Fried Green Tomatoes?

Question

Was Idgie and Ruth a lesbian couple?

Answer 1

According to my "research" the answer would be yes.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- February 14, 1992 --
GLAAD/LA Executive Director Chris Fowler and GLAAD/NY Executive Director Ellen Carton responded today to questions about GLAAD's decision to honor Fried Green Tomatoes with the Outstanding Feature Film with Lesbian Content award during its third annual media awards in April. The award has garnered an unusually large amount of media attention, in part due to the film's intense but not sexually overt lesbian content.

"Fried Green Tomatoes is a powerful love story between two women," commented Fowler. "The characters of Idgie and Ruth act as each other's primary social, emotional and physical focus. The fact that there is no on-screen sexual relationship is not an indication that the characters are not lesbian."

"Part of the misconception about this film, I think, is the definition of lesbianism," stated Carton. "Intimate relationships between women are not solely defined by sexual behavior. The film is getting an award because it is a realistic portrayal of lesbian love and it speaks to the lesbian experience."

The film depicts the relationship between two characters, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Mary-Louise Parker), in flashback sequences. It tells the story of what brought them together, how their relationship developed, and how intense their love for each other was. The flashbacks occur in the 1930s -- a time when the current definition of lesbianism was not part of a social consciousness. The relationship depicted is an accurate illustration of women's intimate relationships of that time.

"It's important to remember that in giving this award, GLAAD is not saying this is Hollywood's best reflection of the reality of lesbian lives," said Fowler. "There are obviously points in the film where they could have gone further in depicting more intimate lesbian relations. The award is recognizing that the film captures the essence of the love between two women. And we hope the next award can be given to a film which focuses on a love story that goes further in depicting the true intimacy that exists between gay and lesbian couples."

Answer 2

I think Idgie had the hots for Ruth, but she did not have those feelings for Idgie. Only lesbian on the one half.

Answer 3

No-they were just best friends. They went through alot of tragedies together. Idgie was in love with the sheriff. I read the book and it never eluded to them being a lesbian couple.

Answer 4

I'm fairly certain they were. It doesn't DIRECTLY say so, but the movie sure does hint to it an awful lot. I'd have to say yes.

Answer 5

i interpreted it as they were close friends (like sisters)

Answer 6

No