Girls in the Center
“Boys on the Side” addresses homophobia and racism very seldom and it was never in intense situations. Interracial friendship seems to be impossible when Robin and Jane first take to the road; not simply because of racial differences but because of personality traits. Jane makes a comment about traveling with the “whitest of white girls”. This sets the tone for your expectations of their relationship. Lesbian love comes up anytime Jane’s love is mentioned. When Robin is put to the stand in regards to Nick’s death, she is asked if she is a lesbian and her response is “No sir but at times I understand the inclination.” This response creates a bridge where there was none between her Jane’s sexuality. Jane is very comfortable in her skin. Robin’s mother is the one that brings being a black lesbian into the equation when she asks Holly and Robin in surprise that Jane not only black but also a lesbian. This homophobia and racism, when she asks these questions, seem outlandish and unimportant. It is accepted throughout the movie that Jane is both of them, so by making those comments seem irrelevant, the movie fully supports Jane’s positions in society as does the audience. This helps skirt the issues of homophobia and racism, where these issues could be prominent.