IN reply to David Tucker's letter of March 3, the Queer as Folk series on Channel 4 TV is certainly raising some issues. While it is obvious that it includes a lot of fictitious sensationalism to grab publicity, there are also a lot of truthful representations of real life. Exactly the same could be said about this series if it were based on the straight scene, except that there is no social stigma attached to being heterosexual.
In some respects the series portrays some of the worst possibilities. However, for those who are forewarned of the dangers, and act to avoid them, life can be a lot easier.
The series is so far missing a more realistic portrayal of the options a youth like Nathan (15), would have in gaining the proper support that is now widely available to young lesbians and gays. Even Bolton's Youth Service has a support group. The nearest support service for concerned parents of young lesbians and gays is in Manchester and is called FFLAG.
Details of Youth Groups and other support groups are available from the Lesbian and Gay Switchboard open between 4pm and 10pm, seven days on 0161 274 3999.
P Lacey
Horwich, Bolton
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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