Likewise was written between June 1998 and August 1999: gay rights were certainly different compared to now. Although there were many more openly gay men and women than the years previously, the LGBTQ community was still not an overly accepted group of people. It was not explicitly stated in the book, but it seemed that Ariel’s mother was aware of her sexuality and based on her attitude toward Ariel and her girl friends, she was accepting of this. Like her mother, it was not stated that Valerie knew, but it seemed like she was more aware and just as well, was accepting of it. Throughout Schrag’s book, it seemed that Ariel had many lesbian friends and lovers. This may show the growth in the openness and acceptance of gay people.
S.R.
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Interesting way of looking at the historical context of the graphic novel. I found this interview that Ariel did which discusses her take on sexuality today and how people identify themselves: http://www.bkmag.com/2014/06/09/on-adam-talking-with-ariel-schrag-about-identity-sex-ya-novels-and-well-more-sex/
I thought this link relates well to your post so check it out!
-Celine
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This was really interesting to know about. I find it so cool that Ariel was able to openly talk about her sexuality during a time where gay rights isn’t what it is now. I found a video of the gay pride parade that’s held in Toronto annually, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pONM8nUKimQ. It’s so cool to see how things have changed!
-FD
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