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The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, February 5, 2002 -17 Video creators hope it will lead to discussion oa tram NEW on page 10 'Homnophobia is Hate' as the screen fades 10 black. "We wanted to create a video that grabbed kids' attention, involve them, even make themn uncomfortabîe, but one that will lead to discussion," sald cormmittee member and Percy Merry Sehool teacher Robin Coverdale, who explained that by using only words, voices and music, the video won't become dated. According 10 Julie Pehar, education co- ordinator of Sexual Assault and Violence Interventions Services of Halton and chalr of the Anti-Homnophobia Committee, responses 10, the video bave been extraordi- nary - usually a stsmned bush often fol- Iowed by applause. Ms Pehar admitted that, in stme tehools, the video is first met by an uncomfortable reaction, but as the scenarios progress and the message sinkt in, shte can feel percep- tions being altered. "I the classroomns I've gone 10 there's dead silence," she sald. Mr. Coverdale alto tcreened the video for fellow members of the Ontario Eîementary Teachers' Federation, who were s0 impressed lhey covered the colt of tomne of the tapes. After showering the viewer with an assortment of vindictive slang, the video carnies on with several voice-only scenar- ina that begin with parents' assumptions about the texuality of their baby and moves on through peer pressure, gay basbing, a father-and-son fight and aduît relationsbips that extend beyond high sehool. "I find il absolutely challenging 10 stu- dents," sald Ms Pebar. "It's a sobering impact." Colin Nath, a grade 12 student at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary Sehool in Oakville whose dramatie skills came high- ly recommended 10 the projeet, portrayed the son, who fighta with bis domineering father played by Mr. Coverdale. Words like faggot formn an unfortunate part of stsident vemnacular, sald Colin, so the video tries to gel at wbat lies behind such tenns. 1I got involved because 1 liked tbe social statement the video makes because (homo- phobia) is a big problem in ail higb tchools," hie said. Grade 6 Percy Merry student Shelynn Gervais waa tbe appropriate age and had the rigbt voice to play a young tomboy. Alto keen on drama, Shelynn is pleated tc Iend ber support 10 such a worthy projeet, one that bier parents and friends alto îiked. Shannon Beaton, a grade 12 Acton Higli Sehool student who pîayed a teenaged girl. said the slang uaed in the video is tomne limes met by nervous laugbter at the star of showings but this quickîy subsides aw the message is driven home. Hopefully, added Ms Pehar, sucb word! wilI join other now-unacceptable phrase! that were once used freely in our tociety but now are generally considered racist sexist and just plain burtful. Andrew Punkris, a studens of St. Mike': College in Toronto, contributed the cove artwork for the tape box, using freebani and computer imagery. He sald be feels thb project'is an important one (bie bas a ga, uncle) and thougbt it wouldn't hurt 10 ge bis name out and bas added the work 10 hi portfolio. "Having al the youth invoîved is fabu bous.' sald Ms Pehar. "We couldo't hav done il witbout themn." integral t0 the production were lmagin Sound Studios creative director Mar Camilleri and studio director Shan Salonin. Mr. Camilleri wrote the origint score based on the script t0 reinforce th tape's emotional content and cheerfuli made changes whcre needed. The pair sub- contracted video production and even added their voices to the ensemble. The whole project was funded on a shoe- string by a $2,500 grant fromn the Ministry of Health -AIDS Bureau, leading Ms Pehar to, believe the Imagine staff was more than generous with their timne and tal- ents. "To this day 1 really don't know how much was a gift," she sald. Anti-Homophobia Committee member Marcus Logan said Pride TV plans 10 edit the tape down into individual public serv- ice announicements. tt has also been sub- mitted to the Inside Out Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Key Toronto educators have alto seen the video, which has been sent to the National Film Board. The Anti-Homophobia Committee pro- vides advocacy, education and support to the gay and lesbian community of Halton and their loved ones. Ils mandate is 10 raite communily awareness about homnophobia and educate area services providers about the added struggles faced by the gay coin- munity - especially youths - when deal- ing witb parental authority, peert, sexuali- ty and personal identity. The committee has sponsored a hetero- sexism, and homophobia workshop and runs a youth support group. The committee conducted a workshop at the 2000 Victim- Lest community policing conference and members speak at high schools from both Halton school boards. A second dance is also scbeduled for February 8 at Munn's United Church. Perhaps the highest profile activity of the committee is' its involvement with the annual Halton Pride Picnic at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. scoop? Gali us wîth your story ideas at 878- 2341. SOMEONE LIKE%£v: YOU DESERVES TO WIN...O 1 0F 5 VALENTINE GIFT BASKETS each valued at $150 5 Winners will each WIN one of our Merchant's Baskets IN OUR ANNUAL VAIENTINE'S DAY DRAW FERRUARY 14 PriLzes on display & baliot box located at Centre Court... see stores for M details. Roses Are Red... Corner of Main & Ontario 905-878-3900 FMM MALLI frie nd [y & fam iliar Escarpment Country-" Tounism Partner k a Shopping Hours: al ~Mon. to Fni. 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday Noon to, 5:00 p.m. e y