Collegiate Times

Overcoming sexual stereotypes in Appalachia is the purpose behind Revelations, a theatrical presentation depicting the resilience of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders living in the area.

Tonight at 7 PM the play will be performed on the last day of AIDS Awareness Week at Torgesen Bridge. The play was written, produced, and directed by folklorist Carrie Klein at Marshall University in West Virginia.
Klein wrote the play in hopes to depict a new light on the state of West Virginia and its homosexual, bisexual, and transgender communities.

“West Virginia is the epitome of an Appalachian state,” said Klein. “Yet it’s culture has been so marginalized by the outside world as being hillbillies who have the preconceived notions about sexuality and how acceptable it is. We wanted to show that it’s ok to be who you are and that these people have to overcome stereotypes about their sexuality and their cultural backgrounds.”

In the production, a variety of characters ranging from adolescents to middle aged people to the elderly discuss their real life problems stemming from their sexuality and background set to live music.

“I think that theatre provides us with a mechanism for difficult dialogues to take place,” said LGBT caucus co-chair Jean Elliot. “When a controversial issue is brought out on stage, somehow some of the contentiousness is diminished. I think that Revelations is a respectful and reflective piece that tells not one but many stories about LGBT people living in Appalachia.”

Many students feel the production is a good way to experience and support alternative lifestyles.

“I’m going to attend the production because I think it’s great to see that Virginia Tech supports others in overcoming adversity in the name of diversity,” said Caitlin Cossaboom, a freshman Dairy Science major.

The play is sponsored by a variety of campus organizations including the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Office of the Provost, the Department of Theatre Arts, the Women's Center, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Department of Music, and Appalachian Studies and will be performed for one night only.