First hour: Discussing LGBTQ representation in television and film
Second hour: Understanding harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes
Disney recently announced that its new film, "Jungle Cruise," will feature the company's first openly gay character. The role will be played by Jack Whitehall, a British comedian who is straight. The casting decision has led to backlash by some members of the LGBTQ community, who say Disney should have cast a gay actor, and that the decision to hire Whitehall will promote stereotypes of gay men. However, there's pushback against the pushback. Other members of the LGBTQ community say actors are actors and should be able to play any role, regardless of their sexuality off screen. They also say that if a gay man had been chosen for the role, he would have been typecast. The news is just one of a number of recent stories about LGBTQ representation in film and media. Research shows there were fewer LGBTQ characters on screen last year than in previous years. Our guests discuss the debate over Disney's and other casting decisions, and how they think production companies can be more inclusive in their storytelling. In studio:
- Adam Lubitow, film critic for City Newspaper
- Jenni Werner, literary director and resident dramaturg at Geva Theatre Center
- Penny Sterling, storyteller
- Michael Gamilla, programming director for ImageOut, the Rochester LGBT Film Festival
- Jake Purcell, local actor
Then in our second hour, residents in the Finger Lakes have been frustrated this summer by harmful blue-green algal blooms in the area's lakes. Beaches have been closed for swimming as scientists study the chemistry of the algae, which may cause toxins to be released into the water. It has been a problem in the Finger Lakes for many years, and with the impact of climate change, it could get worse. This hour, our guests discuss the science behind the algae, the types of regulations and watershed plans they'd like to see developed to minimize the issue, and what the blooms mean for people living in the area. In studio:
- Jim Howe, director of the Nature Conservancy in Central and Western New York
- Tim Sellers, Ph.D., associate provost for academic innovation, professor of biology and environmental science, and director of the Center for Aquatic Research at Keuka College
