OUT! Documentary drama about homosexuality

[RoseWitch]

Hey everyone...I'm in a play at school called OUT. We're making a play about...guess what... homosexuality! Hehe... The cast and me would like as many kittens as possible to fill out the one or both of the Questionnaires.

At this site, has link to them here:

www.quadctheatre.org/Events/s0405/Shows/Out.htm



We would love responses back on any thoughts about the play or the questionnaire. Have fun filling it out. Remember it is anonymous so we won't know what u put. So don't be afraid, go have fun filling it out. Hope to hear opinions soon. Thanks kittens this means alot.



-Muse

Edited by: RoseWitch  at: 12/19/04 3:05 pm

[beautifultrgdy]

Hmm... It was a dead link for me girlie. I wonder if it is my computer, or if it was really a dead link. Just thought I'd let you know.

Jessica

Adia I'm empty since you left me...

[RoseWitch]

hmm worked for me when i clicked on it.. is it working for others???

-Muse

[urnofosiris]

The link works.

[frau rosenclay]

I filled out both questionaires, they were inteesting. I was wodering, is this college level, or highschool, and what city state will it be in. If it is in California, I'd love to see it.



I am a big theatre person, it is what I got my degree in. the last show I did was the vagina monolgues.



frau

[Patches]

Was just surfing the main site. You're putting this play on in a rather 'conservative' state (if I read things correctly). I'm very curious to know the response of the community at large to the show.



Just curious, will the final script be available at any point on the web once the show closes. I'd love to read it.



And, Break a leg!



Cheers!!

Patches

Our wedding vows: Life Love Everlasting, Always Intertwining. - Sunday June 27, 2004 :)

[Yelowsub]

weeeeeeeee those were fun! Hope they helped. And thanks for postign them. I'd be really interested to see how the play is written.

"Trying to talk about love is like trying to dance about architecture."

[Spikeizmine87]

ride



I took this and I loved it! It was kind of a learning experaince for me in a way, Ive never been asked questions like that and it was great to finally talk about all the opinons i have! hoorah and dancing banannas for witchy rose!

-rose

I didnt know what being happy was till i found you, i didnt know what love meant till i loved you.

[RoseWitch]

Reply's->

DrG - Thanks for letting me knwo..had me worried

Frau - It's a theatre level show and we're competing in American Theater College Festival too. Plus we think we have a big chance of going onto the Kenedy Center We're in Dallas, TX...sorry u can't see it.Heard others say the same thing. And I love VAGINA!! Cunt!! I helped with that at my school last year too, it was great. I plan on trying to be in it or helping with it this year. Plus my school is seen as a professional theater even though we're in a community college. Plus we're one of the top 5 theater colleges in the country..or so we here..so yeah...lil college bragging..hehe

Patches - We are a conservative state, but my college loves to do edgy stuff. We did Assasins last season and it went great. We do alot of out there plays..plus this one is going to bring in some complaints but our watchers know what they should be seeing.I'm not sure about the script. If we don't go onto the Kenedy Center, we might not even be published...but we're hoping so. It could get published if it does go that far though.

Yellowsub - Glad you had fun, we're greatful you took them. The play is written from interviews, articles and media and even scenes and monologues we're writing ourselves. It's all starting to come together and looks like it's going to be a great show for all to see.

Ms. Rose - hey glad it was learning experience And your opinions do count. Glad you liked the questions I helped come up with them. And yay for dancing bananas!!



Thank you to all who have filled them out. Our company is very grateful. For all of you who haven't...go to the site and please fill out a questionaire...It's really fun as u can see from the comments!

And please leave feed back on them or any question u thought was great. We want to hear what you have to say about them. Thanks all again.

-Muse

[Culzean]

Hi Muse:



I did fill in the questionaires, and it was fun. Way more fun than working, unfortunately, which is what I'm supposed to be doing right now!



But I am curious, what will you be doing with the surveys?





deb

[frau rosenclay]

Rose Witch,



Thats very cool. I have my degree in Theatre, and love all things theatre-esque. I did the Vagina Monologue "The Woman Who Loved To Make Vaginas Happy", and had so much fun moaning in front of hundreds of people.



You know the one, about the Professional Dominitrix. When I was 19, I wanted to be a pro domme for a while, (crazy teenager), so, I had a little real life experience to help out. No sex involved, just a little bit of pain.



I'm into more legit work now though, acting, and teaching.





Good luck with your competition!

frau

Edited by: frau rosenclay at: 9/15/04 10:58 am

[Tempest Duer]

Did the first questionnaire. Should be able to do the second tomorrow. This looks to be a cool project. Since not all of us will be able to see the play, will the script be made available to us?

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[vanblue2003]

Quote:

---

19. Do you believe science has the tools to prevent Homosexuality or to change sexual orientation?

---

if they do have the tools for that (which they obviously don't...right?), i can officially say that i hate science! maybe then i'll have an excuse to give my mom as to why i'm failing the class...which right now i don't.

[demelzie]

ooo i hate that idea!!



such a horrible idea! "oh you're gay because you're chromosomes went wrong"



i would so completely abandon science if that happened!!!



tho im sure its not gonna cause im sure sexuality doesnt depend on genetics ^_^

[numbered words]

I just filled out both questionnaires. I wish this were in NY.



-kristyn

[Tempest Duer]

So much for the second... I'm straight.



Oh, and Vanblue? Yeah, science has the ability to prevent homosexuality, because it has the ability to prevent people.



Okay, that doesn't have a great deal of meaning, but you have to admit it sounds kind of cool.

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[vanblue2003]

cool, yes....but also insulting.





i don't like science much....

[Spikeizmine87]

Ahh witchy rose that was fantabulous!!! "praises you"

The script was funny and just awesome! And the amber interview was great! Its good to finally read her actuall views on homosexuality and the like. I love it! I hope you'll be able to figure out how to post pictures! "prays for pics"

Awesome job!!!

-rose

You're my everything.

Edited by: Spikeizmine87 at: 12/19/04 3:45 pm

[RoseWitch]

Hey All...so i'm sorry for not doing any of this earlier..but..what can I say? I was doing the play!! OMG..I'm done...did it...done with it..now a month and a half later after we closed. OUT! is done with. We unfortunatelly didn't make it to go on...sorry everyone who wanted to see it. But I got the next best thing..the script! Hehe...and pictures...So..I'm going to try to post this up as time permits and how quickly I get off my ass...hehe

But first...I thought I should post the thing that got me into OUT! My interview with Ms. Amber Benson at the Chicago Con. earlier this summer. I interviewed her for my audition piece...it worked like a charm How could it not...hehehe..

and here we go...

I

nterview With Amber Benson by: Muse (name changed to protect..well myself )

August 14,2004

Transcribed: August 18,2004



Ok, Interview with Amber Benson August 14:



1. Q: What's your opinion of the homosexual image on TV and other media forms?

A: You know, I just..uh...I really feel that being on Buffy, we really kind of broke down some barriers, but I feel like television has sorta fallen back now. You know, you have Will and Grace, but you just don't have the role models, the homosexual role models that were on TV, you know two-three years ago. It's just sorta of, it kind of ...uh..peeked and now it's gone back and really wish there would be more..more characters.



2. Q: Being a major role model for young lesbian girls and other teenagers in the US today, what would you say is the most important thing to get across to America about Gays and Lesbians?

A: That it's ok to be who you are, doesn't matter what anybody else says. You have to love who you are. And if you find somebody regardless of their gender that you love, then you're just lucky.



3. Q:What impact do you think your character of Tara on Buffy:The Vampire Slayer had on the youth of this nation?

A: I feel like, you know, Alyson Haningon and I really got to be role models to a part of the population that gets overlooked, that gets ignored. And, you know, I know that she and I both felt really glad that we got to portray these characters. That we got to be role models to kids that don't have, you know, when they turn on the TV there's nothing.



4. Q:Would you say that the media has been sending good messages to the average American about homosexuals? And do you have any plans in the future to help change or increase that message?

A: I think that it's...umm.. sorta split. You have a lot of people who are trying to make it ok to be just whoever you are. And then you have some people who are gratuitously, you know... mining the homosexual relationship on television to boost ratings. I know with Buffy we truly went about it in a way that wasn't gratuitous, we wanted to make it about two people that were love. It wasn't about them making out, it was about them caring about each other and, you know... making out was... you know.. a cherry on top. So, you know, I would love to continue to portray gay characters, and as I... as I write I would like to, you know, include them in what I'm doing and make it ...make it, you know, status quo.



5. Q:What are your opinions on the Gay Marriage issue?

A: I defently think you should be able to marry whoever the hell you want.



6. Q:You've had many parts as a lesbians or on films with homosexual characters, do you take these parts on purpose or are they just to further your acting career?

A: Um... You know, with Buffy I didn't know I was going to be portraying a lesbain character and then when I read the script for Latter Days, which is another film I was in, I just fell in love with it. I thought it was just a beautiful story and it needed to be...you know...and there's just so few gay love stories. And I was like this is a beautiful love story and I want to be a part in this regardless what part I playt.



7. Q:What's your opinion of religion dealing with homosexuals?

A: Well you know, I think that religion needs to change with the times, the people need to accept the fact that homosexuality is not devient, it's not goin gaway, it's normal and like I said, if people are lucky enough to find someone they love and you know, and whatever religous sector your part of should be happy for you, not, you know, ripping you apart.



8. Q:What was it like playing a lesbian for so long on an major popular TV show, but being straight yourself? Did it affect your career at all or help it along?

A: Um.. you know I hope it didn't hurt my career, but you know, I feel like... I wouldn't change it. Even if it does, even if I find anything that it has hurt me, I wouldn't change it, I feel like what I did has actually had impact on this world in a way nothing else I've ever done has.



9. Q:Were you a supporter of gays and lesbians in high school? And did your school have a GLBT group that you might have participated in?

A: You know, umm... defently supportive, of anybody, from the time I could put it together. I just thought you should be happy and love who you love. But umm I really didn't go to high school, I spent a year. So... I had a lot of friends who were interested in a lot of different things...so...



10. Q: Uhh.. What's your opinion on hate crimes that many homosexuals have either endured or had to be careful not to become one?

A: Well I feel like thereare some really yucky people out there, who are really small minded and you just have to stay away from them.



11. Q: Ok,and last one. What would you say to aspiring people trying to get into the entertainment industry?

A: Umm... it just takes perseverence. I think Betty Davis said it was 2% talent and 98% luck and thick skin. So, just perseverence, so... just keep...you know... it's just a lot of rejection and a lot of hurt but you just keep doing it and eventually you'll get somewhere.



Me: Alright, thank you.

Amber: Your welcome.



Ok..that was it...didn't she give great answers?? I thought so too..hehe... I have these on audio format..so if any of you computer/board nerds or mods can fill me on how to post them on here...please e-mail on here. Then we can let everyone enjoying Ms. Benson's voice responses...hehe

[RoseWitch]

And for my next performance... I shall post what I have typed of the script up so you can enjoy the play as much as I did. Plus if I can only figure it out...I can post pictures of the scenes and various stuff from the show as we go along so u get visual effects too. Hehehe...Yay!!



OUT!

A documentary drama that offers a theatre of testimony, giving voice to the disparate and conflicting perspectives on the hot-button cultural and spiritual issue of homosexuality.

Writen and Performed By: The OUT! Theatre Collective

Out! was first presented on the campus of Collin County Community College on October 12,2004, under the direction of Brad Baker.



Scene One: Queer Factor



(Music from a Game Show plays and the Contestants enter, line up, and strike a Game Show pose. One by one they step out from the tableau to introduce themselves to the audience, and to challenge the other contestants.)



James: My name is James, and I like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain!

Christa: My name is Christa, and I am beautiful, no matter what you say!

Hollye: My name is Hollye, and I will not go lightly!

Michael: My name is Michael, and I'm gonna bust through the competition!

Gretchen:My name is Gretchen, and I'm really fetchin'!

Doug: My name is Doug, and I'm here to(claps hands) pump you up!

Rachel: My name is Rachel, and you may have seen me in "Girls Gone Wild!"

Jason: My name is Jason, and by the end of this show I will be the King of the         Queers!



(Applause. Game Show music plays as the Host enters.)



Host: Good Evening Ladies and Genital men! I'm Joe Blow. (applause) And welcome to another episode of QUEER FACTOR!!! (applause) We've taken 69 contestantsand fondled them down to the 8 you see in front of you now! Okay, this is how we play the Gay-mmm (aka "game"). These contestants will be anal-ized in three categories...style, culture, and taste... (to someone in the audience) And speaking of taste... (looks into the audience at select patrons) ...Snack...Main Course! Ok... our first challenge is style. (to the contestants) You have 30 seconds to... (the Contestants join in with the Host, screaming) "Dress for success in your best cross-dress!" Ready? Set? GAY!!!



(Game Show music plays as the Contestants cross-dress. Some are more successful than others. Two look terrific, two will be eliminated from the game on the matter of style,and one is a complete mess; wearing clothing of both genders. She will also be eliminated.)



Host: Okay, the goal was to... say it with me now... "Dress for success in your best cross-dress!!!" The Top Sergeants have made their decisions... Will the following people please step forward?



(The Top Sergeants - a.k.a. Judges - select three Contestants to be eliminated. Doug, Christa and Gretchen.)



Host: You look absolutely fabulous... but, alas... What a drag! You have been (Contestants join in) "dissed and dismissed!" You are the Straightest Link.Good-bye! (The three eliminated Contestants exit the stage as the remaining Contestants celebrate their victory.) Okay now, Challenge number two is "culture." (General "Oooohs" from the remaining Contestants) All right you culture vultures, get your rears in gear. Shake the junk in your trunk... (all join in) it's time to dance Queer!!!



(Music plays - perhaps The Village People's classic "Y.M.C.A." and the Contestants and Judges begin to dance. After a few moments, one female Contestant is eliminated due to lousy dancing. A few more moments and a male Contestant is eliminated for dancing in a provocative and sexually charged manner. The third elimination is made, as the Top Sergeants select a female Contestant that they are attracted to, escorting her away from the stage. The Finalists are one Male and one Female. Applause, as music fades.)



Host: We have our two final contestants!!! (Applause and Cheers.) So, Will and Grace, for your final challenge, the category is "taste"... (to the male finalist) I'm assuming Kielbasa for you, right honey? (Naughty laugh.)         Ok... finalists, prepare yourself for more, you now have a choice between two closet doors!!! (Produces a coin.) To do decide who goes first, we         will flip a coin. Do you want heads or tails?



Hollye: I want Head!



Host: Sorry... not my type. (Laughs. Flips the coin.) Heads it is! Let's see what we have for you behind closet number one!



(A sexy young lady emerges and poses.)



Host: Ummmm... yummy! Now here's a challenge you just can't miss... pucker up sister, it's time for a kiss!!!



(The Contestants begin to chant "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" as the two girls walk slowly to each other, pause momentarily, then kiss fully and passionately. General applause and "hoorahs.")



Host: Well... aparently queer is not a factor for her! (To the male finalist.) Okay, incredible hunk... Now the focus goes to you. All that's left is closet number two!!!



(Anticipating the next Queer Factor Challenge, the dismissed Contestants begin chanting "Eat! Eat! Eat!" One of the Top Sergeants appears carrying a large pink-colored box. The Host takes the box and faces the male Contestant, holding the box at his waist.)



Host: Open the door for a fabulous treat.Now take a look at what you must eat!!!



(The male Contestant opens the box door and a gigantic rubber penis flops out, falling from the box to the floor. The male Contestant is stunned, eyes bugged out, screaming...)



Jason: Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!!!



(Music begins to play - perhaps The Weather Girls' classic hit "It's Raining Men." Everyone begins to dance, as lights swirl overhead. "Queer Factor" has ended.)





Scene Two: Angie



Rachel: My best friend Angie and I have known each other since we were like 10. We used to get disgusting from playing and take showers together. We slept in the same bed during our sleepovers all cuddled up next to each other. That never changed as we got older. It never really occured to us that there was a time this stopped being appropriate until our parents started raising eyebrows. All my life, my parents told me how lucky Angie and I were to have each other. All the while they continued to condemn same sex couples. It never occured to me that these feelings I was having for Angie could be normal. You are not supposed to fall in love with your best friend. I will never forget the time me and Angie kissed. We were cuddled in bed when she rolled over to me and told me to close my eyes. So of course I did. I could feel her breath on my lips and then she kissed me. First, very softly, then harder. There is a fine line between a lover and a friend. Sometimes it's really hard to tell the difference between the two. Maybe Angie and I weren't so wierd. She moved away when I was 17. But I will never forget one minute of our time together. There is a fine, fine line between a lover and a friend.

Quote:

---

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

---

[kukalaka]

Thanks



And I'd love to get an audio file of the interview.

[RoseWitch]

And more of the play for your reading pleasure. And at the bottom should have amber interview on my sig playing...the first part at least...and for those who wanna see pics

OUT!



Now on with the show:



Scene Three: Homeless



Jason: My name is Johnny. I was born and raised very religious, and very strict. It was actually almost Full Metal Jacket, with my mother as the Drill Sergeant... minus the name calling.. although her calling me a "filthy maggot" would be priceless... So, anyway, the idea of me being gay in that family was absolutely hilarious to me. I had already come out to everyone, well... everyone except my parents. I knew they would never understand who I really was. It just so happened my mother was in my room, and found an old email I had sent to a friend telling her that I was, in fact gay... Pretty damn cliche, isn't it? Obviously, she freaked the fuck out! My dad came home before I did, and they plotted and planned before I got home. As soon as I walked through the door... they confronted me... asking if I was gay... and I agreed... with shame for some reason... They started screaming at me, telling me how I was going to hell for what I'm doing with my body. My mother told me there were going to be new rules. There were new curfews. I needed "help" and she was going to put me in therapy to "fix me." I had to move into a guest bedroom and out of my little brother's room. She told me if I went near my little brother she would put me in jail for molestation. My dad told me later that when, not if, but when I got AIDS, he didn't want to be there to watch me die. So, with that, I left. I had no place to go at all. I was a homo without a home! I was actually living off garbage! Again, how cliche? About a month later, someone told me about GLBT... a homeless youth program. They took me in. It amazed me how many people were going through the same thing as I was. How many kids were basically pushed away just for telling their parents who they were. At one point I actually tried contacting my parent, but they still didn't want anything to do with me, or my "lifestyle." I was strangely okay with that. I had a new family. After about a year or so, I met a guy named Todd at the program, and we fell in love. And he is, by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me. I sometimes do regret losing my family, and perhaps there were things that I could've done to change the outcome. But this is who I am, and who I will always be.



Scene Four: The Barbie One



Hollye: I had about 18 Barbie dolls by the time I was 10. Not one Ken. I'm not sure if that should have been looked at as a warning sigh or not. There was something I liked about all those women interacting with each other. I never really saw why Ken was necessary. Ken would just burp and fart and hog the remote... and eventually leave Barbie. I'm coming out to my mom tonight. She's the only person I haven't told who really matters. I haven't seen my dad since I was like, 8 or something. So it's just mom. It's... probably going to be a shock. I'm not exactly butch. I hope she'll still see me as the same person. My sexuality doesn't change my favorite movie, or band, or the fact that I hate roller coasters. Being a lesbian doesn't take away the horse back riding trophy I recieved in 6th grade, or the picture of Pluto hugging me in Disney World. Kissing women isn't going to affect my loathe for my little brother's Good Charlotte albums, or the fact that I would probably sell my soul to look like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfeast at Tiffany's," or my love for homemade flour tortillas. It doesn't really change much come to think of it. So I guess all I have left to do is go tell her. If she goes into shock I'll just blame her for not noticing the Barbie thing 10 years ago.



Scene Five: Muse's Coming Out Story



Muse: Growing up, my mother taught me to be myself, be proud of that and never to let anyone change who I am. And, so, I was able to come out at 15 as being a lesbian and no one really batted an eye. It was normal to come out. See, the year before my best friend had came out as a lesbian. She led the way in my class to come out as who you are. She took the brunt of the comments and discrimination. I've been forever grateful for her courage and strength with that. I never actually figured in my mind to come out to people unless they asked me right out. Being a lesbian doesn't make me "Me," you know? I am many things besides that. So, I never told my mom or my brothers outright who I was sexually. I thought it was funny being such an observant person myself that they never noticed, but I learned not all people are like myself. My dad to this day doesn't fully accept me as I am, he's homophobic and I know that. I accept him as he is and I hope one day he will accept me and be proud of his daughter. But what I've always regretted the most is not coming out to my mother before she died. I hope she does accept me and still loves me for who I am even in her Heaven.



Scene Six: The Online Lesbian



Gretchen: Don't worry... this is not another coming out story. I married the man of my dreams only to learn what heartache felt like. After months of social withdrawl, I decided to buy a computer to access the Internet. It was there that I met Kay, a 30-something wife and mother of three, who was restless and wanting to explore her curiosity. I was 24 and this wonderful lady became my best friend, my idol, and my lifeline. I was very depressed when I met her, and in the space of two weeks, she had turned my attitude around. To tell you I was never curious before I met Kay would be a lie. Suddenly, things in my past had just become a whole lot clearer. Yes, it was a crush I had on my primary school teacher, and no it wasn't just because I loved to hang out with my dad and help him fix motors. I was a bit of a tomboy. After a couple of months of net chats, and hundreds of dollars of mobile phone bills to Kay, I took the plunge and traveled to see her. Kay and I spent two seperate weekends together, and they are burned in my memory forever. I had never felt this close to anyone. Kay ended up calling us off, she was finding it hard to live two seperate lives, one as a wife and a mother, and another as a lesbian. I hear you asking: "will I come out?" Something inside me wants to let the people I care about see who I really am. Yet, something called society is telling me it could be the hardest choice I'll ever make.



~~~~~~

And that's is for now...tell me what you thought? Like the pictures? Anything not make sense?? Ask away..I'm here to answer questions about this...sinse I did help this and would like to know what you think.

-Muse

Edited by: RoseWitch  at: 1/13/05 6:53 pm

[Spikeizmine87]

I love this!! Lovely the lil coming out stories!

And is it just me or does that thing on the bottom not work?? "stares at it for a while" I hope its not me! Post moore!

-rose

You're my everything.

[RoseWitch]

Scene Seven: Coming... In



(Jhonen and Roman sit on a couch next to each other, quietly reading magazines.)



Jhonen:        Roman?



Roman:        Yes, honey?



Jhonen:        Can I talk to you?



Roman:         Of course, sugar bear.



Jhonen:        I think I'm gay.



Roman:        No you're not.



Jhonen:        (pause) No, seriously, I think I'm gay. I've been having these feelings...



Roman:        Doesn't make you gay, honey. Makes you human.



Jhonen:        But I saw this guy... I think he's actually attractive... I've kinda been         watching him.



Roman:        That's called stalking, not homosexuality. Look, this friendship only has room for ONE fairy, and I'm tinkerbell! (Clapping his hands like in Peter Pan.) I believe in fairies. I believe in fairies! I believe in fairies!!!



Jhonen:        But sometimes I imagine being with another guy... ya know... physically...



Roman:        And sometimes I imagine being Britney Spears, but it just doesn't make it so...



Jhonen:        What if I am gay? What if I was born gay and I didn't know it? I mean the clubs you go to are fun, I like the same music, I don't really like sports, I was in theatre in high school...



Roman:        Remind me to buy you "Chicken Soup for the Straight Soul." Honey, you're questioning, it's okay, it's normal. But alas, my padowan learner, you're not GAY!!!



Jhonen:        YOU DON'T KNOW ME!!! I'm gay!!! Why can't you see it? I like men!!! You and I have been best friends since we were ten and when you came out, I accepted you, so why can't you accept me??!!! Why do you keep me from being who I might really be???!!!!



(Roman stops him with a long, passionate, loving kiss. He breaks away and resumes reading his magazine. After a pause.)



Jhonen:         Roman?



Roman:        Mmhmm?



Jhonen:        I don't think I'm gay.



Roman:        Mmhmm. (They exit.)







Scene Eight: How to Come Out to Your Parents



(James enters as the Narrator. He will later play the Son.)



Narrator:        Certainly, one of the most dreaded moments in a homosexual's life is when it is time to come out to their parents. But according to the most up-to date scientific study, when a child informs their parents of their same-sex preferences, most parents go through six common stages: shock denial, guilt, expression of feelings, decision making and true acceptance. The purpose of this demonstration is to illustrate these stages by using the most scientific methods available to man.



(Jason and Sharkey enter, carrying "parent" puppets, which they manipulate.)



Now, before you come out of the proverbial "closet" to your parents, ask yourself: are you sure you're a homosexual? (pause) Excellent. Now consider this: given adequate time, will your parents be supportive of your lifestyle preference? (pause) That's swell. Now just sit your parents down and tell quite plainly...



Son:Mother. Father. I am a homosexual.



(The parents are immediately horrified.)



Parents:Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Narrator:        Now, doesn't that feel good? As already stated, the first stage to expect will be shock.



Parents:        Doh!!! (Dad puppet rubs his head confusedly. Mom chews her nails nervously.)



Narrator:        If your parents haven't already suspected, they will be likely to experience this upon hearing your news. Be sure to remind them that you are the same person today as you were yesterday. The next stop on this emotional carnival ride is denial. (Mom and Dad begin to vigorously shake their head "Nooooo.") The way denial is manifested will be different for each         parent, and will take many forms: Hostility...



Dad:        No son of mine is going to be gay!



Narrator:        Non-registering...



Mom:        That's nice dear, what do you want for dinner?



Narrator:        Rejection...



Dad:        It's just a phase. You'll get over it.



Narrator:        Or simply not caring...



Mom:        If you choose that lifestyle, I don't want to hear about it!



Narrator:        The third stage is guilt. At this point your parents will probably blame themselves for your homosexuality. They'll assume it's their fault. They         may even accuse each other... (Mom and Dad point towards each other, pause, then lash into each other angrily and accusatorily.)



Parents:        It's all your fault! You made him gay! He takes after you! Etc.



Mom:        We should never have taken him to the ballet!



Narrator:        Or they may internalize by blaming themselves for not providing a good male or female role model...



Dad:        I knew I should never have been Eleanor Roosevelt last Halloween!



Narrator:        Your parents will now want to release their bottled feelings and talk. This expression of feelings - being the fourth stage in the process - is where some of the most productive dialogue between you and your parents will take place.



Mom:        I'm disappointed that I won't have any grandchildren...



Dad:        How long have you known?



Mom:        How can you hurt us this way?



Dad:        I was better off not knowing.



Narrator:        Since you too live in a homophobic society, you will have experienced many of these same feelings, so share these with them. But be sure to not let your needs overpower theirs. At this point... let them vent.



(Parents begin to bombard the Son with negative comments, as the Son cowers.)



Narrator:        Once this valuable discussion has ended, it is common for them to retreat for a while and consider the options that lie ahead. (Parents retreat and confer.) In this fifth stage your parents will decide whether or not to accept you for who you are. True acceptance is the sixth and final stage, although it should be made clear that not all parents get this far. Most may love their child without ever really accepting their child's life.



Dad:        I love you, Son. (aside) Fag.



Narrator:        Many parents reach the point where they can celebrate in their child's uniqueness and begin to view homosexuality as a legitimate expression of human sexuality.



Mom:        I looooove gay people!!!



Narrator:        (as Mom and Dad hug him.) This coming to terms with themselves may even lead them to view oppression of all gays an d lesbians in a new light.



Dad:        (pointing directly at select patrons) Oppressor! Oppressor! Oppressor!



Narrator:        And here ends our journey. Don't we all feel better now?



(Mom and Dad lean in to hug their son lovingly; a family tableau. Theme Song to "The Muppets" plays as lights fade to black.)



Scene Nine: My Daughter's a Dyke



Gretchen: I wanted my parents to love me so bad. God, I wanted them to care. My Dad just stared at me. Mom just left the room. I could hear her screaming from the kitchen "I HATE YOU!" All I wanted to do was be honest with them. I didn't want to be scared someone would tell my parents they saw me kissing a girl. I wanted to be the one to tell them, and I wanted them to hug me and tell me that everything was going to be okay. I am their little girl. I just sat on the sofa, numb, as my mother screamed in the kitchen. All that my dad managed to mumble was "my daughter is a fucking dyke. I don't have a daughter." They haven't spoken to me since.



Scene Ten: The Door is Still Shut



(Note: This monologue was told to us by a deaf woman. Her story should be told via American Sign Language, and "voiced" by an "Interpreter" character.)



Christa:        When you tell someone, you're afraid of their faces. That you will see the confusion, disappointment, anger, pain. No one wants you to be gay or a lesbian. Especially not your family. They want you to be normal. Get married to a nice man, have kids, throw in a dog here or there. I'm not really the dog type. I would like to have kids one day, they just won't be by a husband. I would love to marry the woman of my dreams. I don't believe my family really understands that homosexuals can love each other too. So I'm not out yet. Honestly, I think I'm scared. Scared to admit there is something drastically different about me, other than my hearing loss. I think eventually I will come out. I'll fall in love. Get married. Raise a family... But for now... I'm fine being closeted.



Scene Eleven: Meet the Beavers



(Narrator and Music Guy enter the stage ...melodramatically.)



Music Guy Sings/hums Twilight Zone music.) "Da-da-da-da-da-da, etc."



Narrator:        (Twilight Zone music is sung/hummed throughout the intro.) Imagine a world where homosexuality was normal. Imagine a world where you faced ridicule for being straight. ("Music Guy" interrupts his Twilight Zone music to scream out "Breeder!") Imagine a world with no monkeys. ("Music Guy" interjects a "monkey call.") It's time to meet the Beavers. You are now entering the Homo Zone. (Music fades as a young man, The Beaver, enters. He is obviously very upset.)



The Beaver:Mom...mother...Mom!



Moms:        (Rushing onto the stage in a panic; June wears an apron, Ward wears a smoking jacket and carries a bottle of beer.) What is it? Are you ok? What's the matter, sweetheart?



The Beaver:I have something to tell you.



June:        Oh no, Ward.



Ward:        Now, now June, let us just hear the boy out.



The Beaver:I'm not sure how to tell you this, but I'm straight.



Music Guy Sings/hums dramatic Ba-ba-ba music!)



June:        It's worse than I thought!



Ward:        You sure about that, Sport?



The Beaver retty sure...



Ward:        How do you know?



The Beaver:Ummm... I like breasts...?



Music Guy Sings/hums Sir Mix-A-Lot's classic rap tune, "Baby Got Back.") "I like         big butts and I cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny..."



Ward:        Well, we can understand that son.



June:        Obviously, he is feeling confused right now, maybe I should check for a         fever.



The Beaver:I am not confused! I like women.



Music Guy Sings) "I like fishes cuz they're sooo delicious!"



The Beaver:This isn't fair! I just wanna be me!



Ward:        And girls just wanna have fun!



Music Guy Sings/hums "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Everyone in the scene glares at Music Guy, who fades the "underscoring.")



The Beaver angrily, to Music Guy) Would you stop that?!



Music Guy In a deep Bass voice.) Sorry.



June:        We are not attacking your choice of an "alternate lifestyle"



Ward:        That is right...we are not.



June:        Even if we do not agree with it. (Cries.)



(All of the sudden a neighbor kid, Eddie, bursts through the door... wearing a sequined beanie cap. Note: The same actor who played The Narrator.)



Eddie:        Hello, Mrs. and Mrs. Beaver!



June:        Not now, Eddie.



Eddie:        How lovely you look today Mrs. Beaver (to June). Mrs. Beaver (to Ward). I'm sure you could use some help in the kitchen.



June:        (Suddenly happy again) Why thank you Eddie! What a lovely gesture!



Ward:        This is really not a good time. The Beaver has just informed us that he is                         straight.



Music Guy Sings/hums dramatic Ba-ba-ba music)



Eddie:        Not that! Anything but that! I'd better skedaddle before it catches on!



(Eddie exits quickly, screaming "Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!")



The Beaver:Now everyone is going to know!



Music Guy Sings/hums dramatic Ba-ba-ba music!)



June:        Why don't we discuss this over my freshly bake chocolate chip cookies and an ice-cold glass of milk?



The Beaver:Aw shucks mom, now you're makin me feel bad.



Ward:        We just want to support you no matter what.



The Beaver:You guys are super! What would I do without you?



Ward:        See June, it's not so bad being different. Even if that means being straight.



Music Guy Sings/hums dramatic Ba-ba-ba music!)



The Beaver:I wish you would stop that!



Music Guy:I'm sorry. It was in the script... (As he exits.) Bitch!



June:        I guess you're right Ward. It is ok to be straight.



The Beaver:I'm going to go up to my room and study now because it's super fun!



Ward:        Just remember, son, one in the bush is worth two in the hand.



Two Moms:Ha ha ha! ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" plays as lights fade to black.)





Alright folks. Update for u their..please leave feedback..wondering if I should continue updating and building the webpage for u Oh and side not 'The Door is Still Shut' was written by our very own kitten! By WillowTaraFan...Thanks for that amazing contribution Eri!



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