Gay Pop Culture Question

[subcomhd]

What is the deal with the Dorothy character in Wizard of Ozz. I have heard gay friends refer to other men as possible "friends of Dorothy." (ie gay.) Whenever they do this we are usually out drinking and I never get around to asking - or just don't want to look stupid. I get that it means gay - I think. But where does that come from?

[zorahopkins]

1. Judy, Judy, Judy

I asked a gay friend of mine this same question once.

He told me that it wasn't so much about Dorothy as it was about the person who played Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

Judy Garland -- long a gay icon.

[subcomhd]

6. Oh, ok. Like Bette Midler sort of thing.

I thought maybe it meant a closeted gay man. because it reminded me of Friends of Bill (AA member.)

[Hepburn]

2. ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friend_of_Dorothy

[orleans]

7. this part is HYSTERICAL!

In the early 1980s, the Naval Investigative Service was investigating homosexuality in the Chicago area. Agents discovered that gay men sometimes referred to themselves as "friends of Dorothy." Unaware of the historical meaning of the term, the NIS believed that a woman named Dorothy was at the center of a massive ring of homosexual military personnel. The NIS launched an enormous hunt for Dorothy, hoping to find her and convince her to reveal the names of gay servicemembers

from your wiki link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friend_of_Dorothy

[Are_grits_groceries]

8. LOL!

Priceless!

[Hepburn]

10. Teh gay fooled 'em again!

:rofl:

[closeupready]

3. Judy Garland loved gay men. I think one of her husband's was gay.

Maybe two. So she had lots of fans among the gay community.

[Prism]

4. Here ya go:

This is a pretty decent answer:

Gay mag The Advocate refers to gay icon Judy Garland as the "Elvis of homosexuals." Even though Judy Garland (June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969) had numerous gay friends and a gay father it is believed that her true connection with gay men was rooted in her ability to overcome the inner conflict, instability and loneliness that defined her life even during stardom. Judy's necessity to maintain a "stage presence" at all times despite her inner turmoil led to a severe prescription drug addiction and eventually her tragic death. Gay men of the homophobic 50s and 60s identified with the dichotomy of her life as they too had to hide behind walls of perceived strength.

Garland's journey to personal acceptance as the young Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz resonated throughout the gay community. Despite intense fear, confusion and a series of trials, Judy as Dorothy finally made it "home" by realizing that she possessed all of the heart, strength and courage needed to find the true happiness that lived within. Gay men of the past and today also embarked on adventures of self-discover that led full circle to self-acceptance.

The message of The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland's courage is credited with giving many gay men the strength to come out and live their lives despite adversity. Thus came the expression "Friend of Dorothy," which many gay men used to describe themselves and other gay people. Today, gay Judy Garland references are used to describe a gay man's best friend, who we affectionately call "My Judy."

http://gaylife.about.com/od/moviestheatre/a/judygarlandgay.htm

[Riverman]

9. The odyssey of the full circle is also called: "The Heroes Journey"

and is used in trainings for professional personal development.

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. JUDY!

She was a gay icon.

[gratuitous]

11. My understanding is that it has to do with shoes somehow

Which is not surprising, but I don't really know.