Welcome to Talking Inclusively, a monthly series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about intersectionality, LGBTQ+ issues, inclusion and more! Each month we’ll offer an article on diverse topics and suggest a few questions that you can use to lead a discussion focused on how we can make space that is more welcoming to everyone.
Have feedback about how your conversation went? Run across an article you’d like us to consider? Let us know by e-mailing [email protected].
Dear White Gay Men: Black Panther Is Not About You
Source: Them.
Author: Phillip Henry
Questions for Discussion:
- Have you seen the movie Black Panther? Why or why not?
- If you’ve seen Black Panther and read any criticisms of the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the film, what was your reaction? Did you agree? Disagree? Feel conflicted about the complaints being made?
- The author, Phillip Henry, writes:
“We deserve a queer relationship that is dynamic and has the depth it deserves. This critique may be valid in minor ways, but it is so premature that it’s hard to see anything past its attempt to take whatever shine you can out of the Black experience and representation.”
How do you feel about this statement? Do you think that your own racial cultural lens has an influence on your response? If so, how?
- One of the points that the author makes is that while there is far more LGBTQ+ representation in media, it still skews largely white. Can you share any other examples of films and / or TV that include Black LGBTQ+ characters? What about other characters that are LGBTQ+ and people of color?
