Being Gay: Coming Out in the 21st Century

With couples lining up outside San Francisco courthouses (and around the country), and an amendment regarding same-sex marriages becoming one of the hotter topics in this election year, Being Gay: Coming Out in the 21st Century offers a timely in-depth introduction to the various issues and challenges facing both the “GLBTQ” (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning) and heterosexual communities. Instead of using voiceover narration, each topic is approached through stories and sound bites from a wide variety of interviewees. Opening with a short overview of the history of homosexual issues (both social and legal), the program discusses sexual orientation, explodes common myths and stereotypes, and presents a sensitive how-to guide on the complex experience of “coming out,” which is divided into six stages. Both pragmatic and realistic, Being Gay reminds viewers that if it took some time for them to process and accept their own sexuality, then that same grace period should be extended to friends and family, who may not immediately embrace their coming out. Winner of a World Gold Medal at the 2004 New York Festivals, Being Gay employs images and terms that are tasteful but challenging, while also maintaining a positive tone that will encourage good discussion. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)