Today is Xena’s 20th anniversary.
A big ayiyiyiyiyi Xena battle cry to all of my Flannel Files followers on this very special occasion.
I’ve been reading the Xena posts and tweets on social media, and I must say it’s taken me back in time. Not to ancient mythological Greece when Xena roamed the countryside thwarting evildoers with the help of Gabrielle, her trusty sidekick. But the late 1990s when I was struggling with my sexuality.
The first time I watched Xena: Warrior Princess, I was hooked. There was something about the show, something I couldn’t explain that left me wanting more Xena all the time.
Let’s be honest. The Warrior Princess came with an extra helping of cheese. The bright orange kind that comes in a can and is spread with a knife.
But I was transfixed.
When I finally admitted that I was attracted to women, I told myself that was it. I mean, Lucy Lawless is gorgeous. Why not watch a television show that features a beautiful woman, even if it’s campier than a weenie roast and ghost stories told around a fire?
Here’s the thing that took me a long time to realize. I never wanted to be with Lucy Lawless. I wanted to be Lucy Lawless. Or, more accurately, Xena.
It was her special blend of girl power that I craved.
That I’ve always craved.
In the 1970’s, it was Charlie’s Angels and Wonder Woman and Jaime Sommers, TV’s Bionic Woman.
But those women had nothing on Xena. With her sword and her chakram, her leather, her armor and a hot blonde by her side. Xena was badass.
I think about the name of the show — Xena: Warrior Princess.
And I think that was always the attraction for me.
Warrior. Princess.
Not that I’ve ever been a princess or wanted to be one. (Makes gagging gesture with fingers and open mouth.)
It’s that blend of masculine and feminine that I find so appealing, that magical combination that I live.
There’s always been a lot of Xena: Warrior Princess inside me.
I just never realized it until I started watching the show.
If you’re really into Xena, you can read my Xena sword story here.
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What about you? Xena fan? Yea or nay?
The Flannel Files 
Yeah, all the way. Had a huge crush on her.
I was Xena’s femme on every episode – but the writers’ didn’t seem to know this important fact. Funny that.
That’s writers for you. The two of you must have had such grand adventures. Happy anniversary to you both.
Whenever you write about Xena, I’m like Xena who? I was never a TV person, and am only starting to watch an occasional program now that everything except real time sports is available on my computer. Like Rip Van Winkle, I’ve missed everything/anything Lesbian on TV since 1975. But she does look cute.
If you’re interested, all the episodes stream on both Netflix and Hulu.
I have Hulu for access to the Criterion Calatlog (foreign films), one day when Donna is out I will take a peek. Don’t want to get caught watching junk!
Butch cannot live by foreign film alone. A little Xena never hurt anyone.
Reblogged this on Nina's Soap Bubble Box and commented:
Who knew there was a song. Thanks for spreading the Xena love.
You as well. I found your blog with the xena tag!
I’ve never seen an episode of Xena, either, but guess it’s better late than never.
It’s never too late for Xena … Especially now that you can stream the entire series on Netflix and Hulu. Give it a few episodes and remember that it’s supposed to be campy entertainment.
I will. My partner has even agreed to give ol’ Xena a shot. 20 years is a long time in the world of TV, though. I’ll let you know what we think.
I had a complicated relationship with Xena growing up. My body size (at nearly 6ft)and build resembles hers but as a fairly feminine woman I had been teased for being too big or too muscular/strong to be attractive.
I didn’t get why the world could fawn over her and also tell me to be smaller and more delicate.
It took me years to embrace the term Amazon as a positive. Now I really like the character and seeing her makes me smile, finally.
All part of your journey. Glad to hear you have learned to embrace those qualities that make you unique. The whole Amazon thing is fascinating. I have a labrys tattoo on the inside of my right arm. First tattoo I got. Totally Gina Gershon in Bound. And very Amazonian.
Nice! I have enjoyed looking into Amazon lore. I think it helped a lot. That and a few well timed comments from unlikely places/people made me smile and just roll with it.
Ok. I’m an Amazon. At least I’ll have a quality Halloween party concept from now on.