TGMT Helps Celebrate 10 Years of Marriage Equality

I'm so excited to announce that The Gay Marriage Thing will be broadcast in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden as part of OutTV's equal marriage theme night on April 1st, 2011. This is to commemorate 10 years of marriage equality in the Netherlands where legal same-sex weddings began on April 1st 2001.


While we are proud and thrilled to be part of this celebration, we have a lot of work to do here at home. Can you believe it's been 10 years in the Netherlands and not even one year of federal legal marriage for same-sex couples in the US? That's why this dialog is so important to continue. Spread the word, talk to everyone you can about this issue. Your voice does matter and it does make a difference.

We Need Your Reviews

Have you seen The Gay MarriageThing? Do you have an opinion on the film and equal marriage? Share your thoughts and opinions on Amazon or link up with the film on Facebook and join the conversation.

Review by Amos Lassen

Amazon top 50 reviewer Amos Lassen is the  first to review the 5th anniversary disc. Read the review.

TGMT Reboot is Available

5th Anniversary DVD I'm so excited to say that, for the first time, The Gay Marriage Thing is widely and easily available on DVD. The disc features two extras with never-before seen footage. With equal marriage once again filling blogs, newspapers and airways, the documentary is as relevant as ever.

Sneak Peek at New DVD Cover Art

The 5th anniversary DVD should be out in a few weeks. Here's a preview of the new disc's cover art.

5th Anniversary DVD in Works

The wheels are turning for a new DVD for our 5th anniversary year. I'll keep you posted.

WE NEED YOUR COMMENTS AND REVIEWS

If you've seen the film or just want to make a comment please take a minute to post your review or comment on the film's Amazon page and become a fan on Facebook.

TGMT is still the only film on the subject that speaks to people on all sides of the marriage debate. It is a quiet film that needs our voices to help it get heard.

Watch THE GAY MARRIAGE THING Online

I'm happy to announce Amazon now has The Gay Marriage Thing available for streaming rental ($2.99) or download purchase ($9.99).

MILL CITY TAKES ON “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” MOVIE

DATE: March 16, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MILL CITY TAKES ON “THE GAY MARRIAGE THING” MOVIE

LOWELL, MA – The Gay Marriage Thing film will screen for the first time in the Mill City on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 7:00pm at Christ Church United who is co-hosting the community film event with the Lowell Film Collaborative. Director Stephanie Higgins and Executive Producer Lorre Fritchy will be in attendance to lead 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.

Even as the 5th anniversary of legal gay marriage in Massachusetts approaches, the topic continues to inspire heated debate on a national level. For a film in its third year of distribution, The Gay Marriage Thing remains as timely as ever. “As a long time fan of documentary film, I watch them more and more to gain fresh insight and support for long held beliefs but not to examine those beliefs,” says film reviewer Mathius Mack Gertz of Film Arcade. “The Gay Marriage Thing has given me cause to reexamine certain perspectives. That is saying much for a short documentary in this day and age or in any day and age for that matter.”

Committed to making this community film event accessible to everyone, the organizers are providing child daycare and keeping the price to a suggested $5 donation. “Community and family are at the center of The Gay Marriage Thing,” said Director Stephanie Higgins. “People of all opinions and walks of life grace the cast of the film. Everyone talks without interruption so you see deeply into what’s being said.” As for the community off the screen, Higgins says, “When the film is over, that deep discussion is continued for the audience, whether they are at home in their living room or at a live Q&A, the film is ported to reality after every credit 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 the first date same-sex couples could file for marriage licenses in Massachusetts.

DATE: Wednesday, April 15 2009
TIME: 7:00PM
VENUE: Christ Church United, Lowell, is located at 180 E. Merrimack Street. On street parking is available in addition to free parking at Saints Medical Center.
Web: www.wewelcomeall.org or www.lowellfilmcollaborative.org
ADMISSION: $5 Suggested donation
RSVP’s appreciated by April 10 to Suzzanne Cromwell at lowellfilmcollaborative@live.com.
SPONSORS: Christ Church United, UCC

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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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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