It Gets Better
In reaction to the recent suicides by LGBT youth, some seniors gave their candid words of wisdom in a short film, "It Gets Better". The leader of the project, which was a collaboration of members of the LGBT Aging Project, Bob Winscott said, "The idea that all gay people grow old alone, lonely and depressed is a myth". The bleak and hopeless future, according to Winscott, is merely "the image that some people would like protest".
In a refreshing, fun short film full of heart, a selection of LGBT seniors share their struggles growing up, with their sexuality, their family, their friends and relationships. They acknowledge and painfully share their pain. But, the best part according to them, it gets better!!
While the struggles that the LGBT community face are completely real and should not be taken for granted, it is just as important to recognize when things are going well as it is when they are going poorly.
One man in the video, aged about 60, says "I love my life! I love being gay, I love my partner, I love my sexuality". It must be a powerful message, for the LGBT youth to hear real voices of people who struggled just like them, and managed to find happiness.
Hi Ella,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful tribute to our video. We have been so pleased with the response it is receiving. It is a sign that LGBT elders are not forgotten or invisible!
Best,
Bob Linscott
LGBT Aging Project