Today on Oprah

[keltic63]

a straight man lives "gay" for 30 days.

and the teaser doesn't sound good. I'm recording it to find out what is said. I find it hard to believe that Oprah would promote hate speech, but evidently, leading her audience to believe that this kind of talk might go on is acceptible; it gets people to watch the show.

what do you think? would it open up dialogue? how does one "live gay" ??? did they take this guy to the subculture stereotypical bars and dance clubs? is that a fair portrayal of our lives?

[schoolboi]

I'm going to Tivo it. I trust Oprah. I'm sure it will be fine.

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by schoolboi

I'm going to Tivo it. I trust Oprah. I'm sure it will be fine.

I'm thinking it will be ok, but I'm concerned that people will be shown an inaccurate view of what it means to be gay. I'm thinking it will reinforce the stereotype, and I'd be very disappointed in Oprah for doing that.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Originally Posted by schoolboi

I trust Oprah. I'm sure it will be fine.

Yeah, I think we have to be very careful as gay-rights activists not to make the mistake of waving a critizing finger at every minor trespass -- especially those that are just potential trespasses, since we haven't seen her show yet. Because if we do, we risk distracting people from the "big picture" which is ending society's discrimination against GLBT people.

Don't get me wrong, I personally make the distinction between sympathizers and allies. I often challenge the misinformation that sympathizers sometimes cling to and I encourage them to make the journey to becoming full allies for GLBT equality.

What do others think?

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Jamie McDaniel

Yeah, I think we have to be very careful as gay-rights activists not to make the mistake of waving a critizing finger at every minor trespass -- especially those that are just potential trespasses, since we haven't seen her show yet. Because if we do, we risk distracting people from the "big picture" which is ending society's discrimination against GLBT people.

Don't get me wrong, I personally make the distinction between sympathizers and allies. I often challenge the misinformation that sympathizers sometimes cling to and I encourage them to make the journey to becoming full allies for GLBT equality.

What do others think?

but this is why I bring it up. I wanted others to watch it and discuss it. I see the potential for it being bad, and yet I know that this is not the reputation Oprah has. My guess is that the guy will be viewed as an allie when it's all said and done. Oprah has a big audience, and people do pay attention to her. She could help us on this. I'd hope it's done well.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Originally Posted by keltic63

but this is why I bring it up. I wanted others to watch it and discuss it. I see the potential for it being bad, and yet I know that this is not the reputation Oprah has.

Ok, I now understand your point.

[NathanATX]

I think Oprah is so connected to the Divine...

She brings God's presence into everything she does. And yes, even as wonderful as she is, she is human and will make mistakes.

But I believe her heart & spirit are in the right place.