UVa Library Press Releases 1998 - 1999
VIDEO-VIEWING AND PANEL DISCUSSION TO EXAMINE 20 YEARS OF THE PORTRAYAL OF GAYS AND LESBIANS IN TELEVISION
Contact: Melinda Baumann at (804) 243-8785 or e-mail: mjb7qh@virginia.edu
The University Library Multicultural Issues Committee is sponsoring "Clips from an Opening Closet: Sexual Orientation in Soaps and Sitcoms," a video-viewing and panel discussion Tuesday, April 20 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Clemons Library, Room 201. The panel discussion, held in honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, is free and open to the public.
Bernard Mayes, College of Arts and Sciences Assistant Dean and Director of Media Studies will show clips from twenty years of television programs portraying gays and lesbians. Mayes will also facilitate a panel discussion after the video. Other panelists are Matt Chayt, IV year Arts and Sciences student and president of the student-run Film and Media Society; Claire Kaplan, Sexual Assault Education Coordinator; and Dona Yarbrough, English graduate student studying American lesbian novels and program director for the Women's Center.
"At last the media are catching up! Lesbians, gays, transgender and queer folk in general are being recognized and even honored by the modern media," declares Bernard Mayes. "After centuries of abuse and cruelty resulting from public fear of the unknown, more and more film and television producers are enabling gay people to stand tall and be counted. Universities tend to lag behind in the battle for human rights, but here at U.Va. we are beginning to wake up." Mayes explains that the program will include both sides of this story illustrated by clips from favorite television programs, some poignant, some hilarious.
Mayes, a former televison executive, worked in the media for twenty years including as a correspondent for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and for numerous other radio and television companies in the U.S. and abroad. He is Founding Chairman of National Public Radio (NPR) and of the U.Va. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Faculty, Staff and Graduate Student Association.
"In celebration of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, the Multicultural Issues Committee is excited to offer this event to the University Community," event organizer, Melinda Baumann states. "Our definition of ėmulticulturalism' is broad and inclusive, and panel discussions such as this reflects our commitment to highlight the diversity that exists within our community." The University Library Multicultural Issues Committee was formed in 1990 to "guide the library in its commitment to promote issues of diversity." The committee uses education, policy recommendations and events such as the upcoming panel discussion to increase awareness and to encourage a diverse working and learning environment. The committee consists of Library employees whom administration appoints to serve a 2-year term. To learn more about the University Library Multicultural Issues Committee, visit their web site at http://staff.lib.virginia.edu/multicultural
For more information about the panel discussion, contact Melinda Baumann, Alderman Library, 804-243-8785 or by e-mail at baumann@virginia.edu
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