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Top > Benchmark Lesbian Kissing Moments > Article
Lesbian Kissing between Evan Rachel Wood and Mischa Barton / Once and Again (Television show, 2002)
By Kaylee Larson, LesbianLoveNow.com
In March 2002, viewers of the critically acclaimed ABC primetime television drama series, Once and Again, witnessed a groundbreaking television moment – a sensual lesbian kiss between two of its teen characters played by Evan Rachel Wood (a series regular) and Mischa Barton (a guest star appearing in several episodes). The episodes leading up to this benchmark kissing scene followed an emotionally intensifying storyline as these two friends rapidly grew closer to each other with each moment together.
When the girls’ characters find themselves in this pivotal scene, they have already recognized their own feelings for one another, but they struggle with the intensity and depth of these feelings, fearing that succumbing to them will threaten their friendship. The girls discuss their relationship and how important they are to each other, also rationalizing that they need to remain just friends.
Wood’s character speaks of her inner conflict and the need to hide her feelings. Barton’s character also tries to suppress her emotions as she refers to a letter she had written to Wood’s character and urges her to throw it away. However, Wood’s character replies that she can’t part with it and that she will keep it forever. Then, before either one of them realizes what is happening, the two girls find themselves in a lip lock. In spite of the initial shock they both feel, they realize and express pleasure at the way the kiss makes them feel.
After this episode aired, it immediately sparked controversy, but not just because another instance of lesbian kissing had surfaced in a television series. At the time this episode was filmed, Evan Rachel Wood was just 15 years old and Mischa Barton was 16, and some viewers deemed the scene as age-inappropriate.
In spite of the resistance that arose, this moment in television provided a unique glimpse into the emotional struggles many modern teens face with regard to their sexuality. The significance of this scene was not only educational for parents and leaders, but it also let confused teens know that they were not alone and that others may be feeling the same way.
This lesbian kissing scene would not be Mischa Barton’s last. She would proceed to engage in additional lesbian kissing scenes within future roles in the following years. A good deal of speculation has surrounded Barton’s selection of lesbian roles in such films as the 2009 film based on the short-lived career of the girl band, t.A.T.u.
Shortly after Once and Again ended its television run, Evan Rachel Wood was also found locking lips with other women. In the 2003 feature movie, Thirteen, she shared a passionate kiss with co-star Nikki Reed. As recently as 2008, Wood played a lesbian in the movie, The Wrestler.
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