Anyone and Everyone

USA 2007 56min
Dir: Susan Polis Schutz

Coming out to your parents has to be one of the most terrifying, and defining moments of your life. In this extraordinarily simple, but powerful documentary, parents from various religious and cultural backgrounds discuss in detail the day and way that their son or daughter came out to them, the impact it had in their relationships, and how their positive response has opened up new horizons in their lives. 

From Mormons to Catholics, Japanese to Cherokee, Jews to Hindus, each parent shares their previous prejudices, shock, fear, uncertainty and heartache at the time, and the dawning realisation that, as parents, they are not alone. They discuss being introduced to the pain that their child was experiencing and, by accepting their child, being similarly ostracised by their communities, churches and relatives.

Not everyone’s parents are going to react with such love, understanding and dedication, but if you are intending to come out to your parents, or even anticipating your child’s announcement that s/he is queer, this film might just give you some courage to broach the subject, and give them some tips on how to deal with it and return to being a normal, supportive family.

Screening:

Johannesburg:
Thu 1 November 2007 - 7.30pm
Sun 4 November 2007 - 8pm
Sun 11 Nobember 2007 - 6pm

Cape Town:
Thu 8 November 2007 - 7.30pm
Sun 11 November 2007 - 6pm
Sun 18 November 2007 - 6pm