Here's just some of the inspiring feedback we've gotten!
"Our goal was to get the students to start talking and get moving to advocate for our LGBT students' rights. The conversations we had after watching the films were very powerful, and very personal. The discussion questions got a few of our quiet GSA members to contribute to the conversation. The reaction of the students was, 'What can we do, here and now?' I'm excited that the movie can stir the more shy students into action, or at least discussion!
The movies are always wonderful! They inspire such hope, action, and drive.
The movies inspired many students to possibly talk with their parents, or be a bit more open about themselves, or just a stronger voice of support for LGBT youth and families. We are also gaining momentum on some policy changes that we are attempting to get the administration to implement, as well as becoming a more visual presence on campus.
The Curriculum and Action Guides are wonderful. One of the teachers is considering showing the In The Family DVD to his classes. Many teachers would love to show them but are currently too worried about their jobs. A few bold teachers may still show the films anyway.
The movies are always wonderful! They inspire such hope, action, and drive. Thanks for making the DVDs -- I know my GSA is exceedingly grateful. More of our members show up when we are watching the Youth In Motion DVDs."
—Haley Hibbs, GSA President, Vintage High School
"These films have been a great way to explain some situations that might be very confusing. Many of the conversations we've had focused on the GSA members' real life experiences, and many of us who do not deal with the same situations are starting to think outside the box and see their peers in a new light of respect.
The films definitely light the spark that heats up our passion for helping the LGBT community. They are something that we would love to keep going as a GSA club tradition from now on."
—Katlyn Pavlica, GSA Member, West Hills High School
"I looked at the Curriculum Guide and adapted ideas from it, especially the background info and extension activities. I was looking for films that address transphobia and push students, particularly urban students of color, around transphobia and heterocentrism. I showed clips of the film in conjunction with many other activities throughout our unit. They seemed to like the clips I showed — they led to wonderful, fruitful, honest questioning and discussion of what it means to be intersex or transgender and how gender binary set-ups mess with people's freedom."
—Peer Helping Teacher, Balboa High School
"We hosted a four-week lunchtime short film festival where we showed several of the films, offered free popcorn, held discussions. The film festival attracted students who were not previously in GSA, encouraged more participation from our members, and sparked a discussion on transgender issues, which are not traditionally something we talk about.
We all really enjoyed the films, and the diversity of styles. Many people really appreciated that we had a springboard for discussion. We are now working toward using some of the films schoolwide."