Boston Spirit Review

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Read an amazing review of TGMT in Boston Spirit Magazine's December 2006 issue:

THE GAY MARRIAGE THING, written and directed by Stephanie Higgins, is well worth toasting now and throughout the New Year. The film succeeds in bringing a new voice to the chorus of "gay marriage" by showing that there's nothing gay except the happiness that comes from loving someone and wanting to commit to sharing your life with them. The story centers around Lorre and Gayle, 30-something-year-olds who met and fell in love in college, who at the film's opening are the self-appointed caretakers of maiden aunts. By making these two likeable women the center of this cinematic scrapbook, Higgins does more to empower the need for equal marriage opportunity than you can imagine. Skipping commentary from "the experts," this film opts to showcase those who count - real people. With protesters and their colorful signs serving as a Greek chorus, and an array of opinions from church, state and everyone in between, this is the film that family members can finally watch together. It is, as Higgins says, a small story with big implications. And she's absolutley right. THE GAY MARRIAGE THING is now available on DVD through The Cinema Guild. Call 800.723.5522 for the special home video rate of $29.95.

Endorsement for TGMT from NY

The Gay Marriage Thing Event
Saturday October 14, 2006 at The Corning Museum of Glass, Corning NY put on by SPECTRA

Hi Steff,

Just a quick note to let you know that SPECTRA's event was a huge success. We had a great turnout -- over 100 people attended, including about 40 Corning, Inc. employees. We've gotten lots of positive feedback.

The event started with a focus on Massachusetts, the one state in the US where marriage equality has been achieved. Our keynote speaker, Robyn Ochs, talked about the general topic of gay marriage, and then shared her personal story about getting married in Massachusetts. We then watched your film "The Gay Marriage Thing" about the story in Massachusetts. It was a big hit.

The focus of the event then shifted closer to home with our next speaker, Jason Hungerford, lead plaintiff of the "Ithaca 50," who talked about his personal experiences in pursuing marriage equality in New York state. Our final speaker, Desma Holcomb, Campaigns Director for the Empire State Pride Agenda, talked about the state of marriage equality in New York and provided information on the candidates running for election this November. The event ended with a Q&A session.

All in all a great event. Thanks for your help and support in making it happen.

Best,
Sue Schiefelbein

200 DVD's in 1 Day!!

Dear TGMT Listers,

Today, 200 DVD’s of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING were delivered to legislators at the Massachusetts State House. With 2 days left before the Massachusetts legislature reconvenes their Constitutional Convention and, once again, debates an amendment to ban gay marriage in the state, the TGMT team has done all it can to get THE GAY MARRIAGE THING seen by lawmakers.

If you are so inclined, please call your legislator and ask them to watch their copy of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING. They are extremely busy right now, but hopefully they can find 45 minutes to watch this film. Only 50 out of 200 votes are needed to begin the process of banning gay marriage in Massachusetts. This vote is critical.

REVEIEW ALERT!!

“Boston’s premiere magazine”, Boston Spirit, will run a review of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING in their December issue. We are very excited about being reviewed in this fabulously put together publication.

To read the review, register for a FREE subscription at www.BostonSpiritMagazine.com.

As always, thank you for your support!

Cheers,
Steff

Just Announced!!

PRESIDENT OF PFLAG LOS ANGELES LENDS POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE TO “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” AT ARTIVIST

LOS ANGELES, CA – Steve Krantz, distinguished IBM Engineer, founder of Jews for Marriage Equality and President of the Los Angeles chapter of PFLAG will share his family’s personal journey after learning about his son’s homosexuality, lead a discussion about local marriage rights and answer questions from the audience after the California premiere of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at the 2006 Artivist Film Festival in Hollywood on Saturday, November 11.

“This is an amazing opportunity for people to hear the powerful perspective and experience only a parent can share,” said award-winning filmmaker and director Stephanie Higgins. “Steve’s moving story has touched audiences from California to Florida. We are so excited for him to share it in conjunction with THE GAY MARRIAGE THING.”

Gayle and Lorre, 30-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, are at the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Rev. Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing with State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein’s perspective, a wide range of voices swirl around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.

“We are honored to have Steve’s support for and presence with the film. The local vision he brings is invaluable.” Higgins said, “No one with a stake in the same-sex marriage debate should miss this event.”

DATE: Saturday, November 11, 2006
TIME: 12:00 PM (check www.artivists.org to confirm times)
VENUE: The Egyptian Theater (Spielberg Theater), 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 310-712-1222
COST: $12.00
For directions and more information visit www.artivists.org or www.thegaymarriagething.com.

Phoenix, Hannah and McConaughey to be honored at Artivist

Joaquin Phoenix, Daryl Hannah, Matthew McConaughey and International Films will be honored at this year’s Artivist Film Festival & Awards.

The 3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival & Awards will take place November 9-12, 2006 at the historic Egyptian Theatre in the heart of
Hollywood.

65 Films representing 34 countries will be screened during the 4 day Festival. Filmmakers from around the world unite at the annual Artivist Film Festival to address the importance of art and activism in our global community.

See THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at the 2006 Artivist Film Festival. Visit www.artivists.org for more information.

REV. CARLTON SMITH TAKES QUESTIONS FOR FIRST TIME FOLLOWING FILM SCREENING

ARLINGTON, MA - Reverend Carlton Smith will take questions and be part of a discussion following a screening of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington. This event marks the first time Rev. Smith has appeared with the film which presents a balanced look at the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the debate over same-sex marriage. Director Stephanie Higgins and Executive Producer Lorre Fritchy will also be in attendance for the screening and discussion.

This screening comes five days before the Massachusetts legislature is scheduled to reconvene their debate over same-sex marriage. “It’s easy to ignore or become complacent about this issue when the loud voices of the media are silent,” said award-winning filmmaker and director Stephanie Higgins. “However, it’s in these times of silence that quiet conversation thrives.”

Gayle and Lorre, 30-something college sweethearts who marked their 15th anniversary a year after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, are at the heart of this documentary scrapbook. From the protests outside the Massachusetts State House, to the churches of the Rev. Rich Wiesenbach and Carlton Smith, to the historic chambers echoing with State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein’s perspective, a wide range of voices swirl around Gayle and Lorre as they approach May 17, 2004, the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.

“Distribution of the film has been so successful. Both educational and home audiences all over the country are watching THE GAY MARRIAGE THING. This event is a wonderful way for us to give audiences a chance to deepen their connection with the film,” Higgins said. “And it’s a great opportunity for people to meet a kind of local celebrity.”


DATE: Saturday, November 4, 2006
TIME: 7:00PM
VENUE: First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 630 Massachusetts Avenue @ Pleasant Street/Route 60 Arlington, MA 02476
Suggested donation: $5. No one turned away for lack of funds.
RSVP or 781.648.3799 x10
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

California Premiere of TGMT!

The 2006 Artivist Film Festival will host the California premiere of "The Gay Marriage Thing" next month. We need to pack the house so more people can know about this quiet film. If you are in the area come see the film and tell your friends!

DATE: Saturday, November 11, 2006
TIME: 12:30 PM (check times with venue on day of screening)
VENUE: The Egyptian Theater (Spielberg Theater), 6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028 Phone: 310-712-1222
COST: $12.00
Directions and tickets

Getting Married? My Fabulous Gay Wedding Now Casting Couples!

The hit show, which showcased same-sex couples exchanging vows, returns for a second smash season with a captivating new host! Second City alumnus and television personality Elvira Kurt is ecstatic to be in the middle of all the pre-marital pandemonium. Her successful career extends from live stand up, to television and film. Kurt’s comedy specials have been featured on HBO, The Comedy Network, Showtime and CBC. A Toronto native, and married to a woman herself, Kurt will be guiding the engaged couples on the new season of My Fabulous Gay Wedding through their final weeks of engagement up to their final “I do’s”. You can visit Elvira Kurt’s website at www.elvirakurt.com

On August 15th, Elvira Kurt attended the wedding of Joa and Denis, the first of the Fabulous Gay Couples to tie the knot. Denis was in tears throughout the entire ceremony: “I can not put into words what this day has meant to me. Everything has been so overwhelming, I do not even know what to say”. Married in the giant vault at One King West in Toronto, the couple was congratulated by friends and family, some having traveled all the way from Europe. Joa was most emotional getting a video salutation from his best friend Anke who could not travel from Germany for the special day. The evening was a complete success and Kurt could not have been more honored by the final results of the wedding: “These guys really needed and deserved this, I am so happy for both of them and their families”.

MTV’s gay and lesbian oriented station LOGO announced in May 2006 the renewal of the queer nuptial reality program known in the United States as First Comes Love. In Canada, audiences will watch on a soon-to-be-announced network north of the border.

Since the Canadian Senate passed the bill for equal marriage in July 2005, the country has been in the spotlight for its progressive stance on gay rights. This season, new couples will share the spotlight with their experiences and lives, as well as their ultimate expression of love and commitment.

The show is actively seeking same-sex couples that plan on getting married. This season will highlight the diversity of the queer community focusing on the rich and dramatic stories of each relationship. Articulate, energetic and enthusiastic couples that are eager to share their story and their wedding are encouraged to apply at castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca and visit http://myfabgaywedding.blogspot.com for more information.

Contact:
Sergio Alvarado
My Fabulous Gay Wedding
castingfabwedding@yahoo.ca

FREE screening of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING!

THE GAY MARRIAGE THING will have its New York premiere at the Spectra sponsored event in beautiful Corning, New York. Let your voice be heard at the discussion after the film.

Tell your friends! The discussion in this rural area needs support.

Soft drinks and light refreshments will be provided free of charge and sandwiches, salads, and beer/wine will be available for purchase from the nearby museum cafe.

DATE: Saturday, October 14
TIME: 4:00 PM
VENUE: The Corning Museum of Glass, One Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830-2253
COST: FREE
For more information, contact Spectra at spectra@corning.com
Directions and Venue information:

• www.cmog.org

Rate THE GAY MARRIAGE THING

Hi Everyone,

I've posted the trailer on two great sites that host videos for anyone with a video to post. The videos get priority in the viewing order based separately on how many people have viewed them and how they are rated. Over 800 people combined have already watched the trailer!

Help increase our viewership so TGMT can been found my even more interested people. Visit these websites and add your viewing to the counter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx8JIV6uQeU
http://www.veoh.com/videoDetails.html?v=e74495Dyn5EQ9d

Also, if you'd like to rate the video, please do so. You may have to be a member of the site to do this, but if you enjoy videos, it's worth taking the time to register for free. The sites are great fun and have thousands of various videos to check out.

Thanks for reading!
Steff
Director, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING

Price drop!

The Cinema Guild has dropped the price of most of its home video titles. This means you can now buy THE GAY MARRIAGE THING on home video for the new price of $29.99.

Call the Cinema Guild at 1-800-723-5522 to order at the special home video price.

If you would like a copy of the film for educational use, you can go to CG's website: www.cinemaguild.com - the movie is currently featured at the bottom of the homepage.

Best,
Steff

Write your own review!

If you have seen THE GAY MARRIAGE THING and have some thoughts about it, write them down! Click on the comment button to write your own review of TGMT. I look forward to hearing what you think!

Steff

TGMT Reviews and Articles!

Read the recent articles about THE GAY MARRIAGE THING on EdgeBoston.com and The Anchor!

http://anchorweb.org/content/view/852/56/

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ci=108&ch=
entertainment&sc=movies&sc2=features&sc3=&id=1924

New Trailer!

Hi Everyone,

Come watch the new TGMT trailer! Check it out either on MySpace or on the TGMT website!

www.myspace.com/sassymedia

www.thegaymarriagething.com
(look at the bottom of the page in the second "News" block)

Don't forget to call The Cinema Guild to order your copy of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING today! 1-800-723-5522

Happy Spring!
Steff

SassyMedia and TGMT on MySpace

SassyMedia has joined the throng of filmmakers on MySpace's network highway. Check out the page and if you have an account, add TGMT as one of your friends!

http://myspace.com/sassymedia

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Steff

One more chance to see TGMT!

I'm so happpy to post the news that TGMT has been invited to screen at the 22nd Annual Boston Gay and Lesbian Film/Video Festival! It is an honor to be included in this esteemed festival, they always have the best films!

TGMT is screening with Debra Wilson's film, JUMPIN' THE BROOM highlighting black lesbian and gay couples who share personal and heartfelt stories that challenge levels of intimacy between two people.

Both myself and Debra Wilson will be in attendance for Q&A following the films.

DATE: Sunday, May 21
TIME: 1:00 PM
VENU: Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston MA 02115
For directions and further information, visit the MFA's website: http://www.mfa.org/calendar/event.asp?eventkey=22271&date=5-21-2006

I'm very excited about this screening and I hope to see you all there!

Cheers,
Steff

THE GAY MARRIAGE THING screens in Tennessee

Hi Y'all!

Truthspeaks, a wonderful community oriented organization in Nashville, Tennessee will be holding a screening of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING as one of it's Truthspeaks Media Film Events.

March 15, 2006
6 pm dinner 7 pm film
First Unitarian Universalist Church
1808 Woodmont Blvd in Nashville.

Go the Truthspeaks website for more information about the screening and to learn more about what this amazing organization does. http://www.truthspeaks.org/

Cheers,
Steff

THE GAY MARRIAGE THING now available on DVD!

Hello Everyone,

ONLY eleven months after completion.....THE GAY MARRIAGE THING has a distributor!!!

After talking with several distribution companies for many months, I have signed a deal with the New York City based Cinema Guild. This renowned company has been bringing documentaries to audiences for over 30 years. Their client base is as diverse as it is large. People numbering in the TENS OF THOUSANDS will now have the opportunity to see THE GAY MARRIAGE THING!! It’s amazing and astounding and wonderful that our quiet story will have the opportunity to touch so many.

YES, this means you can now buy your own copy of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING!!

Home Video copies are available by calling The Cinema Guild at 1-800-723-5522 and cost $39.95. (They only list the Educators' price on their website because teachers are their main audience, so you must call to order at the special home video rate.)

Educational copies are available through The Cinema Guild’s website:
http://www.cinemaguild.com/catalog/main_slot_1.htm
These copies of the film come with lists of discussion questions and references as well as the right to screen the film multiple times for groups of people.

Thank you all so much for your support of TGMT and its message. It is this support that has helped catapult the film to this level of success. Remember, it is you who has the power to start conversations and bring people together. Whether you watch it with your family, your students or your card club, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING will help engage these conversations.

Cheers,
Steff
--
Stephanie Higgins, Director
THE GAY MARRIAGE THING
www.thegaymarriagething.com
SassyMedia
www.sassy-media.com
617-821-5590
steff@sassy-media.com
PO Box 132
Belmont, MA 02478

Distributor Information:
The Cinema Guild Inc.
130 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
10016-7038
TOLL FREE: (800) 723-5522
PHONE: (212) 685-6242
FAX: (212) 685-4717
EMAIL: info@cinemaguild.com

TGMT picked up for distribution!

Hello Everyone,

I'm pleased to announce that as of February 2006, "The Gay Marriage Thing" has distribution! Lorre and I couldn't be more excited that the message of TGMT now has the opportunity to reach wide and diverse audiences all across the country. I will be posting more details about when and where you can get your copy.

Until then, keep on talking...

Best,
Steff