Week 3
Sanda University
Quick note
 This is an extremely short and concise history of
LGBTs in America
 LGBT= Lesbians, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender
 The history is presented here to put in context the role
media has played
 I am no expert in this field
 If you are interested in this topic please see me and I
will give you some more and in depth information or
you can use the internet
Discussion Questions
 When you think of someone who is gay/lesbian which
picture do you think of? Why?
 What is the common view of homosexuality in China?
 Has the view of homosexuality in China changed over
time?
Overview: Natural vs. Nature
 In the 1950s, homosexuality was seen as a mental
illness
 People who were gay could be fired from their jobs and
were looked down upon
 Thus, many people were afraid and hid the fact that they
were gay
 In the 80s and early 90s the Gay community was
blamed for A.I.D.s and the H.I.V. disease
 Despite large progress for the LGBT community,
discrimination still exists
A very very very brief look at Gay
and Lesbian History
 1962- Illinois becomes the first state in the U.S. to
decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting
adults in private
 1973- The American Psychiatric Association removes
homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders.
 1979- About 75,000 people participated in the National
March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in
Washington, D.C., in October.
 1993- The “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy is instituted
for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the
military but banning homosexual activity.
A very very very brief look at Gay
and Lesbian History
 2000- Vermont becomes the first state in the country
to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian
couples
 2004 -Same-sex marriages become legal in
Massachusetts.
 2009- The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously rejects
the state law banning same-sex marriage. Twenty-one
days later, county recorders are required to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

A very very very brief look at Gay
and Lesbian History
 2010 -President Obama officially repeals the "Don't
Ask, Don't Tell" military policy
 2012 -President Barack Obama endorses same-sex
marriage. "It is important for me to go ahead and
affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to
get married," he said.
 2013 -Jason Collins of the NBA's Washington Wizards
announces in an essay in Sports Illustrated that he is
gay. “I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm
gay.”

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Jason Collins Vocabulary Video
 All corners (of something)
 Feel comfortable in your own skin
 Read the tea leaves
 Be crucified
 (Something) define me
 A vet (veteran)
Jason Collins Video
 How did most people feel about Jason Collin’s
announcement?
 A. happy/proud B. indifference C. angry D. confused
 Why did Jason Collins wear the #98?
 A. his favorite number B. as a tribute C. Only number
left D. it was his College number
 Why might some people not be anger at Collin’s
announcement?
 A. culture B. their love of basketball C. their upbringing
D. Religion
Robbie Rogers Video Vocabulary
 Radical
 Living in the shadows
 Living a lie
 Coming out of the closet
Robbie Rogers Video
 Why is being gay in sports difficult?
 A. suppose to be tough B. You get less money C. too
many gay athletes already D. It’s illegal
 When did Robbie Rogers knew he was gay?
 A. 10 years old B. 12 years old C. 14 years old D. 25 years
old
 How did he first tell his family?
 A. in person B. through the internet C. on the phone D.
through this interview
 Why do you think Robbie Rogers retired from soccer
after announcing he was gay?
Changing views
 Since the late 80s, acceptance of LGBTs has increased
dramatically
 Why?
 Youth culture

Young people are usually more liberal and less conservative as
their parents’ generation
 Media

Increase of LGBT perspective in TV, Movie, and Songs
Media and Gay Rights
 Movies
 Philadelphia, Milk, The Birdcage, Brokeback Mountain
 TV shows
 Will and Grace, Modern Family, Glee, Queer Eye for the
Straight Guy
 Songs
 Lady Gaga- “Born this way” Macklemore- “Same Love”
Sara Bareilles- “Brave”
References
 http://www.gallup.com/poll/162689/record-high-say-
gay-lesbian-relations-morally.aspx

Reference ( The American Gay Rights Movement:
A Timeline |
Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A
0761909.html#ixzz2vBED