We are at a weird crossroads in our country. America was once the vision of open-mindedness and acceptance, but we have fast become a cancel culture hell-bent on us vs. them. Blame whatever you need to….social media, Trump, Russia….but the truth is, empathy can only come from one place….US! In this time of deep judgement, angst and side-eyeing, Emmy-winner Daresha Kyi‘s ‘Mama Bears’ documentary teaches us about the impact of self-awareness. (Kyi is from Dayton!)
Daresha Kyi Connects Again!
The film centers on conservative, ultra-religious mothers who happen to be parents of LGBTQ children. And there within lies the door to understanding. It isn’t easy, quite the opposite. Their journeys that we join are tough, raw and at times, very uncomfortable. Luckily, Dayton was privy to this heartfelt film thanks to the Director herself arranging a screening at the Neon Movies. Thanks to the Hope Collective Church, the film was free…they hold their services at the Neon on Sundays. Fear not, however, the film is coming to PBS on the Independent Lens series Tuesday, June 20th. And it is a must-see.
The ‘Mama Bears’ movement is expanding daily, as more and more mothers ‘come out of their own closets’ to help their LGBTQ children navigate a less than perfect world. Their stories….told masterfully, because it is those dealing with the situations that share them…range from a lesbian making her way ‘out’ with a devout, yet open mother; a trans child, facing a Texas backlash about bathrooms; and a mother learning that her son may not be exactly what she envisioned. Each, heart-wrenching and jolting to these mothers who have long relied on the word of ‘God’ as translated by a fundamentalist congregation.
You are with the mothers, on a path….at times wanting to shake them silly, and at others wanting to hold them and show them they can do this! And they will ‘get there’…in their own time…weaving through a series of setbacks as they try to keep their deep Christian voice, and yet protect their own. For those in the LGBTQ community, the pain is familiar. The idea that parents can be so sure of their feelings, that they lose sight of their love for their own children…hard to swallow, but it’s real. It’s all around us. And as the film unfolds, slowly, they begin to hear a different voice…a new idea….a threat of sorts to their everyday…but oh, what reconciliation can do! They begin to realize that nothing and no one should stand in the way of a good life for their kids. That inner-voice is really the driving force behind any and all Mama Bears!
Kimberly and Kai Shappley face Trans-Phobia.
We see in the struggle, the need for acceptance and camaraderie. And, through Facebook, and word of mouth, these newly awakened mothers find their children, themselves and their pack! That pack, Mama Bears, can be seen throughout our country at PRIDE events, PFLAG meet-ups and more….there for one simple reason, to give Free Hugs to those LGBTQ kids and adults, who have lost that connection in their own life.
Allow yourself the opportunity to watch the film…it’s hopeful, Especially in this world of ‘No Drag Queens,’ ‘No Trans,’ and ‘No Way But My Way’ mentalities. Our world is suffering, not because we lack the ability to understand and listen….but because we CHOOSE not TO! You might be surprised how this film helps us open up….and open wide our arms for one big MAMA BEAR HUG!
Enjoy there trailer:
