Gay Marriage, 5 Plus

1. Demonstrate how media can break down stereotypes.

2. Raise discussion on reporting of gay and lesbian issues and experiences.

3. Demonstrate how different human-interest perspectives contribute to social understanding.

4. Demonstrate positive use of images.

Vincent de Gersigny was employed at the Commercial Bank in Rose Hill, Mauritius. He feared to disclose to anyone that he was gay, as this is taboo in Mauritius. He had the support of one friend, who put him in touch Jonathan Gordon, 54 years old. They corresponded, Gersigny eventually he left everything behind to meet his partner in New Jersey, which recognises gay marriage. He applied for and received a work visa through the green card lottery system. From New Jersey he wrote to his parents to inform them that he is gay. His parents were not shocked and accepted him as he is. He finally got married to his partner. What is most important for him is that gay couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Trainers Notes

In a country where sexual orientation is looked down upon and considered as taboo, a Mauritian dared to go against the traditional norm and got married to his partner. He could have had quiet life with his partner outside Mauritius and nobody would have known except of his parents and yet he has decided to go public and accepted to  talk about his life to a newspaper knowing that at least 75,000 people will know the story. The fact that Vincent de Gersigny talked openly about his sexual orientation could give voices to other gay people. Furthermore, it can empower parents who are still ashamed that their children are gay as well as those who are afraid that their children will face discrimination and violence. 

 

1. Looking at the photos alone, what impression do you have of this couple?

2. What new perspectives, if any did you gain from this story ?

3. How important is it to hear from voices such as these that are rarely herd? Is it important that the couple chose to tell their story to the whole country, why?

4. How does the media represent gay and lesbian stories? Could this article have been done any differently?

 

1. Ask students to read the sexual offence bill or other such legislation and discuss how the bill can:

(i)                 improve the lives of  those with different sexual orientation

(ii)                how are they protected/not protected in the Bill

 

2. Ask students to make a vox pop to know the opinion of both male and female on gay relationship and gay marriage.

3. Conduct research with the gay and lesbian community, what are their perspectives on how media represents them?

 

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