In the space of a lifetime, the status of gay and lesbian people in the United States and Western Europe has been transformed. So to watch a play like "A Song at Twilight," written by Noel Coward in 1966, is to journey back in time and then wonder how far, really one has traveled.
Coward patterned his protagonist on Somerset Maugham, and painted him as a man whose rigid denial of his own sexual status has exacted a terribly price from him and from the people around him.
How far have we traveled? In Boston, organizers of the St. Patrick's Day Parade say that gay people can march , but not if they call attention to their orientation.
And when Michael Sam, a football player, came out before the NFL draft, we heard constant complaints that he was calling unnecessary attention to himself.
On this show, we'll explore the history of coming out, life after Stonewall, and if it really does get better for people coming out in 2014 as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or something in between.
Questions or comments? Write us below, email Colin@wnpr.org, or tweet @wnprcolin.
GUESTS:
- Brian Murray is an actor, currently starring in“A Song At Twilight” at Hartford Stage, which is playing until March 16
- Pedro Segarra is the Mayor of Hartford
- Irwin Kriegeris a clinical social worker in New Haven working extensively with the LGBT community, and the author of Helping your Transgender Teen, a Guide for Parents
- Robin McHaelen is the executive director ofTrue Colors, a non-profit organization in Hartford, providing support, education and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, adults and families
