October 17, 2020

THE PROM and LGBTQIA+ Rights and the Well-Being of Our Queer Youth

1 hour 40 minutes

Broadway’s THE PROM takes center stage in this raw discussion about LGBTQIA+ teens and the discrimination they often face. After opening on Broadway in the fall of 2018, the musical comedy earned five Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and will debut on Netflix in a musical movie adaptation December 11, 2020. Inspired by true stories, THE PROM spotlights Emma, an Indiana teenager banned from her prom for wanting to take her girlfriend. When aging Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman find out (and their show closes due to bad reviews), they decide to rehab their images by becoming celebrity activists and taking up the cause of this “LGBQ-teen.” THE PROM illuminates the issue about acceptance and identity of LGTBQ+ folx, especially youth. Whether you are queer, the parent of a queer child, or a queer ally, this conversation will offer guidance about self-love, the importance of affirming LGBTQIA+ folx, and how we do that.

Tony nominees co-book writer Bob Martin and co-book writer and lyricist Chad Beguelin to talk about the ins and outs of writing THE PROM for Broadway and adapting it for the screen. Plus, policy leader and advocate Jennifer Driver and mental health counselor Isaac Archuleta guide us on healthy and safe practices and policies to aid self-discovery in LGBTQ+ youth; what we can all do to make kids feel safe and loved, to help parents of LGBTQ+ youth respond more healthfully to their kids, and schools and communities embrace kids of all orientations and identities; and policies we need to support to create lasting change for our youth and queer communities of all ages.

Listen to the cast album here!

Watch the Netflix movie here!

Referred to in this episode:

Prom discrimination stories from all 50 states

Prom discrimination in Buffalo, NY; French Settlement, LA; Sullivan, IN

The 2011 study Isaac mentions about sexual differentiation in development

That WEST WING scene about biblical hypocrisy

Amaze, video series to teach sex education at all ages

The Trevor Project educational resources

SIECUS Community Action Toolkit: A Guide to Advancing Sex Education in Your Community

Facts about suicide in LGBTQIA+ youth

Create the Change:

If you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves, call The Trevor Project hotline 1-866-488-7386

How to recognize risk factors of self-harm or suicide; read the simple guide on how to talk about suicide and prevent it

If you or someone you know is struggling with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, watch this Lifeguard Workshop from The Trevor Project

Understand what it means to come out

Advocate for affirmative counseling

Find a mental health professional specializing in LGBTQIA+ affirmative counseling

Bookmark this guide on being an ally to transgender, non-binary youth

Why We Theater is a product of part of the Broadway Podcast Network, edited by Derek Gunther, and produced by Alan Seales.

Our theme music is by Benjamin Velez. Hear more at BenjaminVelez.com.

Our logo is by Christina Minopoli. See more at MinopoliDesign.com.

Special thanks to Genesis Johnson, Dori Berinstein, Leigh Silverman, Patrick Taylor, Tony Montenieri, Elena Mayer, Wesley Birdsall, and Suzanne Chipkin.

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By Broadway Podcast Network

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