With Pride Month in the rearview mirror now, though not that far in the distance, a newspaper article and a museum’s special event made me think deeper about Pride Month, and its meanings and impact. I should probably say that I am a 65-year-old, straight, white guy. I think a lot about inclusion and being open minded. I try and ‘walk the walk,’ but like many others I probably fall short at times.
The article (which can be viewed at this link) was from the Boston Globe, dated mid-June. It focuses on Gloucester, MA’s, Hammond Castle, an iconic regional museum, and its first-ever, Pride Month Celebration. Not just the celebration, but the relationship that the popular, 1960’s TV-sitcom, Bewitched, had, and still has today, with the LGBTQ+ community and movement.
For those too young to remember, Bewitched starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stevens, a suburban housewife who was married to Advertising Exec, Darrin Stephens. Samantha was a witch, as were all of her relatives who made frequent appearances in her home. No other mortal besides Darrin knew of her powers, and he forbade Samantha from using her witch-ly powers. In addition to the comedic events, each episode of Bewitched focused heavily on she and Darrin keeping her secret, and Samantha having to hide who she really was. As the article states, “Samantha can’t be who she is, openly, and has to repress it.” Thus, the connection with Pride Month.
The article talks about many connections between the series and the LGBTQ+ community. One of the actors who played Darrin,’ Dick Sargent, was a closeted gay man. Paul Lynde, Samantha’s Uncle Arthur, was a flamboyant gay man.
Bewitched aired long before TV, and indeed pop culture, dealt with the LGBTQ+ community and their issues, with anything other than ridicule. But as Elizabeth Montgomery once said, “If you think about it, ‘Bewitched’ is about repression in general and all the frustration and trouble it can cause.”
I can’t say I ever gave much thought, until a few years ago, to Samantha and her relatives, basically being ‘in the closet,’ and the relevance for many people over the years. Growing up, I loved watching reruns of Bewitched. Still do. Now though, I watch and enjoy the series with a different perspective.
Who among us is surprised that the premise of the old Bewitched storylines was counter to our Rotary 4-Way Test. The same is true for much of our popular entertainment vehicles even today. But in real life, Rotary strives to be a welcoming and affirming organization allowing people to grow their personal and professional relationships. We all have the opportunity (and obligation), in our club meetings and gatherings, to do better…to learn about, and encourage others to share their TRUTH.
Thus, making it FAIR to everyone. Striving for this will build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS…and will be BENEFICIAL to all concerned!