“Worry about becoming a human being and not about how you can prevent others from enjoying their lives because of your own inability to adjust to life.” – Harvey Milk
I can’t think of a better way to kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month than by highly recommending the brilliant comedian Wanda Sykes’ new Netflix special “I’M AN ENTERTAINER.” As always, she makes her material (and reality) equally incisive and hysterical.
It’s hard to believe that until 1973, homosexuality was listed as a mental illness in the DSM (the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, “The Bible” for mental health practitioners). The APA (American Psychiatric Association) was moved to effect this change after formidable efforts from brave protestors, whose battle cry was “Off the couches and into the streets!”
Imagine: before the years-long battle ended in this victory, our gay brothers and sisters were deemed mentally ill, were shamed into “converting” to heterosexuals, had to closet their sexuality and partners or suffer discrimination, violence, and being arrested for their “criminal” behavior. The 2008 film MILK, which deservedly won 8 Oscars, tells the story of the first openly gay politician and gay rights activist, Harvey Milk, who paid the price so many social reformers have paid.
Although much progress has been made in the past 50 years, the stigma has remained. Judgment remains despite science. Discrimination remains. Abuse remains. They can all be overpowered by understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
“Don’t be a drag, just be a queen.
Give yourself prudence and love your friends.
I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes.
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way. ”
– Lady Gaga