New programme suggests UK citizens are not backward or anti-gay

Feb. 1, 2012 - PRLog -- The online citizen TV channel, WORLDbytes, has launched a provocative ‘Don’t shout at the telly’ discussion on ‘queer progress.’

Freedom and equality for homosexuals have vastly improved since the Stonewall riots in 1969, but just how much have we progressed since the dark old days? Jason Smith a freelance journalist and director of Birmingham salon is the guest expert in this lively on-the sofa discussion which explores the state of ‘queer progress’ today.  From Clinton and Cameron’s vow to deny overseas aid to anti- gay nations to Stonewall the gay rights lobby group, calling for ‘anti-gay speech’ to be monitored in the playground, we might be forgiven for thinking gay bashing is on the rise. But is it hurting? Jason Smith suggests discovering homophobia is all the rage, ironically at a time when it’s far less of a problem.

Discussants raise key questions on ‘hate speech’, intolerance and the role of the state. Are gay individuals now so vulnerable they need protection Jason asks?  Gay rights activists in Africa he also argues are capable of building a movement for social change, unless we think the Stonewall activists of the past were unique and Westerners particularly special. Western intervention is not the way to go, we learn, but not everyone is convinced.

WORLDbytes Director, Ceri Dingle said today:
“Many liberal thinkers see the rest of society as bigoted and look to governments for legal clampdowns, bans and protection for minorities. In doing so, they often sweep issues under the carpet and shut debate down.  This programme is really engaging precisely because it opens up the debate and does not assume the mass of people have dodgy ideas in need of behaviour modification.”

The report “Don't shout at the Telly: Queer Progress” is available to watch on WORLDbytes at:
http://www.worldbytes.org/dont-shout-at-the-telly-queer-p...

WORLDbytes welcomes reproduction, embedding and sharing of this report.
For more information and interviews contact:
Ceri Dingle or Viv Regan at: world.write@btconnect.com Tel: +44 (0)20 8985 5435

Notes to editors:
WORLDbytes is a unique online Citizen TV channel featuring reports and programmes created by young volunteers learning to shoot 'on the job'. Its programmes aim to get behind the headlines and promote a people-first perspective on a wide-range of issues. The channel's credo is "don't shout at the telly, change the message on it".

WORLDbytes is run by the education charity WORLDwrite, registered charity number 1060869. The charity champions quality citizen reporting and provides free film training to make this possible.  The charity's website address is www.worldwrite.org.uk

WORLDwrite has an open door policy and encourages all-comers to get involved and recognise there are no limits to what's possible. For more general information, please visit: www.worldwrite.org.uk & www.worldbytes.org

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Education charity, NGO and voluntary organisation. Specialises in using film to promote global equality, a people first perspective and growth.
WORLDwrite's slogan is Ferraris for all; this means demanding the best for everyone.