Your Thoughts

This documentary is absolutely beautiful and encapsulates the struggles that LGBTQI individuals experience in small towns and the bias within the queer community against rural places. There’s much activism and work to be done in small communities like Oil city across the country, but it is comforting to see that change is happening, slowly and surely.

When I first got this DVD, I thought it would be an interesting documentery, something new to show at my diversity group.  When I realized it was relatively local, I was floored and at the same time thrilled.  PA is a funny little state.  Especially in the northeast area, where there are so many people that have moved here from NY or NJ, the people are so much more accepting.  However, seeing how different the perspectives are from area to area was fascinating.  I can’t wait to see the movie again when you guys come to Milford in September!  Keep up the amazing work. 

Michael

I loved your movie! It was really touching and very educational. It made me think a lot about what other LGBT teens/people are doing and going through. I’m 17 and I live in a pretty small town maybe a little bit bigger than Oil City but I am out to my friends and relatives, BESIDES THE ADULTS and ESPECIALLY NOT MY PARENTS YET. With my culture I don’t think they will understand. I remember once when I was a kid I hopped on the computer and typed in “guys.com” but when the page came up I got scared and closed it and ran off.  Then, life went on and I was in 7th grade. That’s when I really started having thoughts about men. But at the time I had trouble fitting in so I got into a lot of trouble and somehow blocked those thoughts for two years. I finally realized and came out when I was in 9th grade. The first person I told was my school counselor and after that I just started telling people close to me. I was tired of lying to everyone and pretending to be someone I wasn’t. It felt GREAT when I came out because I could finally be me. Now, I’ll be graduating high school this year and I’m trying to get more people to join the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Club to stop the ignorance and educate more people about the LGBTQ community. I plan on sharing your film with the GSA Club when school starts over here. I think it would be great. I just felt so touched by your film that I wanted to share with you guys a part of my story. But I just thought I would comment you guys. Thank You! A LOT! You guys did a FANTASTIC job! I hope more people get to see your film.

I caught this a couple of times on the local PBS station this weekend and think it is a brilliant piece of work.  I lived in W. PA for many years and this film perfectly captures the culture of the area.

I hope more people see it and can appreciate that although there is evidence of moves toward equality in the big cities, there are still plenty of small towns that have not moved an inch.  Even the people who are tolerant and open minded in those towns are targets simply for not persecuting people who do not “toe the line.”

Just experienced the documentary and All I can say is THANK YOU about Eight hundred thousand times.

A smart, provocative, original, illuminating, well balanced, uplifting, inspiring, heart warming and just a very well done film.  Everybody should view this fine work.  Hope all continues to go well for CJ, Mom et al.

CONGRATULATIONS Joe, Dean and associates!!

This movie was absolutely amazing. I feel extremely lucky to have gone to a school where being gay/bi/trans/etc. was for the most part accepted, and it makes me so angry when I come across people that just don’t understand. Several times during the movie I wanted nothing more than to just SHAKE those people that didn’t lift a finger to change things.

I don’t know what I would have done if I was in CJ’s position. I don’t think I’d have been able to deal with things as well as he did, and I respect him so much for trying so hard.

Beautiful movie. Everyone who knows someone who is LGBT should see this.

I’m finding it difficult to hold back the tears as I watch your film.  We need personal stories like these to show our allies how deeply discrimination continues to wound us and our country. 

It’s not enough to support LGBT equality, though.  We need to be out there showing our support for immigrants, racial minorities, the disabled and gender non conforming people to prove our commitment to equality as an underlying value and not just a label that we attach to our movement.

Thank you for making this film.  I won’t forget your stories.

I thought this film was amazing. I go to a small catholic school in the city depicted. The close mindedness of many in my small community astound me. I think my generation is pretty accepting of the gay community. Granted there is still a lot of hate, especially from guys my age, that needs to be handled. I see what happens to CJ a lot. But even my small Catholic school is now teaching us to love no matter what. We had even had a very openly gay student become the first male cheerleader at out school. I love my community and I do believe it is on it’s way to becoming more accepting as it should. I loved this film!

My wife and I loved your video on Hulu. I graduated from Franklin High School several years ago. I was shocked and dismayed at the editorial remarks and anti-gay discrimination though I have to say I am not totally surprised knowing the area. Unfortunately changes in attitude come slowly in that region and I hope your film aids in opening minds.

Fantastic work!