Though I spend a bunch of my time looking through articles, a friend of mine sent me this New York Times piece on how a toned-down version of Rent is considered as too much by some high schools, particularly because of it's accepted behavior on homosexuality as well as it's highlights on drugs and H.I.V
"[Ron Martin, the theater teacher and director here at Corona del Mar High School] said his principal, Fal Asrani, had objected to the show because of its treatment of “prostitution and homosexuality.” “When I heard that, I stopped her and looked her in the eye and said, ‘First, there is no prostitution in ‘Rent,’ and second, homosexuality is not wrong,’ ” Mr. Martin said. “She made no comment. It was the most demoralizing, disappointing moment in my career as a teacher.”
Click here to read the piece.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Answers and a Short Film
Huh, who could have guessed that Friday's post was written by a gay man? Well, thanks to the wonders of second-semester-Senior-dom, looks we'll have at least two people posting on here. Isn't that great?? So, you guys know the drill: drop us an anonymous question/comment (or anything, really) HERE, and enjoy some of the links and videos. So, here are some answers to a question we got a few weeks ago.
Q: I am homophobic but I just found out someone really close to me is gay. How do I get over my homophobia?
A1: Try talking to them about what being gay means to them, how they feel it defines them as people.
Try talking or thinking about (alone or with them) the fact that their sexuality isn't their single characteristic as a person and that you cared about them before you knew they were gay, so it doesn't have to change your friendship.
If you think they are up for it, try talking about what about being gay makes you uncomfortable. Maybe they can explain some things or convince you to see otherwise, as they are a flesh and blood incarnation of the concept.
Maybe try coming to GSA a few times and being around more people who identify as gay but whom you might get along with and become comfortable with, as well as their sexual orientations.
A2: Agreed -- realize that the person you know and love is still just that -- they haven't changed, and neither has your friendship. Don't stop hanging out with them, definitely, but if they're acting "overly gay" around you, and it's making you uncomfortable, talk to them. DON'T tell them to stop being who they are, but, say, if they're talking about something explicitly homosexual, let them know you're not at a place where you're comfortable discussing that aspect of their life. You want to preserve your connection, but you don't want to feel pressured to talk about things you're not comfortable with.
Honestly, if you just try to accept their sexuality as part of who they are -- and not just "what they are" -- the homophobia won't be an issue for too long. Familiarize yourself with the idea that being gay doesn't change the way this person feels about you, so you should grant them the same.
Short Film: Girl Talk
Q: I am homophobic but I just found out someone really close to me is gay. How do I get over my homophobia?
A1: Try talking to them about what being gay means to them, how they feel it defines them as people.
Try talking or thinking about (alone or with them) the fact that their sexuality isn't their single characteristic as a person and that you cared about them before you knew they were gay, so it doesn't have to change your friendship.
If you think they are up for it, try talking about what about being gay makes you uncomfortable. Maybe they can explain some things or convince you to see otherwise, as they are a flesh and blood incarnation of the concept.
Maybe try coming to GSA a few times and being around more people who identify as gay but whom you might get along with and become comfortable with, as well as their sexual orientations.
A2: Agreed -- realize that the person you know and love is still just that -- they haven't changed, and neither has your friendship. Don't stop hanging out with them, definitely, but if they're acting "overly gay" around you, and it's making you uncomfortable, talk to them. DON'T tell them to stop being who they are, but, say, if they're talking about something explicitly homosexual, let them know you're not at a place where you're comfortable discussing that aspect of their life. You want to preserve your connection, but you don't want to feel pressured to talk about things you're not comfortable with.
Honestly, if you just try to accept their sexuality as part of who they are -- and not just "what they are" -- the homophobia won't be an issue for too long. Familiarize yourself with the idea that being gay doesn't change the way this person feels about you, so you should grant them the same.
Short Film: Girl Talk
(One of the winners of the AfterEllen Short Film Contest--found it HERE.)
Throughout the school day, Kelly’s friends, especially her best friend, Jordan (Sarah Croce), attempt to get the details from her about the date, and eventually we discover exactly why Kelly’s been keeping it a secret. It's so cliche that it becomes good. Or maybe that's just me. Well, I think it's cute. Enjoy!
Throughout the school day, Kelly’s friends, especially her best friend, Jordan (Sarah Croce), attempt to get the details from her about the date, and eventually we discover exactly why Kelly’s been keeping it a secret. It's so cliche that it becomes good. Or maybe that's just me. Well, I think it's cute. Enjoy!
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