In the 1950's, homosexuality was not seen as a choice, but as a mental illness. Since the American Psychiatric Association listed homosexuality as a mental disorder, many gay people hid their sexual preference from society. Homosexuals were also considered being evil, disturbed, and pathetic. Homosexuality was not seen in any books or movies. If there were supposed to be an appearance of a homosexual, they would immediately remove it. Society was so worried about homosexuals, that in 1953 President Eisenhower gave sufficient reason to fire any federal employees from his or her job if they were homosexual. The government even went as far as putting tracers on those who they suspected as being gay. Homosexuality was something that no one wanted to admit or dare to talk about. Moreover, commercials were produced warning men of homosexuals, and their disease.
Views of homosexuals have changed since this era. Society has grown more comfortable with the thought of gay people, and homosexuals embrace their unique sexual preference, instead of hiding it. In the recent years, homosexuality has begun its shameless effort to be noticed, tolerated, but most notably, accepted. The media has given rise to several television programs with elements of homosexuality. Shows like Will and Grace, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and Grey's Anatomy include actors leading roles either playing a homosexual or live the actual lifestyle. As the popularity of these shows increases, awareness and open-mindedness universalizes and, in turn, the gay community comes another step closer to acceptance and justice.
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