordinary efforts of Lebowitz and her work over the years, we have a lot of future to look forward to. And speaking of future, if you have not read any of her published work or heard her speeches, I would highly like to suggest watching her new Netflix show, Pretend It's a City. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary style show stars the wonderful Lebowitz herself as she weighs in on her personal experiences living in New York City. So, whether you are an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has masterful experience, I hope that you will find something of yourself in the powerful reign of Fran Lebowitz's representational role in the media. Seeing as Lebowitz has made a world all her own, one rule seems to be simple - be yourself and be yourself at all times. In this way, the rest is up to you.
Thank you for your time. See you in the next post!
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