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Above: A framed photo of a mother and her two sons.
Tuesday, 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.
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
How to Help Someone (The Trevor Project)
Support for Gays & Lesbians:
Coming Out Resources (HRC)
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
Comments
gnwdab | December 2, 2011 at 12:08 a.m. ― 5 months, 3 weeks ago
I just saw this for the first time and hope the parents who were featured know how important their words are to the many other parents who also love their wonderful, queer kids. We cry even as we love them, knowing how they have struggled and hurt to get this far. We also desperately fear for their well-being and future happiness in an intolerant world. I'd like to particularly thank the Mormon parents, who so eloquently reflected my beliefs, though our religious upbringings were polar opposites. For all the parents who had the courage to challenge dogma that taught what their hearts told them could not be true, thank you for trying to change the root of so much intolerance - our religious dogmas of fear and ignorance. Thank you, public broadcasting, for bringing back this exquisite and important piece.
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