LGBTQ+ organizations GLAAD and PFLAG National have teamed up with First Run Features as official partners in support of the June 12^th release of Daniel Karslake’s documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO. This past weekend, GLAAD and PFLAG National hosted virtual sneak previews of the film, with a portion of the rental proceeds going towards each of their work in promoting LGBTQ+ affirmation.

The critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary is set for a virtual theatrical release nationwide on June 12th, in collaboration with independent arthouse cinemas via their websites and www.fortheyknow.org. FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO is Karslake’s follow up to the critically-acclaimed, 2007 Oscar® Shortlisted documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So,” and is a powerful exploration of the intersection of religion, sexual orientation and gender identity in America.

“The power of the pulpit is to move hearts and a congregation, but if the messages LGBTQ+ people in the pews hear demonizes and dehumanizes them, it causes only harm,” said PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond.  “FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO sheds light on this–and also that there is love found in faith teachings that can be built upon. At a time when so many politicians and faith leaders manipulate teachings to sow division, this film reminds us that being a person of faith and being a person who is, or loves, an LGBTQ+ person are not mutually exclusive. The families in this film demonstrate this powerfully.”

“FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO is a powerful film that is focused on a message of acceptance and love, something that we all need more of today,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “We hope all families see themselves in the film, and fight for a child’s right to be safe and loved for who they are. FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO is a moving testament to a family’s love, and highlights how important these conversations are for driving acceptance of LGBTQ youth.”

In addition to the families’ stories, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO highlights perspectives from internationally renowned religious leaders including Bishop Gene Robinson, Pastor Dr. Delman Coates, Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, and Reverend Cynthia Alice Anderson; and features Sarah McBride, the 2020 Delaware Senate candidate who notably addressed the Democratic National Convention in 2016 as the first openly transgender person to do so.

The New York Times critic Lovia Gyarkye praised the film for its “Absorbing testimonies, compelling narratives and effective commentary highlight the violence faced by L.G.B.T.Q. people (especially transgender people of color),” and going on to say that “its success comes from interrogating the cultural assumption that there is no space for a range of sexual orientations and gender identities within religious communities.”

www.ForTheyKnow.org

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ABOUT GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

ABOUT PFLAG
Founded in 1973 after the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization. PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters providing support, education, and advocacy in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced, and serviced by the staff of PFLAG National, the National Board of Directors, and the all-volunteer Regional Directors Council.

ABOUT FIRST RUN FEATURES
First Run Features was founded in 1979 by a group of filmmakers to advance the distribution of independent film. Under the leadership of the late film pioneer, Fran Spielman, First Run Features quickly gained a reputation for its controversial catalog of daring documentaries and fiction films. Today, First Run remains one of the largest truly independent distributors in North America.