Discuss Adrienne Shelly as Tanya Quinn in 'Homicide: Life On The Street'

The late and much lamented Adrienne Shelly was a committed feminist who spent her life fighting for the rights of women. She was strongly opposed to what she regarded as the 'objectification' of women in cinema, and she herself never accepted a part that she felt uncomfortable with or which compromised her principles. However, in 1994 Adrienne played one of her most controversial (and iconic) roles, that of Tanya Quinn in the 'Homicide' episode entitled 'A Many Splendored Thing'.

Tanya is a leading figure in the Baltimore 'leather community'. She is a bondage and spanking fetishist, and she is unusual in the fact that she is a Submissive rather than a Dominant. Tanya's best friend Angela has been murdered - possibly by a man that she met at a fetish club - and she comes forward to assist the police in tracking down the killer. The detectives are initially hostile to Tanya, regarding her lifestyle with disgust and her sexual orientation as sick and perverted. Eventually Tanya wins their respect and acceptance and, with her assistance, the killer is brought to justice.

I have set up a thread dealing with 'A Many Splendored Thing' on Adrienne Shelly's message board, and I would be very interested in any comments from those who have seen her film 'Waitress'. Do people think it is inconsistant for a writer and director who fights for women's rights to play a character who gains sexual gratification from being chained up and whipped? Or was Adrienne simply supporting a woman's right to choose? Was it irresponsible to depict Tanya Quinn in such a sympathetic light when there is so much violence against women in society? Or was Adrienne showing principled support for a minority community who are subjected to much harassment and vilification from a reactionary Establishment? I would be interested to hear all shades of opinion and be very grateful for any feedback.

Thank you for your time.