"It has obvious utility as an educational tool in corporate and business environments, or indeed any environment where there is a need to extend people's awareness about LGBT people."

Roy Gilbert-Higginson, Ph.D
Deputy Director, Field & Policy
PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays
Washington, DC

Part 4: Sexual Orientation

Gays and lesbians face distinct issues as an "invisible" minority. Encompassing all races, religions and ethnicities, their challenges are compounded by the added burden of traditional roles and cultural attitudes. Over the last thirty years, gays and lesbians have struggled to make themselves more visible and pay a heavy price for those efforts. The Sexual Orientation DVD of the Mirror Images series lets you hear from this no longer silent minority.

Some of the people you'll see and hear are Maria, a gay rights activist; Tom, a partner of an HIV-positive man; Matt, identical twin whose brother is straight; and Jennifer, a school teacher who fears being outed. All of these people face the challenges of prejudice and discrimination in modern America.

Gay marriage bans, AIDS, coming out, parenting, and family relations are just some of the topics discussed as each person invites you into their lives.

Each, through their candid and personal insights, share the ongoing story of what being gay in America means, and how their personal histories and upbringing have shaped their lives and perspectives, and what their hopes are for the future.

Note: The section regarding sexual orientation has not been created to promote homosexuality. It has been created to address the issues of a group that is seen as a minority, as they represent an estimated 10% of the U.S. population, and are increasingly faced with prejudice and discrimination.