In the past, the gαy-rights community in Arkansas has often been fragmented, but the McCance controversy has appeared to unite people. The Center for Artistic Revolution, a nonprofit organization promotes fairness and equality for all Arkansans, had already launched an antibullying education campaign before the McCance controversy. The group has seen increased interest this week, it says.

“These groups take inspiration from another group and that’s what makes a movement,” Professor Watson says. “They are inspired by the courage of others historically whether it is by women, African-Americans, or handicapped people in order to make change.”