Getting real about Gay Panic and Get Hard
Opinion There is a fair amount of anger floating about from several outlets about the perceived homophobia or “gay panic” in the new Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell comedy, “Get Hard”. First, a bit of background on gay panic from the Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Bar : “ Gay and trans “panic” defense tactics ask a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the defendant’s excessively violent reaction. The perpetrator claims that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity not only explain – but excuse – their loss of self-control and subsequent assault of an LGBT individual. By fully or partially acquitting the perpetrators of crimes against LGBT victims, these defenses imply that LGBT lives are worth less than others.” It’s serious stuff that absolutely should be taken seriously. To that end, Get Hard should not be lumped into gay panic. That criticism is lazy, unfair and demeans the places where gay panic should be taken seriously – as i...