The US Ambassador to the UN took a number of her colleagues to a Broadway play. Umm what?
Maybe creating global resolutions and working for world peace on a daily basis can get a little repetitive, so why not go see a play? Hmm there has to be more to it than that….
Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the United Nations, led the field trip to go see Fun Home.
This Tony Award-winning play is based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. It illustrates the experience of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Spoiler alert, the daughter in the musical realizes she's attracted to women and the father has secretly had affairs with men. The characters experiences on stage open up a conversation about experiences in the LGBTI community.
And that is exactly what Ambassador Powers wanted to do with her colleagues. Among those in attendance were UN ambassadors from Russia, Gabon, Namibia, Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
Power was looking to change the ambassador’s thoughts and feelings around gay rights. Specifically to convince them that gay rights is a human issue to explore because its implications can affect a daughter, a son, a father--anyone in their own life.
UN turns to the groundbreaking @funhomemusical to teach ambassadors about the LGBT community https://t.co/LMD4EuYR8Lpic.twitter.com/ay6w1S1jfv
— Blake Ross (@PlaybillBlake) March 2, 2016
What a plot twist of events, people’s experiences at plays are usually all about how beautifully (or not!) the singers sang, how amazing the cast was dressed, or the quality of the dance numbers. But this time, this one musical taught UN ambassadors that compassion is possible in changing conversations about LGBTI policy.
This is immensely important in the world today.
Being gay is a crime in over 70 countries.
In 10 countries, identifying as a member of the LGBTI community is legal grounds for life imprisonment or execution.
Conversely, only 20 countries in the world recognize marriage equality for gay individuals.
This is not a light topic.Those statistics aren’t just numbers, they are people and it’s important to shine a light on making sure that everyone enjoys equality.
(The Fun Home cast is a part of the NoH8 campaign)
Sometimes tough conversations centered around challenging issues are easier to begin with a light tone. Many turn to humor, but turning to music and theater is another option to explore.
Ambassador Samantha Power knew this and spoke to the cast during a Q&A session after the performance about how the musical opened doors to a difficult conversation that is not always easily expressed. "Thank you for bringing this all home in a way that resolutions and statements never can,” she said.
Power even got a standing ovation at the play’s conclusion for being a strong advocate for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. Tony nominee Beth Malone thanked her and US President Barack Obama for dedicating a lot of time and effort toward supporting the LGBTI community.
Talk about a great ending when the performers and audience are clapping for you!
The UN’s approach to LGBTI equality is divided as advocates for (and against) gay rights clash.
However, in May 2015 the UN Human Rights Council, released an updated report named “Discrimination and Violence against Individuals Based on their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.” The report highlights setbacks and advancements impacting the global LGBTI community. It also reiterates that states are obligated to protect citizens from violence and ensure their right to equality under the law.
US Ambassador Samantha Power’s trip to Broadway reminds the world that tough conversations can be possible if given the right opening, global citizens just need to get creative.
No one should be left behind in the fight to reduce inequalities. Sometimes the conversation to make this global goal (#5) possible, begins with a song and a dance on Broadway.