Anyone and Everyone -- Parents' Reactions to Coming Out

Anyone and Everyone tells the stories of families from Utah to North Carolina and Wyoming to New York, all connected by a common thread — a gay child. This poignant and often heartbreaking documentary by first-time filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz (also the parent of a gay son) reveals a family's struggle and desire to accept a child's sexual orientation.

The film features parents from a wide range of religions, ethnicities, and political leanings, all of whom discuss their initial reactions to their child's coming out. While some showed unconditional support, others struggled with their child's sexual orientation, fearing alienation from their extended family, their church, or their community. Some simply did not understand the universal nature of homosexuality, and that it can affect anyone and everyone.

Whether Japanese, Cherokee, Mormon, Catholic, or Hindu, these families all share a deep love for their children, along with a struggle for acceptance, both in their own home and within society as a whole.

Take our poll and find more information at: http://www.kpbs.org/anyoneandeveryone

Category:

Education

Tags:

• gay
• lesbian
• family
• culture
• media
• religion
• coming out
• documentary

[sniper6081]

Yeah and the bible also says you should stone to death disobedient children, but you don't follow that one. When it comes right down to it you only pick and choose which ones that benefit you and that's wrong.

[Juliankawaiikau]

I remember my mom saying to me before I came out"you better not be gay". And then when I did tell her she said being gay is wrong and she calls me fag and stuff. I think if she looked past that and understood that I am who I am it would be better...

[YourMumJC]

It's perfectly possible to be religious and not a homophobe. It's thr final commandment in the bible that preaches hate that people actually still listen to. It's outdated, and it needs to fuck off, same as all the others.

[carlose0318]

this is so fucked up...why do people like this shit. fuck you religious hippocrits...you can be christian and not live with hate!!! in fact thats what real christians are suppossed to be...yet people are so fucking stupid. it wil never change. i can never be happy....and i am just some fag

[TheIcelandicPatriot]

@Juliankawaiikau Ouch!! Do you still live in the same house as her?

[Owlhousespecial]

you shouldnt havr a plan of life for your child as she says. you should wish they are healthy and happy.

[smokyp3nguin]

Revision:

Christians: Ruining lives since day one.

[JukiBelak]

Christians - ruining their kids lives since the stupid bullshit imaginary religion was invented.

[TheHasselBoff]

why do parents care what their kids sexual orientation is? It's not important. It's no different to being a vegetarian or preferring diet soda to regular. You either like to have sex with men or women or both. Doesn't bother me.

[LadyLover713]

My mom was the only person who was unsupportive. She called me a crime against nature, an abomination, and worst of all, she said that I'm not her daughter anymore. I forgive her, but will never see her again, she hurt me bad, and it will take time to regain my trust. So I say, loud and proud.. "I'M GAY!"

[SergioSource]

this, and many other reasons, it's why most of the world hates america

[digimaxld]

This is a documentary that is desperately needed, with so many more youth accepting their sexuality at an early age and no longer wanting to hide.

Brings back so many memories of my own time coming out to my immediate family, and the time it took for the initial shock and emotions to heal.

Truly an opportunity to be an amazing resource for parents and families.

I look forward to watching the full documentary. I will certainly purchase this in support of your efforts. THANK YOU!