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.