Your feelings 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 been growing 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.( A side note is the passing of Fred Phelps three year ago who was the pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church and who spewed all of that hate speech during the Mathew Shepard events. He was known as a lightning rod for hate speech against the LGBT community.) 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. Did you happen to see the recent coverage of the Kim Davis, the Kentucky Clerk and her refusal to issue same sex marriage licence. Regardless of how you feel about her it was clear that she is now in an ever diminishing minority who feels the way she does. 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?
Your post should be at least 150 words in length. You must respond to two other posts 150 words each.
FIRST STUDENT RESPONSE : JOSHUA
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?
Since the event of the play, I feel as if LGBT issues within families and societies have changed for the better. Gay marriage is now legal, giving the LGBT the same rights as heterosexual citizens in the U.S. I also feel that society has become more liberal since the time of the event and now accept that the LGBT community will always be present. People now seem to be more open about their sexuality and are proud. There are events such as Pride where the LGBT community is now able to fully express themselves.
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?
Yes, I feel that as a nation we have moved towards a positive direction since 1998. As mentioned, the country now allows gay marriage and gives the LGBT community equal rights. Overall, I feel that the country as a whole has become more progressive with regards to the issues of LGBT.
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?
I think that society changed its views towards the LGBT community so quickly because of realization that the LGBT community is prominent, and that there is really no difference between anybody in the LGBT community and a heterosexual male besides sexual preference. I feel as if millennial are progressive and are now at the age where we posses power within society and can now share our values and have them matter.
Would you watch a play or view a film or television that highlights LGBT themes and values? Why or why not?
Yes I would watch plays that highlight LGBT themes and values. I feel as if watching these types of plays would further educate me on the community.
SECOND STUDENT RESPONSE: LAILA
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?
Since the play was released, I feel that the LGBTQ+ community has been embraced in a significantly improved fashion. The larger community has been more exposed to the culture and dynamic of the LGBTQ+ community and, in what I have seen, has been more receptive to their participation in society. Obviously, there is more to understand and it is a work in progress, but I would say that the last 15 to 20 years were definitely positive.
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?
Since the Mathew Shepard event in 1998, I feel that we as a nation have bettered ourselves when it comes to accepting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride events are now endorsed by several large corporations and gay marriage has been legalized. This second example further legitimizes the LGBTQ+ community in the eyes of the American public because it provides legal substance that people tend to approach with more reason.
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?
I feel that the rapid change is due primarily to the nature of information sharing in this era. The LGBTQ+ community has been able to vocalize their concerns and be heard on a digital platform that is able to touch so many more people than at a simple rally. In my own life I feel I have been exposed to a new vernacular as well as concepts of triggers and mental health that many people of this community experience as a result of poor treatment in the past. I think it is important to recognize that people are people regardless of who they are attracted to and should be treated as such.
Would you watch a play or view a film or television that highlights LGBT themes and values? Why or why not?
I would definitely look into such pieces. I think it is important to understand this community and actively try to include them in different and new activities. These people are all members of the community and we should refrain from marginalizing them on the basis of sexual attraction.
