DOCUMENTARY CHRONICLES VERMONT’S GROUNDBREAKING ROLE IN FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
A sign celebrating Vermont's passage of Civil Unions in 2000. (Still from "State Of Marriage." Credit: Floating World Pictures)
The Pride Center of Vermont will host the Vermont premiere of a documentary exploring the state’s groundbreaking grassroots movement for marriage equality, a movement that eventually sparked change nationwide. “The State Of Marriage” will be shown on September 12 at Burlington’s Main Street Landing.
The film was one of Entertainment Weekly’s “Top 20 Pop Culture Moments in Hollywood's Road To Marriage Equality.” The Hollywood Reporter said, “‘The State Of Marriage’ is an indispensable addition to the history of the marriage equality movement. This is a fascinating story and a suspenseful nail-biter right up to the feel good ending.”
“The State of Marriage” is an inspirational story of how Vermont attorneys Beth Robinson and Susan Murray formed Vermont Freedom to Marry, partnered with legal pioneer Mary Bonauto of Gay & Lesbian Advocates, and Defenders (GLAD), and led a determined group of activists in a two-decade long struggle for marriage equality in Vermont that built the foundation for the entire national movement. Despite fierce opposition, Vermont became the first state to grant same sex couples legal recognition through a groundbreaking 1999 State Supreme Court decision, Civil Unions in 2000, and a legislative victory for marriage equality in 2009 –– overruling the governor’s veto.
“I don't think you can totally understand what they had to go through until you understand what they were up against," said Marcia Ross, a Hollywood casting director (“Clueless,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and others) who co-produced the film. "So much of the movement started with such humble resources, and it not only took over the country, but the world. When they started this process, people thought they were nuts. It's important to have a sense of that vision to spark further change and inspiration for the future."
The film documents the intelligence, tenacity, and courage of the leaders of Vermont’s marriage equality battle in their efforts to, as one slogan said, “let love win!” in the face of sometimes angry and violent opposition. They held to Bonauto’s view that “when you're in a fight for your common humanity, you cannot discount the common humanity of others.”
“There were so many examples of individual grace and courage. I wanted to preserve and pass on this amazing story before it slipped away,” said the film’s writer, director and co-producer Jeff Kaufman. In addition to making films, Kaufman has produced, written or directed programs for television and written and illustrate children’s books. From 1995 to 2000, he hosted a talk-radio program called “Talk of Vermont” on WFAD in Middlebury.
The film celebrates the hundreds of people who worked towards gay marriage. “Gay and straight, old and young, coupled and uncoupled,” as activist Sherry Corbin tells the camera. “This was not a gay agenda. This was a human agenda.”
“Pride Center of Vermont is thrilled to host this amazing film. Jeff and Marcia captured the heart of this movement and made a film that every LGBTQA person should see,” said Executive Director Kim Fountain. “Sadly, much of the opposition they documented continues to this day, even with laws to protect our community. The funds raised through this screening will be used to support our SafeSpace anti-violence program and our work with families and elders.”
About the screening:
A prescreening cocktail reception and panel discussion kicks off the premier of “The State Of Marriage” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12 at the Main Street Landing and Performing Arts Center, 60 Lake Street, Burlington, VT. Ticket prices begin at $25 and proceeds benefit the Pride Center of Vermont. For ticket information, click here.
About the movie:
For more information on "The State of Marriage" visit Facebook orFloatingWorldPictures.com (trailer available for viewing).
About the Pride Center:
The Pride Center of Vermont is New England’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and the health and safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Vermonters. For more information, visit PrideCenterVT.org or call 802-860-7812.
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