Monday, January 16, 2012

Thursday Night at the Library (Free): How teens experience stereotypes about gender

Teens, their parents, and others who are interested are invited to experience “Straightlaced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up,” a powerful documentary that examines how stereotypes and gender expectations impact the lives of teens.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 19
Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

The hour-long film gathers perspectives from teens who represent all points of the gender spectrum. This fascinating array of students opens up with brave, intimate honesty, talking about choosing between “male” and “female” deodorant; deciding whether to go along with anti-gay taunts in the locker room; having the courage to take ballet; avoiding the restroom so they won’t get beaten up; and mourning the suicide of a classmate. Their intimate stories point the way toward a more inclusive, empowering culture.

More information and a movie trailer are available at:
www.groundspark.org/our-films-and-campaigns/straightlaced.

This screening is free and open to the public. Those interested are invited to remain after the movie for discussion. More information is available from www.salemlibrary.org or the Teen Scene Desk at 503-588-6364.