Popular film and video games have
persistent difficulties with accurately and respectfully portraying LGBT
characters, with most shoved into single-purpose, exploitative roles despite the increasing number of LGBT characters. The
problem stems from systematic anti-LGBT bias apparent in larger media studios
that makes change difficult to implement. However, independent media, and
especially webcomics, have demonstrated how LGBT characters might be effectively
portrayed.
Friendly media make clear that accurate LGBT character portrayal is fully possible, but institutionalised anti-LGBT bias means that popular media is very slow to catch up. The increasing popularity of independent LGBT-friendly media demonstrate that the push for more accurate LGBT portrayal is justified, not just ethically but economically. But more importantly, the complex, dynamic, and interesting characters in friendly media serve as brilliant examples of humanity at its most honest and inclusive.
See the full article at LGBT.co.uk for links and examples.
Some useful links which may help any LGBT people or allies wishing to find out more about LGBT parenting in the UK in particular.
Calder Valley Lesbian Parents Group - Based in Calderdale, West Yorkshire (UK), this Lesbian Parents Group isfor lesbian parents and their children. We also offer support to other lesbians who are hoping to become parents.
Pink Parents Org UK - A fact file and resource for gay parents in the UK. Today, gay and lesbian parents in the UK have equal legal rights than
heterosexual ones and the society is no longer as homophobic as was in
the past. Nevertheless, gay and lesbian parents face a number of issues
that are virtually unknown to heterosexual families.
Compass Fostering - Compass Fostering's highly experienced teams work with children and families to a clear
objective: to provide services that improve the self-esteem, confidence,
life chances, achievements and placement stability of the young people
placed with us and to meet the needs of foster families.
PFLAG - Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Made up of parents, families, friends, and allies united with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBT people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy.
New Family Social - New Family Social is a growing national charity that provides support and information for prospective and existing LGBT adopters and foster carers.
On the basis of a lesbian scene involving Coral Browne and
Susannah York, The Killing of Sister George received an X certificate,
which limited its screening and ability to advertise in mainstream
newspapers.
Certainly this was 1968, when LGBT rights were making slow advances in the cinema and on the streets, but even by the prurient standards of the day it was a pretty severe move. If any remembers what the X certificate stood for, back then, then they'll know that this amazing drama was thus bracketed with a lot of weird porn, horror, and other nastiness, and that it would have simply presenetd to the public as having something wrong with it, or a bad aura at the very least.
X Rated Coral Browne and
Susannah York
Forty five years later, and you’ll watch The Killing of Sister George gobsmacked,
partially because of the tenderness, and partially because you will be
impressed that anybody in the 1960s wanted to present this kind of scene as a normal fact of love.
And The Killing of Sister George is an amazing film. It ranks as among the funniest of its time, and is as cleverly constructed as they come, representing a brilliant era of British stage drama, which translated effortlessly to the screen.
Branded an 'X', The Killing of Sister George . . . died.
Robert Aldrich, the director of The Killing of Sister George, spent $75,000 battling the rating, but his lawsuit was thrown
out, and the film consequently died at the box office, more is the
pity.
Aldrich was right to challenge the decision to make this movie an 'X', because all we are talking about is a series of tender, well-acted kisses, with not much in the way of nudity. The fact that the kiss was same-sex was enough to threaten public morality, however, and of course it wasn't going to be until 1994 that Anna Friel and Nicola Stephenson were to kiss up a storm on television's Brookside.
It is still our pleasure to enjoy The Killing of Sister George today. It is simply glorious, and as a movie without peer, and a must see on anybody's film list, and not just for reasons of LGBT.
It is a loss that this great picture was killed off in its day, but believe you me, it is ripe for rediscovery — rebirth even! And this is simply because it is a pure classic.
For a laugh, just watch the scene with the scones, starring Beryl Reid, with Coral and Susannah. It's a hoot, and embedded below.
We've seen over the years that people are willing to engage in different ways when it comes to financial planning. Some people turn up at the office with every receipt, bill and bank statement they've ever received and had them all over, expecting to do no more. These type of clients are just as welcome as those who have done homework into the market, into different plans, and into the many financial solutions available.
Both are valid approaches, as is everything in between. Some people feel it's difficult to approach the subject of financial planning, and sometimes this is for very good reasons, such as bereavement. Others just keep relegating their financial planning to the foot of the to-do list.
This is why we created a library of basic financial planning. We wanted to put people in control when it came to their financial planning, so even before they've gone to see a financial planner, or wealth manager they can be aware of the main issues in their financial plans, some of the options available, some of the legal considerations if applicable, and even if their is a financial adviser near them in Aberdeen, Bristol, London, Manchester, or indeed a financial planner anywhere in the UK.
In this library we've divided everything into four categories, Plan, Borrow, Save and Protect. These headings cover everything that is basic to sound personal financial planning. Under these headings are basic articles introducing key considerations, and more detailed articles, some of which feature case studies.
