USSN: Speaking Up

“Laramie Project” NOVATO ADVANCE – sent May 21, 2003

Dear Editor,

Last night I attended San Marin High’s production of “The Laramie Project.” As the parent of a gay son, I was reluctant to see this performance, as the impetus for writing this play was the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay male youth, by two young men from the Laramie area. I knew that facing the depiction of such hate, bigotry and intolerance would be difficult for me. I should add that last year at Novato High School another student perpetrated a hate crime against my son, which was fully prosecuted.
On Wednesday of this past week, the Novato Advance ran a wonderful story about the play, its history and how it came to be performed at San Marin High School. In the same paper, there was a Viewpoint opinion piece and a letter to the editor, both in heated opposition to the video “That's A Family!” which is part of the diversity curriculum being piloted in 5th grade classes. Diversity curriculum presents themes of acceptance of all people in respect to race, gender and sexual orientation.

The Viewpoint writer claims the majority of Novato citizens agree with her views. The next writer states that, “Although I agree that homosexuals should not be persecuted, logic tells us that homosexuality is abnormal.”

To paraphrase from the play last night, one resident of Laramie stated that, “…we didn’t think our town could produce people capable of this kind of atrocity, but then we did produce these two boys who did this, so…” Hundreds of Laramie residents were interviewed about their reaction to Matthew’s murder and their feelings about homosexuality. The statements of Laramie residents, clergy and friends of Matthew are the voice of Laramie, Wyo. and the basis for this play. Has the voice of Novato been heard through the courageous efforts of the students and drama department of San Marin High?

I am hopeful that the majority of our citizens want to have acceptance of all others and tolerance presented in the classrooms. I heard that the forward-thinking drama teacher “Ms. K,” planned to put this production on next year, but the seniors talked her into doing it this year. What thoughtful and caring people all those involved in this production are!

After the play, cast members came into the audience to be available for discussion. I was too moved to speak. This play is about the dark side of human nature; however, it shines a bright light on the darkness being created by those opposed to diversity in our community.

Margaret Levine
Novato


	“Laramie Project” NOVATO ADVANCE – sent May 21, 2003 Dear Editor, Last night I attended San Marin High’s production of “The Laramie Project.” As the parent of a gay son, I was reluctant to see this performance, as the impetus for writing this play was the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay male youth, by two young men from the Laramie area. I knew that facing the depiction of such hate, bigotry and intolerance would be difficult for me. I should add that last year at Novato High School another student perpetrated a hate crime against my son, which was fully prosecuted. On Wednesday of this past week, the Novato Advance ran a wonderful story about the play, its history and how it came to be performed at San Marin High School. In the same paper, there was a Viewpoint opinion piece and a letter to the editor, both in heated opposition to the video “That's A Family!” which is part of the diversity curriculum being piloted in 5th grade classes. Diversity curriculum presents themes of acceptance of all people in respect to race, gender and sexual orientation. The Viewpoint writer claims the majority of Novato citizens agree with her views. The next writer states that, “Although I agree that homosexuals should not be persecuted, logic tells us that homosexuality is abnormal.” To paraphrase from the play last night, one resident of Laramie stated that, “…we didn’t think our town could produce people capable of this kind of atrocity, but then we did produce these two boys who did this, so…” Hundreds of Laramie residents were interviewed about their reaction to Matthew’s murder and their feelings about homosexuality. The statements of Laramie residents, clergy and friends of Matthew are the voice of Laramie, Wyo. and the basis for this play. Has the voice of Novato been heard through the courageous efforts of the students and drama department of San Marin High? I am hopeful that the majority of our citizens want to have acceptance of all others and tolerance presented in the classrooms. I heard that the forward-thinking drama teacher “Ms. K,” planned to put this production on next year, but the seniors talked her into doing it this year. What thoughtful and caring people all those involved in this production are! After the play, cast members came into the audience to be available for discussion. I was too moved to speak. This play is about the dark side of human nature; however, it shines a bright light on the darkness being created by those opposed to diversity in our community. Margaret Levine Novato
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