Handling Bullies When You’re LGBTQ

James Spione’s documentary short addressed the uncomfortable subject of the physical and emotional harassment that LGBTQ youth endure from their intolerant peers. The film details the painfully diverse methods of abuse that are used to psychologically devastate and physically attack young people in both a school environment and in wider society. The film uses animation to illustrate the hardships faced by LGBTQ youth, and the film provides extensive talking head input for clinical psychiatrist Robert Eckstrom and teenage LGBTQ activist Kian Tortorello-Allen, who also shares experiences. The film includes two brief segments regarding a young female skateboarder and a male ballet dancer who endured homophobic abuse but continued to pursue their respective athletic and creative goals. Sadly, the film simplifies the issue by failing to detail how too many schools fail to offer any degree of protection for the persecuted young people, let alone enact any degree of punishment on the wretched bullies that create this havoc. Also, there is far too much of Eckstrom and Tortorello-Allen, as if they were the only experts who could be located for this offering. While the film is certainly a much-needed conversation starter on an issue that has persisted for far too long, it is a shame that it is not a more thorough examination of a tragic situation. A strong optional purchase. Aud: J, H, C, P. (P. Hall)