Among recent plays and novels intended for a mass audience, several have dealt with homosexuality more openly than would have been possible at any other time in Canadian history. The runaway success of the Canadian film Outrageous is perhaps the best indicator of the current acceptance of homosexual themes of mass entertainment. It has appeal for heterosexuals and homosexuals alike. The social progress made by gays over the last decade has been substantial. But this progress is precarious.
Many people resent demands for equality from an outcast group.
The resentment can show itself in many ways, from the denial of a social service announcement on a radio station to unprovoked violence on the street. Several of my friends have been assaulted - one even in a private home. Last year Hamilton artist Philip Stone committed suicide after a beating by a local gang. CBC radio in Halifax refused to air a public service announcement publicizing a telephone information and counselling service for gays. A station representative explained that the CBC has a national policy against accepting such announcements.