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

“THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” SHARE THE LOVE CLUB TOUR

Providence, RI – As Rhode Island lawmakers grapple with the question of same-sex marriage, Deville’s Entertainment and Promotions brings a powerful documentary on the subject to Providence. THE GAY MARRIAGE THING, presents the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage. The event will kick off the film’s SHARE THE LOVE CLUB TOUR and the famed promotion company’s new night at the renovated 3rd floor of the Mirabar on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 8:00pm. Director Stephanie Higgins and Executive Producer Lorre Fritchy will hold a Q&A after the film and will be around for casual one on one discussions following the Q&A.

“Massachusetts is just beginning to see how important the equal marriage debate has been for the entire state. With Share the Love, the film will move from state to state and club to club to start an honest, grassroots discussion that spreads nationwide,” said award-winning director Stephanie Higgins, “Through the visual story it paints, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING has a special power to start discussions and keep them going long after the end credits roll.”

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.

“With such a family friendly film, this event is a great opportunity for gays and lesbians to share the strong sense of community that is built around the club venues with their family and straight friends,” Higgins says. “It may be the only time your family and straight friends get to go to a gay/lesbian bar. That alone is worth the price of admission!”

DATE: Thursday, September 13, 2007
TIME: 8:00 PM
VENUE: Mirabar, 35 Richmond Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Phone: 401-331-6761 Web: www.mirabar.com
ADMISSION: $10.00 (for film, Q&A and dancing)
DEVILLE’S: www.devillesprovidence.com

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.
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Calling all Club Promoters!

Help spread equal marriage across the country by participating in THE GAY MARRIAGE THING Share the Love Club Tour. Host a screening of the film and be the beginning of a truly grassroots discussion about equal marriage in your area. Change must start with us!

Famed event promoter Deville's is hosting the kickoff screening at Mirabar in Providence, RI and talks are underway with Dyke Night Productions in Massachusetts for a fall screening in Boston.

The idea is to move this tour and equal marriage around the country, but we need your help! Please get in touch with director Stephanie Higgins through at steff@sassy-media.com.

The Gay Marriage Thing presents the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage. With its refreshingly atypical style of cinematic storytelling, this scrapbook narrative boldly cracks open the headlines to explore humanity. Resonating with people on all sides of this issue from Virginia to Utah and Iowa to California, this quiet American story is a snapshot scrapbook of the social struggle of our time.

Thank you for being a catalyst for change!!

FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERE OF “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Key West, FL – As supporters of the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment attempt to gather 18,000 signatures to put the amendment on the state’s 2008 ballot, Florida sees the film festival premiere of a powerful documentary on the subject. THE GAY MARRIAGE THING, which presents the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage, will screen at the Women on Film Festival at The Tropic Cinema in Key West on Wednesday, September 5, 2007.

“I have watched this film start intense discussions all over the country,” said award-winning director Stephanie Higgins, “Florida will be no different.”

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.

“Lorre and Gayle’s marriage is legal and binding in Massachusetts for the present, but we all worry about families in states like Florida who are unprotected. That’s why I made THE GAY MARRIAGE THING.” Higgins says. “The film has a special power that creates a space for opposite sides to meet on friendly ground. Because, to quote the couple in the film, ‘we’re stronger than this.’ We all are.”

DATE: Wednesday, September 5, 2007
TIME: 6:45 PM
VENUE: The Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, Key West, FL 33040 PHONE: 305-295-9493 WEB: www.keywestfilm.org/main.html
ADMISSION: $10.00
WOMEN ON FILM FESTIVAL: www.womenonfilmfestival.com

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.
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Auntie Germaine disses Mitt Romney!

This exclusive clip from THE GAY MARRIAGE THING (available on home video DVD for $29.95 through The Cinema Guild) gives a voice to those families hurt by former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney. Visit the YouTube page to vote or leave a comment.

CAST OF “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” TO MARCH

Boston, MA – As Massachusetts legislators prepare to decide the fate of an amendment allowing a public vote to ban same-sex marriages in the state, the cast of THE GAY MARRIAGE THING will march in the Boston Pride parade with the North Parish of North Andover Interweave Committee. Those marching will include the couple featured in the film and their family. The film, which presents the politics, the piety, and the people embroiled in and affected by the heated debate over same-sex marriage, is in distribution with The Cinema Guild.

The parade will wind its way through Boston ending at City Hall Plaza where THE GAY MARRIAGE THING will be available for sale and the cast and filmmakers, including Director Stephanie Higgins, will be available for questions. “It’s wonderful to attend such a happy and inclusive event,” said award-winning filmmaker and director Stephanie Higgins. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what your family looks like, it’s a space where all are welcome. It’s a great feeling, especially when many of the attendees’ marriages and hopes for marriage remain in limbo on the brink of a very important vote.”

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.

“Despite the unknown state of the legality of their marriage,” Higgins says, “Lorre and Gayle are excited to stand with their family and their church. They will march with smiles and Radio Flyer wagon in tow. To quote them in the film, ‘we’re stronger than this.’ And I would add, we all are.”

DATE: Saturday, June 9, 2007
TIME: 12:00 PM (noon)
VENUE: The parade winds through downtown Boston ending at City Hall Plaza where THE GAY MARRIAGE THING will be available for sale and the filmmakers and cast will be available for questions.
DIRECTIONS: http://www.bostonpride.org/parade.php

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 .
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June 1st: Family Pride Blog Day!

Taffeta and Deadlines
by Stephanie Higgins
Director, THE GAY MARRIAGE THING

November 18, 2003 was the day I was finally the given the right to wrap my friends in taffeta, stuff them in a broiling hall in August and condemn them to Chicken Dancing for the duration of one evening. It was also the day I realized that I could and should have the opportunity to be part of the American Dream. The house, the cars, the kids, the wife. Yes, wife. It hadn’t occurred to me before that day to dream about living in married bliss with the woman of my dreams. It wasn’t an option. Now it is.

That day in 2003 gave me an unexpected passion for this new equal right. This passion carried me into the first Constitutional Convention. With this new gleam of freedom in my eye, I picked up my video camera and began a year’s journey turning the passion for this equal opportunity into my film THE GAY MARRIAGE THING.

The film is completed and on DVD, but the fight continues. And what’s at stake now is higher than before. Not only are there thousands of legally married same-sex couples in Massachusetts whose marriages need to be protected, there are also couples like my girlfriend and I potentially being forced into decisions based on government-imposed deadlines. To quote someone from the film: “That’s just wrong.”

While we are not married, my girlfriend and I enjoy the freedom of opportunity. Along with this option we now experience the pressures of society many straight couples feel. Unjustly added to those pressures is the possibility of a 2008 vote to dissolve this newly created right. If the legislature allows this amendment through, we will be forced to think about a deadline to get married. Again: “That’s just wrong.”

People are supposed to have control over their weddings, within the (sometimes) reasonable confines of the wedding industry. It is unconsionable that many of us have to worry about if we can stay or get married based on the whim of “the people” or the government.

I’ve heard every argument and debate point on both sides. They are all too beaten to death to drag from behind the shed. My only argument and the point of my film is, let’s let love decide.

In the meantime, I’m going to keep fantasizing about those taffeta dresses.

To watch THE GAY MARRIAGE THING trailer visit: TheGayMarriageThing.com

To Read or contribute to Blog for Family Day visit Mombian.com

New Screening Added!

Friday, April 6 at 7:00 PM

North Andover Unitarian Universalist Church
Old Center Hall
3 Great Pond Road
North Andover MA 01845
(across from church and behind Top of the Scales restaurant)
Admission: $5 suggested donation

Post-screening discussion with the filmmakers.

Directions: http://www.northparish.org/contact.htm

"At Swim" - New Musical premiering in Boston

A new musical, 'At Swim, Two Boys', is receiving its world premiere at the Center for the Arts, Northeastern University, on February 9th and 10th, 2007. 'At Swim. Two Boys' is based on the novel of the same name by the Irish writer Jamie O'Neill, and tells the story of the friendship and blossoming romance which develops between two sixteen year-old boys before and during the Easter Rising in Dublin, 1916, and the effect their relationship has on their family, their friends, and their community.

For more information, visit the Center for the Arts webpage.
I'll be attending the play as the guest of one of the writer's, Robert Sennett, on February 9th. I'm very excited to see the musical and hope to see some of you there!

Best,
Steff

Marriage Equality Invitation

This is your invitation to the Marriage Equality USA combined benefit and birthday celebration for Executive Director and author of Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage, Davina Kotulski. If you are in the area, please help support an organization that is doing the huge work of educating us all about marriage.

Best,
Steff

WHAT: Join us for Sara's Salon, an afternoon of musical performances, dance, and spoken word to benefit Marriage Equality USA (and celebrate Davina Kotulski's
thirty-something birthday!) Eat, drink, and be merry with fellow marriage equality supporters!
Hors d'oeuvres will be provided and drinks will be available for purchase from EASY's outstanding bar. Take part in a raffle with some outstanding items such as local artwork and theatre tickets
WHEN: Sunday, January 28, 2007 from 3:00-6:00 pm

WHERE-EASY * 3255 Lakeshore Avenue * Oakland
HOW: $25-$50 sliding scale Space is limited so RSVP early to avoid disappointment
To RSVP, send a check made out to- Marriage Equality USA and send to:
Marriage Equality USA c/o Sara's Salon 4043 Piedmont Ave #334 Oakland, CA 94611

Please indicate the number of tickets you are reserving as well as the names of your guests.
For questions about the event, please contact Davina Kotulski at davina@marriageequality.org

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.