Interview with the Director: The Pursuit of Equality

Reel Affirmations, the national LGBT film festival, is taking place right here in D.C. this weekend. The festival kicked off last night and lasts through this Tuesday. Among the films that will be shown is The Pursuit of Equality, a documentary about the right for us gays to marry in California. The film begins with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s 2004 decision to begin marrying same-sex couples.

The following is my interview with Geoff Callan, the film’s co-director, and the brother-in-law of Mayor Gavin Newsom.

TNG: You've talked about how you initially became involved with this project through your wife's brother, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. When you learned of your brother-in-law's decision to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, what was your initial reaction?

Callan: When Gavin first mentioned to me that he was going to marry Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon in February of 2004, making them the first same-sex couple to be married in the United States, I thought that it was a great idea. My first thought was “of course, why not!" At that time, I really didn't know much about same-sex marriage, and I also didn't know that there would be so much controversy. I just agreed with Gavin that it was the right thing to do. Thus, my co-director Mike Shaw and I continued to cover this issue for 19 months!

TNG: You and your fellow director are both straight. Other than your brother-in-law, what drew you to the issue of marriage equality?

Callan: This is a civil rights issue. Denying people of rights, because of their sexual orientation, is extremely unfair. The media in general works in sound bites and often sensationalizes the story-lines, so we felt an obligation to help put a face on this issue and to tell the real story.

I have always said that if you can find someone who makes you a better person and loves you for all of your qualities, whether they are good or bad, then you are blessed. If marriage is in the cards for that relationship, then go for it. Marriage is an amazing union between two people. I have been married for over 7 years and I think that all people should be able to share this type of a commitment. There is nothing better to find someone to grow old with and love... and have all of the rights that come with marriage.

TNG: Is this a movie that gay people should see? Or is it a movie that gay people should encourage their straight friends to see? Or both?
Callan: All people should see Pursuit of Equality. Especially now. It is very simple, there are those who are for marriage equality and there are those against it. This film will help educate those people who don't understand this issue or who are on the “fence.” This film puts a human face on this issue and can change the hearts and minds of those who do not understand what is at stake. Pursuit of Equality will take viewers back to the beginning of the same-sex marriage debate… it will answer many of questions for those who are just learning about this issue.

TNG: In making the movie, you worked to show both sides of the issue. Maybe I'm being unfair in asking you to take off your impartial filmmaker hat, but were there any arguments on the anti-gay-marriage side that you found had merit?

Callan: We appreciate all peoples point of view, whether they be religious or political. People are raised differently and believe different things. This being understood, as a filmmaker, and for this film, we wanted to show the arguments of the opposition. The majority of the opposition don't hate gay people, they just believe that marriage should be between a man and woman. The big issue comes down to the 'M' word. Marriage. People do not want to share that word. It was very interesting hearing all points of view.

If one were to separate the church from the state. Then the issue changes.

It is very difficult to change the minds of people from either side of the debate. Again, it comes down to the people on the “fence.” Everyone knows someone who is gay. Whether it be a family member, a friend, a colleague, or a neighbor. We all know someone. If people are against same-sex marriage, and decide to vote against it in their states election, then they need to ask themselves a simple question. How much do they really respect the rights of their family member? Their friend? Their colleague? Their neighbor? How much do they really respect them as human beings?

The next question is, how will gay marriage effect straight marriage or visa versa? It won't.

TNG: According to the latest poll, things aren't looking good for the pro-gay-marriage side (we're down by 5 points). What do you think will be the ultimate outcome in California, and do you think your film has had any impact?

Callan: It will be a close election, but I think Prop 8 will be defeated. We truly believe that we have created a film that will bring people together and provide a deeper understanding of civil liberties and current-day discrimination.

TNG: Any comments about Reel Affirmations?

Callan: We are honored to have been selected to Reel Affirmations. It is a highly respected festival and we hope that Pursuit of Equality will help educate all people on this issue.

Interested in seeing the film?? The Pursuit of Equality is showing this Sunday at 1pm at the 6th and I Synagogue. Tickets are $10.