Programme 2: Friends and Lovers

Introduction

Through a series of video diaries containing powerful testimonies, this programme explores the many issues facing young gay men and women. The diaries reveal how they come to terms with their sexual orientation, cope with fear and prejudice, and seek healthy and fulfilling lives with partners, friends and family. They also reveal some of the diversity of gay lifestyles as young people discuss their experiences of love, friendship, sexual attraction and ‘coming out’.

The programme has an important contribution to make to the health and personal development of all young people, and to an understanding of the many issues facing gay people. The need for social justice, equal opportunities, celebration of diversity and social inclusion are key themes.

Teachers should familiarise themselves with the content of the programme and with any guidelines which might apply when discussing the issues with pupils or carrying out follow up work. Further guidance is given in ‘Background Information’ and ‘Curricular Relevance’ and in the online extra for this series.