Pink Boys: The Film

June 19, 2013 by Sarah

There’s a new film in the works that I think you may be interested in–and in which some of you may even want to participate.

Documentary filmmaker Eric Rockey, who teaches in the Documentary Studies program at The New School, is working on a film about gender-nonconforming boys and their parents. Eric is looking for families to participate in the film. If you’re interested, contact Eric at info@pinkboysfilm.com. You can find more information–and “like” the film’s facebook page!–at http://facebook.com/pinkboysfilm.

Eric came to me via Ruth Padawer, author of “What’s So Bad About a Boy Who Wants to Wear a Dress?“, the New York Times Magazine article about gender-nonconforming kids. Ruth has been fabulous at connecting those of us working toward gender equality for kids, and I love her for her activism, passion, and caring.

In more (old–my apologies) news, I hope you’ve had a chance to read “About a Boy,” the New Yorker article by Margaret Talbot about gender-nonconforming kids. My husband Ian and I think Margaret did a great job of exploring the range of people who have different gender expression, and we were honored to have been part of the article. We’re curious to know what you think. A portion of the article is online here. Unfortunately the part we’re in isn’t in the excerpt, but I will post the whole thing online if I can figure out how not to be a copyright infringer (your advice welcome).

Comments

Rei McAlister says

June 19, 2013 at 1:31 pm

I grew up as a “pink boy” in a non accepting family and I have to commend Eric Rockey for this project. There’s far too much hatred geared towards GNC boys and hopefully this raise a few questions and open more than a few eyes.
PJ Greetings says

June 22, 2013 at 8:04 pm

Love and acceptance are beautiful things.. I look forward to seeing this film..

“Working with Sarah and Ian Hoffman was a blessing. They were organized and collaborative in every detail. Once they began sharing, the crowd was rapt with curiosity and empathy. With warmth, humor, and disarming honesty they invited us to explore gender diversity and inclusion in ways that rang with authenticity, hope, and practicality. People left feeling both challenged and resolute for the work ahead—with new language for addressing complex topics and renewed joy. If you are considering inviting Sarah and Ian, expect a generous partnership and a revelatory Q&A.”

—Rev. Victor H. Floyd
Calvary Presbyterian Church

“Sarah & Ian’s visits to our class help us to cultivate an environment where students feel safe to express themselves, explore their identities, and appreciate and support others.”

—Anjali Ramisetti
First Grade Teacher
Katherine Delmar Burke School

“Sarah and Ian were so thoughtful in providing just-right content for our kindergarteners all the way up to our older students. Their loving and honest stories, easy back-and-forth with one another, and humorous delivery of a delicate topic made this sensitive, yet oh-so-critical topic digestible and relatable. This is a conversation that I hope students, teachers, and parents will continue to have with more ease thanks to the Hoffmans. I’m so grateful to them for sharing their gift of their family’s journey, and their beautiful storytelling, with our entire school community.”

—Kristine Keane
School Social Worker
George Peabody School

“The first time I heard Sarah & Ian tell their story, I was in awe of them. Their loving, unconditional acceptance of their child is a model every parent should see. What a lucky child Sam is to get to grow up with Sarah & Ian as his parents!”

—Susan Rahman, MA
Faculty, Sociology, Psychology, and Behavioral Science, College of Marin

“Sarah & Ian have a unique ability to capture the joys and challenges of raising a gender-nonconforming child. Their natural ability as storytellers, combined with their insightful reflections on their own journey as parents, make them compelling speakers for a diverse range of audiences. Balancing humorous anecdotes with poignant realism, they build awareness, understanding, and acceptance of families and children navigating this challenging terrain.”

—Joel Baum
Gender Spectrum Education and Training

“Sarah & Ian’s willingness to share the story of their family with my students has opened up new dialogue and understanding of children with diverse expressions of gender. The research they have completed with other families with children who cross gender “boxes” has been invaluable in helping teachers understand the perspectives of parents and caregivers and how we can support them as educators. We always appreciate their openness and willingness to share time with us!”

—Tracy Burt
Faculty, Child Development and Family Studies Department, City College of San Francisco