Do We Need to Know?

Here We Go!

Thought you guys might like an update on some things that are happening with the Ears Wide Open? video.

1)      Churches from California to New York (and lots of states in between) are picking it up and showing it in their services (in a good way, not a condemning or judgmental way). Terrie attended a church service a few weeks ago where the video was shown in conjunction with the pastor's sermon. Terrie wrote, "I sat in the back of the auditorium, and when the video ended, the pastor said I was there and asked me to wave so the people could see where I was sitting. The entire place stood and faced me and applauded for what felt like forever. And I bawled, of course I did."

2)      Terrie has been invited to speak at a conference in June for a group of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and counselors. She is also receiving invitations to speak from open and affirming churches across the country.

3)      An executive producer for the It Gets Better project and a board member for the NOH8 campaign shared the video via Twitter and called the folks standing behind Terrie at the end of the video "peaceful warriors.” We like that. A lot.

4)      Several well-known activists have tweeted or attached the link on Facebook.

5)      We get messages every day from people who make us know why we felt so compelled to make the video, including one from a firefighter in Virginia who was one of the first responders on 9/11. We think the best way to end this update is to let you read his words.

      "My name is Frederick and I currently live in Richmond, Virginia. But I used to live in New York for many years. I’m a firefighter and I was a first responder on 9/11. My best friend died in my arms that day and there hasn’t been one day since that I don’t wish it was me instead. I understand wanting to die. I understand guilt and shame. I understand hating yourself. For different reasons than you Terrie but I understand. A deacon in my sister’s church sent me your video and when I watched it I broke down and cried. He knew I was close to giving up. You are very brave and I wanted to say you’re helping a lot of people including me."