Anyone and Everyone

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'll also find resources for communities of color and various religious groups.

You can also download our discussion guide.