Today’s ReelQ pick of the day is the series of films called “Men’s Shorts” screening this evening at the Harris Theater as part of the Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival.

I’m going to say something odd, and I said this yesterday (when the screening is for Women’s Shorts)- here goes:

If you identify as male or a man, then go see the Women’s Shorts, and if you identify as female or a woman, then go see the Male Shorts. The LGBTQ community will thank you for it some day. Because the more we care to understand about people different than us in a sex or gender way, the better off we will be and the greater our opportunity to really see and hear each other. And a far too large part of the obstacles standing in the way of our community stems from an inability or an unwillingness to see and hear each other.

Years and years ago, there was this very important bar/restaurant/meeting place on the South Side called Bloomers. It was as I understand a hub for the Lesbian community of Pittsburgh and played a pivotal role shaping many of today’s women leaders of the community. I mention it here, because there is a story about Bloomers which has always stuck with me. They used to have art exhibitions there, and in one was a painting by a woman, which included penises. And an irate customer ripped it down from the wall, claiming it was interfering with her dinner experience.

There are real and meaningful reasons why a men’s community and a women’s community want and need separate spaces- spaces for themselves. And, there is a need for us to see and hear each other, and become aware of things we otherwise wouldn’t. The Film Festival is a great place for that communication about each other to happen. Are you following the assignment I gave yesterday?

For more about this film of the entire Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival, check out their website.