ListenAnyone And Everyone
Airs Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV
Above: A framed photo of a mother and her two sons.
June 3, 2008
"Anyone and Everyone" tells the stories of families from Utah to North Carolina and Wyoming to New York, all connected by a common thread — a gay child. This poignant and often heartbreaking documentary by first-time filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz (also the parent of a gay son) reveals a family’s struggle and desire to accept a child’s sexual orientation.
The film features parents from a wide range of religions, ethnicities, and political leanings, all of whom discuss their initial reactions to their child's coming out. While some showed unconditional support, others struggled with their child’s sexual orientation, fearing alienation from their extended family, their church, or their community. Some simply did not understand the universal nature of homosexuality, and that it can affect anyone and everyone.
Whether Japanese, Cherokee, Mormon, Catholic, or Hindu, these families all share a deep love for their children, along with a struggle for acceptance, both in their own home and within society as a whole.
"Anyone and Everyone" is airing on local public television stations nationwide. Check local listings for dates and times. Many community organizations will be holding screenings of the program as well. View more listings on the filmmaker's Web site.
We've compiled an extensive list of resources that you may find helpful, whether you're coming out yourself, or you're dealing with a friend or family member who is coming out.
You can also download our discussion guide. This guide is in PDF format and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software or equivalent. Download Acrobat Reader here.
RESOURCES:
Support for Family and Friends:
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
Our Daughters and Sons: Questions and Answers for Parents of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People (PDF)
Human Rights Campaign Resources for Straight Supporters
A Straight Guide to GLBT Americans
What Can Parents Do if They Think Their Child is Gay?
How Can I Help My Lesbian Daughter Deal with Coming Out?
How to Help Someone (The Trevor Project)
Support for Gays & Lesbians:
Coming Out Resources (HRC)
A Resource Guide to Coming Out (PDF)
How Can I Help Parents Adjust To My Coming Out?
How Can I Get My Parents To Understand That I Can’t Change My Sexual Orientation?
How Do I Come Out to My Parents?
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. Trevor Hotline: (866) 4U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
Youth Resource - A project of Advocates for Youth, the site takes a holistic approach to exploring issues of concern to GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning) youth.
San Diego Resources:
The Center San Diego has several coming out groups.
Hillcrest Youth Center - A drop-in center serving all of San Diego County for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth between the ages of 14 and 20. Located at 3777 4th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
PFLAG San Diego - Holds monthly meetings. Helpline: (619) 579-7640
San Diego Religious Resources for the LGBT Community (list maintained by The Center San Diego)
