Prior to the movie, guests are welcome to “bring your own” alfresco dinner to the Redwood Room at Gateway if inclement weather. Guests may gather from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for dinner.

On May 6, the Discovery Film Series program focuses on the evolution of LGBTQ+ characters and their portrayal on television over the last five decades of the 20th century.  These portrayals showed slow and unsteady movement from bemusement to vilification to expanding visibility, then limited acceptance to positive characterizations (with notable regressions).  

Using film clips and classic TV episodes, the May 6 program focuses specifically on Firsts:  thefirst recurring gay character, first depiction of a gay marriage, first lesbian main character, etc. Shows such as Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater, Barney Miller, Maude, and Mash are featured. 

As with all programs in the Discovery Series, Queer Representation in Early Television invites the audience to address the question of how past and current characterizations of LGBTQ+ people in the media continue to impact the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and culture. 

Contact Alex Baccaro (1-510-541-4719) with questions about the film event or membership in the Alliance.