That the boy is forgiving towards those who show intolerance to gays and lesbians would make some gay-rights supporters shudder. Americans will get a chance to make up their own minds about the appropriateness of discussing homosexuality in public schools. This month and throughout the summer, Public Broadcasting System affiliates around the country will air the documentary.
Some stations also plan to broadcast local programs to further discuss the issue.
A New Lesson Plan Talking about gay subject matter in the classroom wasn't done much 10 or even five years ago. What's driving the push to bring the topic to schools are the increasing numbers of gay and lesbian parents, homosexual teenagers, and the increase of gay subject matter in public debate and entertainment. But Janet Parshall, spokeswoman for the Family Research Council, a conservative Washington, D.C.-based group, said it objected to its airing and was particularly concerned about schools at all grade levels talking about homosexuality. What's troubling to Parshall is that when teachers talk about homosexuality, they tend to do it in an affirming way that she says legitimizes gay relationships. It's not a video.