20;IT'S ELEMENTARY: Talking About Gay Issues In School”, is ahighly acclaimed film shot in first through eighth grade classrooms across the United States. The film is a window into what really happens when educators address gay issues with their students in age-appropriate ways (Irvine). IT'S ELEMENTARY demystifies what it means to talk with kids about gay people. The film makes a compelling argument that anti-gay prejudice and violence can beprevented if children have an opportunity to have these discussions when they're young (Irvine).Since its release, the producers have run a remarkably successful grassroots distribution campaign, intended to make IT'S ELEMENTARY accessible to every conceivable type of institution working with children today. Through this effort, the film has had an unprecedented impact, creating activism and public dialogue about dealing with lesbian and gay issues in schools(Irvine).On May 20, 1996 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the passing of Colorado’s Amendment 2 was unconstitutional. The Amendment made it possible for employers, landlords, and anyone in a position of power to discriminate, legally against people if they were homosexual. The ruling marked the promise of Equal Protection a reality for lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans. For the first time, the Supreme Court ruled that the government may not pass laws that single out lesbians and gay Americans for second-class status. This ruling was important because it was expected to bring an end to the anti-gay initiatives that had been proposed in states, cities and towns across the country over the past decade. Just as important, it established as a general principle that lesbians and gay men were entitled to the same constitutional protections granted to everyone else. This was a profound ruling; one based on long-standing principles that would bring our country closer to the vision of equality outlined in the Bill of Rights. ...
