Is this a civil rights issue?

On the same day that this film came out, my wife and I happened to be on a romantic trip to St. Louis and decided to catch a matinee showing of “Valentine’s Day“.  Shortly after the film started, and after meeting most of the key players in the story, I began to suspect that it was not the type of movie that I would typically enjoy.  The dialogue and character development seemed as shallow as a CBS prime time sitcom (How I Met Your Mother notwithstanding).

This probably had a lot to do with the fact that the events of the film take place during about 18 hours of story time, and the cast was filled with over a dozen recognizable actors.  There’s only so much screen time to be shared, and the slices of that pie were close to paper-thin.  Star power?  Yes.  Rewatchability (Or even watchability)?  No.  The film was as disposable as the popcorn we shared together.

One of the myriad of love stories presented in the film was of an aging professional football player dealing with a freshly broken romantic relationship, and the prospect of his retirement from the game being a source of public debate.  During a press conference that he calls to squelch rumors about his career, he also announces (**SPOILER ALERT**) that he is gay.

The capacity filled theatre giggled a little, and continued to watch the film.

By the end of the movie, as all of the love stories are being wrapped up with happy endings, the quarterback’s ex-flame walks in, and it is revealed that it is none other than the dashing Bradley Cooper’s character.

A surprising number of people in the theatre groaned audibly.  There were a number of “ewww”s and “yuck”s from those around me.  I remember a woman behind me to my right saying: “That’s just wrong.”  I realize that this is a midwestern city, but I really did not expect that amount of… (is homophobia the right word here?) whatever it was.

It wasn’t a couple with different skin colors, although I’m sure that would have gotten a similar reaction 50 years ago.  It wasn’t a couple with an extreme age difference.  It was two men.  And it grossed out most of the theatre.

I was shocked at how much it bothered me.  My sense of justice was violated.  I felt simultaneously sorry for those in the theatre who related to the same sex couple and angry at those who sneered at them.  A month later, my strongest memory of that movie is the feeling that I had as the crowed showed their collective displeasure in the “sin” displayed before them.

I’m not sure what I can do to help the cause of the gays and lesbians who face discrimination and disgust from the world.  Perhaps the world doesn’t owe them anything.  I’m not sure if this is a civil rights issue, or a human rights issue.  I just know that I felt stirred to do something.

Instead of just tolerating relationships between homosexual couples, I now actively support those who choose to let their lives be filled with love.  If you have an idea of how I can particularly support you, please let me know.