The Hidden Agenda

October 2004

Host(s): Alan Cumming

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Tony Award-winning actor Alan Cumming guest hosts IN THE LIFE's 13th Season Premiere "The Hidden Agenda."

See other episodes in the 13th Season

Hostile Takeover

First in "Hostile Takeover," IN THE LIFE exposes the coordinated, but quiet campaign waged by conservative Christians to take over public school boards across the country. Through interviews with people on both sides of a local New Hampshire struggle, IN THE LIFE explores the implications of this development.

By the Book

IN THE LIFE then visits the State of Texas' textbooks hearings to document the process by which textbooks are selected for statewide use and ultimately for the rest of the nation. Texas, which has a large block of conservative voters on the state school board and an extremely active fundamentalist lobby, is currently examining health textbooks. In "By the Book", IN THE LIFE examines the selection process and looks at how topics like homosexuality, AIDS prevention and gender identity are being treated with interviews including former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders.

The Pink List

In the Fall of 2003, IN THE LIFE ran a story chronicling what seemed to be a ghost-coordinated attack on the funding of several HIV/AIDS organizations and researchers. Not long after, a right wing religious organization's secret list was leaked to the press, putting a new spin on the funding crisis. IN THE LIFE updates the original investigation with "The Pink List."

Stranger Than Fiction

"Stranger Than Fiction" explores the conflict over books containing LGBT characters and stories and how sexuality is often equated with sex in public schools and libraries. IN THE LIFE visits with three of the hottest young adult fiction writers, all of whom identify as queer, as well as the Executive Director of GLSEN and various outspoken Christian fundamentalists.

Catie Curtis

Folk musician "Catie Curtis" discusses her career and relates how her and her partner's recent international adoption has effected her music, their relationship and ultimately the implications of being out.

OUT TAKES

Four-time Tony-winner, Harvey Fierstein tackles the homosexuals' lack of agenda.