In many ways “Dia’s Diary” is a typical coming-out story, the kind often heard on public radio. What sets it apart, though, is the straight-ahead, unadorned style of the story telling and the sincerity of the voice. What’s nice, too, is that there’s a surprise turn at the end of the story, and good radio is all about surprises.
In listening to Dia talk about the inspiration for revealing her homosexuality to her mother—which happens to come from an episode about gay youths on Phil Donahue-- you realize the built-in importance of having these kinds of forums. I’m sure Dia’s story will inspire others, and that’s a good thing… especially when you think back to other eras, not so long ago, in American life when the drive towards such admissions inspired the kind of self-hatred that pushed William Burroughs to cut off the end of his own finger.
The scoring music is a little unwieldy at times but all in all, it keeps things upbeat and Dia’s voice and story transcend.
A heartfelt first person account of the difficulties faced by a young transsexual woman as she confronts the fear of rejection of her true self, versus the desire to be honest with her mother. At an early age, Dia became convinced that her mother would not accept her orientation; but happily in this case, when her secret was eventually revealed, Dia's mother comes through with acceptance and love. This piece deals more overtly with coming out as gay rather than transexual. Music is well-used in TAL-esque fashion !
The length and content of the piece lends itself to airing in many scenarios, youth/gay/family oriented shows. HW.
Comments for Dia's Diary: My Mother
Produced by Dia Fallana, Robbie Francis, Noah Miller/the outLoud queer youth radio project
Other pieces by outLoud Radio at Youth Radio
Rating Summary
2 comments
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on January 16, 2004 at 08:06 AM | Permalink
Review of Dia's Diary: My Mother
In listening to Dia talk about the inspiration for revealing her homosexuality to her mother—which happens to come from an episode about gay youths on Phil Donahue-- you realize the built-in importance of having these kinds of forums. I’m sure Dia’s story will inspire others, and that’s a good thing… especially when you think back to other eras, not so long ago, in American life when the drive towards such admissions inspired the kind of self-hatred that pushed William Burroughs to cut off the end of his own finger.
The scoring music is a little unwieldy at times but all in all, it keeps things upbeat and Dia’s voice and story transcend.
Transom Editors
Posted on November 07, 2003 at 09:56 AM | Permalink
Review of Dia's Diary: My Mother
A heartfelt first person account of the difficulties faced by a young transsexual woman as she confronts the fear of rejection of her true self, versus the desire to be honest with her mother. At an early age, Dia became convinced that her mother would not accept her orientation; but happily in this case, when her secret was eventually revealed, Dia's mother comes through with acceptance and love. This piece deals more overtly with coming out as gay rather than transexual. Music is well-used in TAL-esque fashion !
The length and content of the piece lends itself to airing in many scenarios, youth/gay/family oriented shows. HW.