Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger from MASH, a monument to hope in size 12 pumps. Unlike the previous post, 🔗Loretta, he isn’t trans. Just a guy trying to get a psychiatric discharge, called a Section 8, by wearing dresses.
Why? Well, there’s lots of reasons. I guess death tops the list; I don’t wanna die, and I don’t wanna look at other people while they do it. And I don’t wanna be told where to stand while it happens to me. And I don’t wanna be told how to do it to somebody else, and I ain’t gonna, period, that’s it! I’m gettin’ out!
—S6E5
When he had the opportunity to get one with a diagnosis of being a “transvestite and a homosexual” he refused it because it would mean medically and socially transitioning and go on his record permanently (S2E3). A reminder of how dysphoria can affect cis people too and how dangerous it is to be visibly trans in the US.
Like Loretta the actor played the role “straight”. Klinger was flamboyant in a way that didn’t depend on hips, wrist and lisp. Jamie Farr’s ease and charisma sold the garments and the gag in a way that made me feel better about wanting a flat hairy chest and liking gowns. And other characters were supportive, won over (definitely didn’t internalize anything seeing phobic family accept queerness as long as it was funny and useful 👀), play along—or made fun of for not.
What does it mean to be sane when trapped in an insane system/situation? This is a major (pun intended) theme from the show that still resonates loudly with me today.
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