Willow and Tara in Girlfriends Magazine

[unionjill30]

I'm not sure if someone's already mentioned it, but I just went out to pick up the mail. Lo and behold, there's a little Willow/Tara action in the May 2003 issue of Girlfriends magazine. There's an interview with Amber, and an article about lesbians on television. Just passing the word along. I haven't read it yet (just looked at the pictures), so I can't really tell you anymore about it.



Sarah



ETA: I just read it, and it appears this board got a little mention.

I never had a drink that I didn't like. I got a taste of you and threw up all night. I got more sick with every sour second rate kiss; everything i never would miss again.

Edited by: unionjill30 at: 4/12/03 7:10:06 pm

[Jimmi Magnus]

Sarah, if you can make one, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate a transcript or a scan of the pages

-I feel as if a kitten sat on my face all night

[urnofosiris]

Oi! You can't leave us hanging like that.

Thanks for the tip of course.

Concrete, my living breathing tv guide and magazine connoisseur, do we get this magazine in the Netherlands?

-------------------------


Coffee, Food, Kisses and Gay Love........Get it while you are hot

Edited by: DrG at: 4/12/03 8:41:54 pm

[unionjill30]

After typing the thing out twice (cause I'm an idiot and don't know how to work my e-mail apparently) I think I've overworked my hands a bit. Oh well. They really could use the exercise. It has been an extremely long while since they got a good workout. So, I'm posting part of the article here. This is the interview with Amber. Some of the rest may come later. It's not up to me to decide. Enjoy. Oh yeah, you'll probably all notice a glaring typo. I promise it's not mine. Blame the writer, Lauren Dockett



Tara Speaks from the Other Side



We talked to twenty-six-year-old Amber Benson about the influence of Buffy’s lesbian relationship, her own feeling regarding her character Tara’s death, and the meaning of Willow and Tara’s sexuality.



Girlfriends: You had to have witnessed the firestorm over your character’s death. What was that like?



Amber Benson: A lot of people were hurt by Tara’s death. I was hurt. It was not my choice to leave like that. I personally wish that I could have stayed. I understand why [the writers] did it; they wanted to give Willow’s character this amazing arc. But it was horrible how she died, and the first time there had ever been anything really violent like that on Buffy. I don’t think it was that [producer] Joss [Whedon] was conscious of the lesbian death stereotype when he did was he did. He always told us that Willow and Tara were based on friends of his and his wife’s. He actually wanted me to come back, but as a bad Tara. It was my choice not to do that. It would have hurt too many people.



Girlfriends: Buffy is a pretty sexual show. How did you feel about the fairly chaste nature of Willow and Tara’s relationship?



Benson: Alyson and I thought at times that we needed to be doing more kissing. Part of that was the WB wanting to take it slowly, but when we got to UPN they let us do whatever, and things began to change. Willow and Tara had the best relationship on the show – they raised [Buffy’s orphaned sister] Dawn for God’s sake! They were setting a positive precedent, helping to make homosexuality status quo. The writers could have had them taking each other on the parapet, but that would have cheapened what they meant to each other. A gay crewmember once told me that as a gay or lesbian it doesn’t matter who you’re sleeping with, you’re still just trying to live you life. Your sex life is only a part of that. I personally feel they’ve gone over the top with Buffy’s sexuality. Willow and Tara had a healthier relationship and made a better example.



Girlfriends: Buffy fans are so active and devoted. Huge numbers of web sites. Fan fiction. What were Willow and Tara’s fans like with you?



Benson: Our fans were split between lesbians and shy girls, and shy lesbians were, like, 100 times more affected by Willow and Tara. A lot of fans wrote how they started their first relationships because they saw these shy girls being able to do it. I had so many great encounters with fans. The Buffy posting board contingent has a party every year to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. One of the girls there came over to me and started crying and I started crying and she brought her girlfriend over to meet me and her dad was there so happy and excited and proud of them.



We had some negative reactions from those “Ew, girls kissing!” types. But I say, Turn it off if you don’t like it. Mostly it’s a lot of really bright people watching Buffy who get what you’re doing with the show.



Girlfriends: What are you doing now? Can fans still meet you at Buffy conventions?



Benson: I just got a production rep for my film Chance. It’s a digital video film about a girl finding herself and having relationships along the way with both boys and girls. I just finished a film called Latter Days with C. Jay Cox. He did Sweet Home Alabama. This one is about a male Mormon character and a guy living in a gay community in Hollywood. They meet and come together but the Mormon community tries to interfere. It should be at festivals soon. I’m doing one more convention and then I’m done. I’d rather do appearances like that for charity. I feel like people can get taken advantage of at those conventions.



Girlfriends: You co-wrote a few of the Willow and Tara comic books. Will you continue to work on show-related projects like that?



Benson: We got such wonderful response from women and lesbians about those three comics about women who love each other. It was great. It also really opened my eyes about comics. Superheroes really made comics in the beginning, and most women don’t relate to those women-saving superheroes. I certainly don’t. We need to find great women in comics. Comic books wouldn’t be in the slump that they’re in if they got the female audience. I won’t do another Willow and Tara comic because it would feel awkward, but Chris [Gardner, author of Buffy novels, comics, and reference books] and I might do some other comics together.



Girlfriends: Are you glad to have made the contribution you did?



Benson: Willow and Tara was about making homosexuality part of the landscape. We did that. And you know, in the end, I really believe if you can’t use the media to change the world, it’s not worth doing.

I never had a drink that I didn't like. I got a taste of you and threw up all night. I got more sick with every sour second rate kiss; everything i never would miss again.

[kbk3022]

Quote:

---

Alyson and I thought at times that we needed to be doing more kissing

---

Hehe. I love Amber.



Thank You so much for typing this up Sarah. Twice even!

[BFR from Paris]

Kasey, no kidding...



Thanks unionjill for typing up the interview!



Amber just cracks me up but she's so right : "The writers could have had them taking each other on the parapet, but that would have cheapened what they meant to each other."



Okay, so fic challenge : Tara & Willow get naughty on the parapet...



"I feel like people can get taken advantage of at those conventions." -> yep, I so agree with her there



"I personally feel they’ve gone over the top with Buffy’s sexuality." -> tell me about it! Spuffy was gross!!! (and I'm not saying that because it was hetero sex, mind you.. lol)



Well, in any case, it's nice to still read articles about W&T

[VampNo12]

Thanks so much Sarah for taking the time to type up the interview, it's greatly appreciated ! Again Amber ups the scale in how much I respect (admire) her . I don't think she can be any clearer that it wasn't her choice to leave, and kudos for once again making a point that she refused to play "bad Tara"... such integrity (take that ).



What struck a chord with me was her saying, ("I personally feel they've gone over the top with Buffy's sexuality. Willow and Tara had a healthier relationship and made a better example.", as well as "And you know, in the end I really believe if you can't use the media to change the world, it's not worth doing."). Sigh... she's just an amazing human being!



And I too got a kick (and totally agree) with her saying, ("Alyson and I thought at times that we needed to do more kissing."). Not to mention the images I just got of thinking about W&T "taking each other on the parapet" .

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 4/13/03 1:47:40 am

[Jimmi Magnus]

Sarah, thanks



And what they said points to the posts just above

-I feel as if a kitten sat on my face all night

[concrete]

....waking up...... yeah, we do, G. I'll pick up a copy 4u as well. Oh, and about time 'n all, I mean W/T making it to this mag!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious. ...

[SJ]

Thanks for the transcript

[urnofosiris]

Thank you Concrete, and a big thanks to Unionjill for typing that up (twice no less). It's a good thing you warned us about that typo, heh. This is really one of the best interviews with Amber Benson I have read. Many interesting comments.

Quote:

---

I don't think it was that [producer] Joss [Whedon] was conscious of the lesbian death stereotype when he did was he did. He always told us that Willow and Tara were based on friends of his and his wife's. He actually wanted me to come back, but as a bad Tara. It was my choice not to do that. It would have hurt too many people.

---

Heh, maybe he wasn't consciously aware of it when he had his vision, but even if he had been, I think that would not have made any difference, everything he has said and done since shows that. What interests me most about that sentence is that she doesn't question that what happened is part of a lesbian death stereotype. Careful with that Amber, some people might think you are a homophobe.

That's the first time I heard about WT being based on friends of his, that puzzles me. I assume that those friends are a lesbian couple. Tara wasn't brought on the show to be Willow's girlfriend, I wonder what they have in common aside from being lesbians, oops, I mean individuals. With friends like him you seriously don't need enemies.

Once again, I can never thank her enough for that choice.

Quote:

---

I won't do another Willow and Tara comic because it would feel awkward, but Chris [Gardner, author of Buffy novels, comics, and reference books] and I might do some other comics together.

---

Well there's that typo you mentioned. I understand about her not doing another WT comic, but I would not mind one if it came from Amber Benson and Chris Golden. It's like with the great fics on the Pens. It keeps WT alive.

Quote:

---

Benson: Willow and Tara was about making homosexuality part of the landscape. We did that. And you know, in the end, I really believe if you can't use the media to change the world, it's not worth doing.

---

Knowing what we know about Amber Benson she means changing the world for the better, that should be a given of course, except that obviously the media can also be used to change things for the worse or support an existing bad situation. I am happy to hear her say this, because she is aware of the impact of the media beyond it looking cool and shock value. This is one of the many reasons I wish her a long and successful career and life. If anyone can make a positive impact it's her, she has been doing that ever since she first walked onto that show.

-------------------------


Coffee, Food, Kisses and Gay Love........Get it while you are hot

Edited by: DrG at: 4/13/03 3:59:43 am

[maudmac]

Thanks Sarah for all your work. You know you're awesome.



Amber is like a force for good in the universe. I love what she's got to say and I'm pleased to hear her speaking her mind.



And, as always happens when she opens her mouth, I find that I actually can respect her even more.

---

I had a Boddingtons and now I can see again! - The Beast

[Lily]

Thanks for taking the time to type this up. It's so lovely to hear what Amber has to say - could she be any more gorgeous? Such integrity, and insight - hit the nail right on the head with the lack of kissing



As for Joss

---

Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? Where would you go?



To You +++ Willow & Tara Postcards

[unionjill30]

Yes, Holley, I do know I'm awesome. It took some reminding, but I think it's finally settled in. And a big "You're Welcome" to all of you. It was no big really.



Sarah

Tomorrow I just might be another face on your T.V. being arrested for telephone fraud or beating someone to death with my guitar.

Did someone switch your ritalin with ephedrine?

[GiftofAmber]

"shy lesbians were, like, 100 times more affected by Willow and Tara."



*Raises hand* Shy lesbian/bisexual checking in. Affected to the point that I posted on the beta bronze begging Mr. Deknight not to kill her off and was promptly told it wouldn't happen. Was I supposed to forgive him for that? I keep hearing "it's just a tv show" and "are you STILL upset about Tara". YES, I am still upset about Tara.



Every time Amber opens her mouth I fall more deeply in love. She's right; she and Alyson should have kissed more. For not returning as evil Tara, she has this fan for life.



Thank you to Sarah for typing that entire interview

[Domaris]

thaaaanks

"Rock my world!" - Gia

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you'll be a mile from them, and you'll have their shoes" - Somebody

[Puff]

Thanks Sarah for typing up the interview I just gain respect for Amber everytime she says something. Shame I can't say the same for Joss

---

Cheese. It's milk that you chew.

[xita]

Sarah thank you so much for the article! You rock! All the props to you, I might have to buy this magazine.



Anyway, Amber rocks. It's great she's free to speak her mind. That she would rather strike out on her own then be dependent on people who are doing things she doesn't believe in.



The con thing is great, I am not saying I love Amber not doing anything anymore but I think she must be talking about that Watcher's Retreat specifically since those people basically took the money and ran. I don't blame her at all. Amber always thinks about her fans and not making a buck.

-----------------------------------

Only 50 cents

[unionjill30]

Xita, you're very welcome. And you're funny too. I got this weird visual of you saying, "I'd like to make a shout out and give mad props yo." It was odd but made me giggle a little, so it was fun. And I totally forgot to say this, but they got the magazine cover and there's a new(?) picture of Amber with the interview. So, if that's motivation for anyone to buy it when it hits newsstands, there ya go.



Sarah



ETA: I'm going to try to use the campus biology department scanner tomorrow before work and scan the picture for everyone to see. The cover is Willow, Tara, and Buffy from the season six promos. There's a picture in the article from OMWF. The interview has the picture of Amber. And there are a few pictures I won't scan or indulge about because they're not worth seeing. But the Amber picture I will scan. Or try. I can't promise. It all depends on if I have time.

Tomorrow I just might be another face on your T.V. being arrested for telephone fraud or beating someone to death with my guitar.

Did someone switch your ritalin with ephedrine?

Edited by: unionjill30 at: 4/13/03 1:58:38 pm

[atse28]

Thanks Sarah for typing the article (twice)!



Were there any pics *looks hopeful*

---

Unofficially, I have to say I have no idea what you are talking about...


Officially?

[Iamyouknowyours]

Every time that girl opens her mouth I love her more. It just goes to further show that the W/T magic was her and Alyson's doing, not Joss's. Interesting about them being based on his friends. I'm assuming their relationship is the part based off of them, not the characters themselves. So how did they react to the addiction/cliche story line I wonder? He should have run season 6 by them first. I'm sure they knew the cliche.



As a shy lesbian I agree that I was powerfully affected. I know that television isn't real life, but to see great beauty in art makes one strive to replicate it in one's own life.



I'm a little sad about the cons. I agree they tend to be a big rip off, but I still like to go to them. Then again, I would much prefer any that any money spent to see Amber go to charity and good causes than to people who are milking loyal fans for every last cent. Once again, out girl shows how muh she cares for people. Caring! A concept lost to most of Hollywood.



Do you think she'll still consider going to Comic Cons and such? Must still find a way to get my Amber fix.



I hope she and Chris Golden do many projects together. They work well with one another.



Also, does it sound like Chance is going to finally get a wide(r) release, or am I misunderstanding that part of the article?

"Yeah. You learn her source, and, uh, we'll introduce her to her insect reflection. Um ... that, that was funny if you, um, studied Taglarin mythic rites... and are a complete dork." - Tara "Oh, then how come Xander didn't laugh?" - Riley

Edited by: DrG at: 4/13/03 3:00:08 pm

[Maj]

Thanks for unionjill30, I/We appreciate it.



Could you tell me what the eddition of the Magazine this is?



Thanks.

---------------------

Maj - (Creator of Willow's Room)



SFX: Where would you like to see Willow go in the sixth season?

Alyson: "I hope Willow gets taller, and she gets a tan."

- SFX Magazine, December 2001

[unionjill30]

It's the May 2003 issue U.S. edition. Is that what you're asking?



Sarah

Tomorrow I just might be another face on your T.V. being arrested for telephone fraud or beating someone to death with my guitar.

Did someone switch your ritalin with ephedrine?

[themagicpixie]

Amber rocks. I'm not really sure what else I can say; I could not be so eloquent as she herself was and the other responses to her article in this thread have been. So I'll just say it again:



Amber rocks.

[Scout]

"I personally feel they’ve gone over the top with Buffy’s sexuality. Willow and Tara had a healthier relationship and made a better example."



God, I love this woman.

[Warduke]

Thanks Sarah.



Amber is just the best, nuff said.

---

Mozilla : One Browser to Rule Them All.

[The Rose24]

Amber is such an amazing person. Her parents have raised her well. I love what she says about shy girls, since I am shy and was influenced by W/T's relationship.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[elessar007]

Thanks you Sarah for taking time to type up the interview and then post it.

Quote:

---

The writers could have had them taking each other on the parapet, but that would have cheapened what they meant to each other.

---

This is one of the things that really made BtVS enjoyable for me. Tara & Willow's relationship didn't come across as a gimmick contrived to boost ratings. It seemed genuine and real. At least we'll always have Paris.

Willow:In my world there are people in chains, and we can ride them like ponies.
Tara:You should ride with me some time. I guarantee safety and fun.
My wallpaper website:Insect Reflections

[Cicca]

Amber....

What a fabulous woman.



Thank you for the article!

invite someone dangerous to tea * look forward to dreams * imagine yourself magic

[the vamp nurd]

hmm, looks like i might be taking a trip to my local shop and ordering it...

"He beats me with wet noodles!" Amber Benson.



Willow (with pointy ears): "NO kissing and gay love?!!!! That's illogical!" The Sci-Fi Bard W/T trekkie ramblings.



Bardlet no #27