Sex in film can provide a light, approachable, and educative avenue to difficult sexuality issues for young adults; helping teens come to terms with what sexuality means to them.

Homosexuals in film…

Fantastich!

Dealing with gay parents

•Most recent box office film depicting gay parents as “normal”

•- Film is not centered around the same sex relationship ; incorporated as mundane, and simply ordinary. Not focal point of film

•- Julianne Moore and Anette Bening each give birth to a child using the same anonymous sperm donor. When the older child turns eighteen, she asks her brother to contact the biological father.

•- 2010 Sundance hit.Out of 1-100 rating system from 37 critics film received an average of 86

•- Widely accepted and acclaimed film; outpour of positive feedback.

The Kids Are Alright- 2010

Gay Parents.

One of the longest ran studies ever; gathered 154 lesbian moms and studied the psychological adjustment of their children concieived through artificial insemination from conception to 17 years of age

The 17 year old daughters/ sons of lesbian mothers rated significantly higher in social settings, academia, and total competence

Rated significantly lower in social problems, rule breaking and aggressive behavior; compared to equally aged counterparts.

Study supported that these children had perfectly healthy psychological adjustment In 2005, there were 270,313 children living with same sex parents; number continues to growSome argue these results are because:

- Same sex couples do not get pregnant by accident! It is a methodical, serious decision- Most couples are financially stable- Insemination+ adoption ‘aint cheap!- Most couples are very open and liberal; makes for a more approachable and understanding

parental figure- Most couples discuss sex and other awkward topics with their kids at a younger age.

THE FACTS:

Dealing with gay parents

The Birdcage: 1996- highest grossing GLBT film at the North American Box Office

-Portrays the empathetic struggle of coming to terms with gay parents, and the struggle to gain social acceptance as well.

Mixed reviews for this film; scored 72% based on reviews

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THE BIRDCAGE

Individual OrientationFilms depicting the struggle of the protagonist to identify with his/her sexual orientation is a medium in which young adults can seek comfort through relation.

Past Statistics

11.5% of gay/ lesbian youth have been physically assaulted by a family member. 1988

30% of gay & bisexual adolescent males attempt suicide at least once. 1991

68% of adolescent gay males use alcohol; 44% use other drugs. 1992

83% of adolescent gay females use alcohol, 56% use other drugs, 11% use crack or cocaine. 1992

42% of homeless identify as being gay/ lesbian. 1991

80 % of teachers reported negative attitudes towards gays/lesbians. 1993

March on Washington 1979

Over 30% of teen suicides each year are committed by gay/ lesbian youth. 1989

50% of all gay/ lesbian youth report that their parents reject them due to their sexual orientation. 1988

26% of gay/lesbian youth have been forced to leave their parents home due to their sexual orientation. 1989

Progress Is Being Made!

RECENT STATS Gay marriage is legal in six states-

MA, CT, IA,VT,NH,DC Gay marriage recognized in CA & NY Gay couples are on the rise- 2010;

594,391 gay couples in U.S Make up 1-4% of population in most

cities, more concentrated in metropolitan areas.

90% of people in the U.S think homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals

DADT looks as if it is on its way out 13 states + District of Columbia have

policies in place to protect gender identity/ sexual orientation discrimination regarding employment

2010- 41% support gay marriage, 40% oppose, 10% not sure