Standing on the Bones of Our Ancestors is intended for GLBTQ People of all ages in the interest of honoring those who have come before us, promoting critical thinking and generating intergenerational dialogue around issues of spirituality and ageing to advance social change for a more physically healthy, politically aware, creatively alive, and spiritually awake Queer Community. It is also aimed at non GLBTQ People in the interest of challenging hetero-centric beliefs about what it means to be a member of our disenfranchised population.
Harvard University’s Yule Browne, the “father” of sociobiology asserts in his book On Human Nature that gay and lesbian people carry “the altruistic impulse” in our human species. That we carry something around the betterment and support of other people that allows our species to keep evolving. Browne identifies the altruistic impulse as manifesting in such social roles as mediator, artist/poet, shaman, teacher, healer, culture carrier, consciousness scout, ceremonialist and priest. But also manifests in social roles such as the jester, sacred fool, clown or contrary. Illuminated within the content and context of Standing on the Bones of Our Ancestors it isn’t difficult to see this innate “altruistic impulse” among our people.
Our theme is one of awakening lives. This film is an initiation, giving the viewer access to the Soul and Spirit of living elders while awakening them to the role elders must play at this critical crossroad in the continuing liberation of Gay Spirit and Gay Soul – reminding us of our recent history, honoring those who have trail blazed before us, uprooting hetero-centric stereotypes, challenging assimilation into a still largely homophobic dominant culture, and calling Queer People to the dance of survival and joy as full participants in The Circle of Life in creating our future!
I believe in the message of this project! So passionately that to date Standing on the Bones of Our Ancestors has been largely self-financed with a small inheritance received following my mother’s death. Principal photography is complete. But my personal financial resources are now exhausted. Therefore I am inviting you, my rainbow tribe, my friends, and relations to partner with us in completing this important documentary. Please join those individuals and foundations that are making contributions to insure our vision becomes a reality.
Thank you! May the Spirit that set the heavens in motion, which is known by many names and worshiped in many forms, shower blessings upon you and your loved ones. And guide you and protect you on your paths.