THE GAY MARRIAGE THING Headlines Panel Discussion

SALEM, MA – The Gay Marriage Thing film will lead a chorus of voices, including State Rep. Byron Rushing, discussing gay marriage at the Peabody Essex Museum on Thursday, June 26, 2008 with the film beginning at 6:30pm followed by a panel discussion at 8:00pm. Director Stephanie Higgins hosts a Q&A following the film, which presents the politics, the piety and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage.

Discussion will focus on how traditional notions of marriage have changed with the legalization of same-sex unions. “This was a question asked very specifically in the film,” says Director Stephanie Higgins. “By using film-like storytelling and choosing to focus on the people and not the arguments in the debate, The Gay Marriage Thing helps audiences begin to answer that question for themselves.”

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.

Director Stephanie Higgins is proud to have the film headline such an important discussion. “This is why we made the film,” she says. “It facilitates discussions between family members, co-workers and community members of all opinions.” Adult Programs Manager Jennifer Evans confirms this as one reason the film was chosen, “We chose The Gay Marriage Thing because it moves the discussion of same-sex marriage beyond events and arguments, making it not just about gay marriage in Massachusetts, but about gay marriage in America.”

DATE: Thursday, June 26, 2008
TIME: 6:30pm Film | 8:00pm Panel Discussion
VENUE: Peabody Essex Museum, Morse Auditorium | East India Square | Salem, MA 01970 | 978-745-9500 | pem.org/events
ADMISSION: Members $10 | Nonmembers $15

For interviews or to review the film, contact the director, Stephanie Higgins, SassyMedia, PO Box 132, Belmont MA 02478, 617-821-5590, info@thegaymarriagething.com, or visit www.thegaymarriagething.com.
For distribution information, contact The Cinema Guild, 130 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016-7038, 1-800-723-5522 or 212-685-6242, info@cinemaguild.com, www.cinemaguild.com.

Director Interview now on YouTube

If you missed the radio podcast of Director Stephanie Higgins' interview on the Lesbian Lounge, check out the edited version on YouTube. It includes exclusive images from the film as well as music from the film's original score.

Radio Interview with Director

On February 20th, 2008, the Lesbian Lounge, featured the film The Gay Marriage Thing and an interview with director Stephanie Higgins. Hosts Denise and Donna talk with Stephanie about the increasing popularity of the film, audience response and its incredible score composed by Jeanine Cowen.

LISTEN to or DOWNLOAD the Podcast

**IF LISTENING: Once you hit play and the podcast begins to load, drag the playhead halfway between the pause and play buttons. That will get you close to TGMT's interview.

PFLAG Member Endorsement

After the PFLAG chapter she helped found in Key West sponsored The Gay Marriage Thing at the 2007 Women on Film Festival in September, Denise Hudson wrote to us about her experience with the film:

"[The film] was overwhelmingly accepted as a reknowned documentary which enabled us to have a spirited dialog after the showing. It is a marvelous piece of work and you should be very proud of it."

Read the entire letter

New Review of TGMT

Tallulah over at Q-Netwerk wrote a great review of The Gay Marriage Thing. Check it out:

"Committed or not, a gay or lesbian couple’s life can be torn asunder with the slightest of efforts....Stephanie Higgins’ THE GAY MARRIAGE THING makes this sad state of affairs more intimate and personal than anything Ta has seen..." Read more

TGMT Headlines Wedding Expo

BOSTON, MA – The Gay Marriage Thing film will lead a cast of marriage-related products, information and vendors at a Free Wedding Expo held at Club Café on Thursday, January 31, 2008 from 6:00-9:00pm with the film beginning at 7:30pm. Director Stephanie Higgins and Executive Producer Lorre Fritchy will host a discussion following the film, which presents the politics, the piety and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage.

Director Stephanie Higgins, herself a wedding expo patron having recently proposed to her girlfriend of three years, is confident her film is right at home alongside the bakers, DJs, bankers, florists and other wedding vendors at the Expo. “The occurrences in this film led directly to the marriage rights attendees of the Expo have in Massachusetts. Reliving these events is important not only to remember how far we’ve come, but to remind ourselves that these rights are not quite equal across state lines,” Higgins says.

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.

"What I loved about this film,” offers Kristen Porter of Dyke Night Productions, co-sponsor of the event, “was its ability to create a dualistic landscape whereby the film-goers’ understanding of all sides deepens.” Higgins confirms audiences gay, straight, married and relate to this film making it a perfect match for a wedding expo. “Whether there are nuptials in your future or film is your first love, there is something for everyone at this event.”

DATE: Thursday, January 31, 2008
TIME: 6:00PM – 9:00PM (film begins at 7:30PM)
VENUE: Club Café, 209 Columbus Ave., Boston MA 02116 Phone: 617.536.0966
Web: www.clubcafe.com
ADMISSION: FREE
SPONSORS: Dyke Night Productions , The Greater Boston Business Council