Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine February 2015 Donny Winter is a gay rights activist on YouTube and recently graduated from Central Michigan Univer- sity with a degree in Eng- lish and Anthropology. He's aiming to publish a manu- script of LGBTQ-themed poetry and write a memoir of his high school days where he was a victim of frequent bullying. LGBT individuals and characters are often frequenting television nowadays. Gradually, our community has been represented in a more positive light. Unfortu- nately, some question- able programs slip through the cracks and continue to cast a negative light on the community. Recently, the TLC channel has allowed the show, "My Husband's Not Gay" to hit the network. e show centers around men who suffer from "SSA," which to them translates into "Same-Sex Attraction." Additionally, the show focuses on married Mormon men choosing to ignore their same sex attractions and their choice to remain in a heterosexual relationship per their religious beliefs. While it is perfectly logical to have a show outlining the religious beliefs of these individuals, one should also take into consideration how a program like this may impact younger LGBT individuals. e show cre- ates a stigma surrounding same-sex attraction by mak- ing it sound as though it is some sort of disease that needs to be controlled. Not only that but it attempts to validate the flawed misconception that sexual ori- entation is a "choice." If these individuals are bisexual men and they are choosing to remain in a relationship with a woman, that's perfectly fine. But one cannot ignore what this says to younger LGBT individuals. It implies that a person can control their same-sex attrac- tions and conform to heteronormative standards. While it is unlikely that this program will be removed from television sets across America, the best way to combat this archaic interpretation of sexual orientation is by speaking out. Inform people that sexual orienta- tion is not a choice or trendy short-lived attraction. You can also listen to Donny's great com- mentary at his YouTube site at the following address: www.youtube.com/user/DonnyWinter Donny would also love to hear from you. Send him feedback at his YouTube site as well! Remedies Media Attack On The LGBT Community By Donny Winter Diversity Rules Magazine is always looking for new writers with a uniquely interesting perspective. If you would like to contribute content please contact the editor using the contact information on page 2. Support the Indie Gay Press Support Diversity Rules Magazine! Subscribe/Advertise Today! www.diversityrulesmagazine.com Diversity Rules Magazine is now also available in the I-tunes and Android Stores (Google Play)! Check out Diversity Rules Magazine on Magzter.com as well as Scribd.com

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