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Discussion

Your Feeling on the Matter.....

It is no secret that our nation and our public conversation about LGBT matters has changed in the last, not only 100 years, but more drastically in the last 20 years. This latest generation of kids (Millennials) have grown up in the most accepting and diverse American culture to date with respect to LGBT individuals, their families, and the issues they stand for.

This week we watched the dramatized version of The Laramie Project. A play that was written to expose and relay the stories and horrific events of that day that happened to Mathew Shepard. As mentioned before, this is a play that is performed all over the United States. This play, like so many other plays that deal with LGBT themes and issues have been coming more and more to the fray of our national and public conversation. We have seen the rise of gay and lesbian characters in all of our entertainment including TV, film, and of course the Theatre. We see how the last 20 years of LGBT pointed entertainment has shaped the political discourse of our nations power brokers. We are changing laws and shaping society to a far greater degree in even the last 5 years so as to tackle the discrimination against this particular group. Gay marriages are now legal all over the states and those that would decry the LGBT lifestyle as something to be covered or shunned for cultural or religious reasons are now beginning to be seen as radical and out of touch where just 10-15 years ago those same voices held the majority of political power in our nation. How far we have come from even prop 8 in California that would have legalized same sex marriage in the state but was soundly struck down in 2008. If that prop was up for vote today it would win resoundingly.

The waves of change are boundless and can be seen almost daily as we here more reports of judges, states, and the federal government ending discrimination all over the nation. Remember that a historic ruling from the US Supreme court, you can be gay and allowed to marry who you love and with who makes you happy in all 50 states.

Here is the question(s) I have......

In light of the play you have now watched, the articles you have read, your research and your own general awareness and knowledge of the state of our national discourse with respect to LGBT issues:

Do you feel that it has been a positive 15 to 20 years for Gay and Lesbian issues, their families and the way we feel about them?

Do you feel that we have moved in a positive way as a nation since the Mathew Shepard event in 1998? Why or why not?

How and why do you believe we have changed so quickly in our society toward the LGBT community?

Have you seen any change in your own life with how you feel or behave toward Gay and Lesbian individuals?

Would you watch a play or view a film or television that highlights LGBT themes and values? Why or why not?

START A THREAD WITH AT LEAST 150 WORDS.

REMEMBER TO RESPOND TO TWO OTHER STUDENTS IN THE CLASS AND THEIR INITIAL POST.

1.

Do you feel that it has been a positive 15 to 20 years for Gay and Lesbian issues, their families and the way we feel about themIt has definitely been a turbulent 15 to 20 years. The feelings for gay and lesbian issues seems to have points of high times, but also low. However, now more than ever I feel as a society we do not see it as being taboo whatsoever. As shown in lecture, a majority of TV shows and film now out include a member of the LGBT community embedded into the story line. It no longer seems out of the ordinary.

Do you feel that we have moved in a positive way as a nation since the Mathew Shepard event in 1998? Why or why not?

I feel we have. Legalizing marriage was a huge milestone for the LGBT community and I feel that jump started things into becoming a more progressive nation. We have passed more laws in protecting those in the LGBT community as well. It may seem like smaller issues, but it is still moving us forward.

How and why do you believe we have changed so quickly in our society toward the LGBT community?

I do believe the Matthew Shepard hate crime did get the wheels turning faster for the LGBT community. It showed that people did still hold that outrageous mentality that being gay was something that made you less of a human than anyone else. The LGBT community has also grown in size and have assembled together to make sure their voices are heard, and that they are equally protected under any and every law we have in place now.

Have you seen any change in your own life with how you feel or behave toward Gay and Lesbian individuals?

I definitely have seen a change in my own life. I have family members and several friends in the LGBT community. It pained me to see the attack on Pulse nightclub. It left me heartbroken that someone would want to hurt innocent humans for their lifestyle. I love and cherish these people in my life and would be devastated if I ever lost them due to someone who was so close minded that they could not see how nothing makes a gay or lesbian individual different from a heterosexual human. Also to see the Supreme Court passing the equality of marriage through the eyes of my loved ones was so moving it brought me to tears. To think at one point, they could not have done that is just mind boggling.

Would you watch a play or view a film or television that highlights LGBT themes and values? Why or why not?

Absolutely. To breathe more life into the LGBT community would be phenomenal. To show people that love is love and regardless of who you love, it does not make you less than anyone else. No one should be cast into the shadows because of who they chose to spend their life with.

2.

Do you feel that it has been a positive 15 to 20 years for Gay and Lesbian issues, their families and the way we feel about them?

Over the last 15 to 20 years, I feel that a much larger audience has accepted the LGBTQ community. The rights that have been established for them in addition to the ideas about their lifestyle have improved tremendously over the years. This does not mean that equality has been established by any means, but the steps towards that goal have certainly been made. As far as families with two same-sex parents are concerned, I feel as though that is still not as common or expected. Adoption and surrogacy are two great alternative options that the LGBTQ community has, but the judgmental mentality of what society deems "normal" in regards to what a family looks like is still prominent in most cases. I am not part of the LGBTQ community so I cannot speak from personal experiences about the actual changes and issues they face, but I am an ally and advocate for them and only hope the acceptance and equality continues to grow.

Do you feel that we have moved in a positive way as a nation since the Mathew Shepard event in 1998? Why or why not?

I think the Mathew Shepard event brought about awareness and movement like never before. Our nation has grown in love rather than hate towards their community. While Mathew's story was unfortunate and unfair, it was a pivotal moment in history and sparked emotion throughout the nation. I definitely feel we have moved in a positive direction since that event.

How and why do you believe we have changed so quickly in our society toward the LGBT community?

I think the generational differences in attitude have a lot to do with the acceptance we have seen over the years. As the younger generations grow up and set the tone for the nation, the morals and attitudes about the LGBTQ community have become more positive, accepting, and normalized. I also feel that knowledge about their lifestyle is better understood and not so "scary" to those who did not understand it before. The fear of "gayness" being a "disease" has subsided substantially, allowing society to grasp the concept that they are human being who love one another the same way heterosexual couples love each other.

Have you seen any change in your own life with how you feel or behave toward Gay and Lesbian individuals?

I grew up in the Christian church, but also in the theatre community. Homosexual relationships were never talked about in church, but I understood that some of the boys I did shows with liked each other instead of girls. My parents nor my leaders never told me that being gay was "bad" and so I grew up knowing them as my friends rather than enemies. Over the years as I have continue to grow, I have seen the scary and unfortunate issues that community faces and it has given me an even deeper compassion for their struggles to achieve acceptance and equality.

Would you watch a play or view a film or television that highlights LGBT themes and values? Why or why not?

I have and will continue to watch film and television that highlight LGBTQ themes and values. Their stories are important to witness and show society that there are still battles to be fought. Watching entertainment that showcases just how difficult it is for their community allows those who do not have to experience that prejudice everyday to have a look into their lives. I think it also gives the LGBTQ community hope and happiness to see their stories being told, whether they are feel-good stories or full of heavier content.