Out Raleigh 2012

Governor Stein declared June as LGTBTQ – Pride Month. Metropolitan areas celebrate June, with the exception of Asheville and Durham that also have events in September. Charlotte events are scheduled for August. Nearly all suburban communities in Wake County have events scheduled.

The original Pride Event was a protest march in Durham in 1981. Over the years the event grew until other cities joined in the celebration. Some have parades, and others have “festivals” or street fairs. Given the historical trend of the NCGLA to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation, the trend of growing state-wide celebrations is a welcome contrast.

A sad Barney Frank gave an interview to CNN Host Jake Tapper recently. He rambled on about how the LGBTQ community needs to be flexible about transgender issues so that we don’t get bogged down in political disputes. As one commentator noted, in the 1990’s political compromises produced “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and “Defense of Marriage” Acts that set the movement back decades. We also were reminded that courts and not the Congress gave us our advantages.

During his time in Congress from 1981 - 2013, Barney often spoke as the only gay man in the House. Journalists would call him for comments on LGBTQ issues that came up. He came from a progressive state that was far ahead of others in recognizing the LGBTQ community. As a long-time serving Congressman, he was involved in a wide range of legislation on many issues. He reached the pinnacle of power while serving as the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. During his tenure, the world of LGBTQ changed greatly.

In spite of a complete shut-down of LGBTQ employees in any aspect of government (not everyone was fired), the media industry is still distributing LGBTQ products. The Administration has targeted transgender folks for dismissal, and often it criticizes the media for LGBTQ coverage.

The 37th Glaad Media Awards presented about 90 videos (film & TV) in 13 categories. They list 10 films that had wide theatrical release. The remaining are TV or streaming video releases. Glaad doesn’t list plays. Gemini cites 10 shows on network TV and streaming TV. However, they do not include children’s programming like Glaad. Some series have been running for multiple seasons. Teen Heartbreak High on Netflix is almost too saccharine. Heated Rivalry on HMO/MAX seemed to get most of the notoriety because of the hot sex scenes.

Off Broadway has been notorious for gay-themed plays, and it currently has three playing. Broadway, however, has four plays that seem to focus on high camp. One moved from Off Broadway, Titanique. The other three are: Oh, Mary! Death Becomes Her, and & Juliet.