FRONTLINE: ASSAULT ON GAY AMERICA: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF BILLY JACK (TV)
Summary
One in this documentary series. This program, hosted by Forrest Sawyer, examines the 1999 murder of Billy Jack Gaither and the roots of homophobic violence in contemporary America.
Gaither, a 39-year-old native of Sylacauga, Alabama, was open about being gay but preferred to keep his dating life private and distanced from his hometown, according to friend and bartender Marion Hammond. Hammond recalls seeing Gaither leave her tavern with "troublemaker" and former skinhead Steven Mullins, who, along with Charles Butler, attacked and beat Gaither to death. They set his body on fire, after Gaither supposedly "disrespected" them with a sexual proposition. The killing occurred only six months after that of Matthew Shepard, murdered in Colorado under similar circumstances; activist Derek Henkel describes his own experiences with harassment and, at one point, attempted murder from homophobic classmates.
Psychologist Karen Franklin details her research into hate crimes, revealing that roughly one-third of 484 college students reported their own anti-gay behavior, including potential violence. Sociologist Michael Kimmel analyzes the concept of masculinity, explaining that sexism and the concept of "being a man" are closely linked to homophobia, as gay males are considered "feminine." Butler admits that he admired Mullins' strength and aggressive behavior, and Kimmel questions a group of students about various stereotypes, calling homophobia a restrictive "straitjacket." Gaither's brother Ricky and sister Kathy, who is openly lesbian, discuss their brother's gradual acceptance of his sexuality and his efforts to hide his love life from his disapproving parents by not "bringing it home." Mullins, in his sole televised interview with ABC, openly admits to planning the murder as a result of Gaither's alleged come-on, though Butler, who immediately confessed to his father, denies that Mullins "recruited" him ahead of time to assist with the crime. Ricky, however, refutes the claim that Billy, previously a generous friend to Mullins, would have been so forward with anyone.
Four individuals testify to Mullins' secret gay behavior, and psychologist Henry Adams describes his experiments into Freud's claim that homophobia is often rooted in latent homosexual desire, with results suggesting that those who express anti-gay sentiments often have same-sex desires. Kimmel and anthropologist Craig Kirkpatrick explain how different cultures throughout history have viewed and categorized same-sex acts, noting that they were often reflective of societal position and power more than emotional attraction. The diminutive Butler, now serving a life sentence for the murder, admits that he is afraid of being "feminized" within the prison culture. Mullins, on the other hand, also sentenced to life, states that he has been forgiven by God, whereas Gaither has been damned for his "sins."
Evangelist Reverend Jerry Falwell weighs in on his literal interpretation of the Bible, though other scholars highlight areas that have been mistranslated or misappropriated to defend bigotry. Falwell denounces the anti-gay protesters at Shepard's funeral, though acknowledges that he parted ways with his own speechwriter, Mel White, when White came out, and voices his support for the "ex-gay" movement. The Gaither siblings discuss their Christian faith, with Ricky expressing belief that his gay siblings are not destined for hell. Sawyer notes that the Gaither parents have spoken against the death penalty for their son's killers. The program closes as Hammond reflects on the lessons learned from her deceased friend.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: February 15, 2000
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:51
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:75348
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: LGBTQ+ Collection; Public affairs/Documentaries; Talk/Interview; Murder; Homophobia
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1983-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- David Fanning … Executive Producer
- Michael Sullivan … Executive Producer
- Sharon Tiller … Senior Producer
- Stephanie Ault … Coordinating Producer
- Robin Parmelee … Coordinating Producer
- Sam Bailey … Producer
- Claudia Pryor Malis … Producer, Director, Writer
- Deborah J. Fryer … Field Producer
- Forrest Sawyer … Interviewer
- Marion Hammond … Interviewee
- Charles Butler … Interviewee
- Derek Henkel … Interviewee
- Karen Franklin … Interviewee
- Michael Kimmel … Interviewee
- Ricky Gaither … Interviewee
- Kathy Gaither … Interviewee
- Henry Adams … Interviewee
- Sigmund Freud
- Billy Jack Gaither
- Steven Mullins
- Matthew Shepard
- Mel White