Library photo exhibit shows 'Love Makes a Family'

by Betsy Levinson, Staff Writer

A new photographic exhibit opening May 2 at the Concord [MA] Free Library packs a powerful message.

The exhibit, "Love Makes A Family: Living in Lesbian and Gay Families," is a series of photographs and captions featuring families with gay and lesbian adults who have chosen to have children. It will be on display through May 28, with an opening reception set for Tuesday, May 5 at 4-6 p.m.

The show is sponsored by a local group, Prism, and PFLAG, (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). According to Concord author and Prism member Gregory Maguire, the exhibit is designed to confront homophobia and send a message that Concord is a safe place for gays and lesbians who may feel there is scant local support. Maguire also hopes the exhibit will spotlight the work of Prism.

The purpose of the exhibit is education.

"The silence about lesbian and gay lives that pervades our culture is not only the companion of abuse, but the foundation," notes the accompanying flyer. "At the most basic level, Love Makes A Family: Living in Lesbian and Gay Families will confront homophobia by breaking silence and making the invisible visible."

Maguire and fellow author and Carlisle resident Nancy Garden said Prism was formed three years ago to counter homophobia, primarily among teenagers, and to create a safe environment for teens with gay parents, or gay family members with straight parents. Prism has close ties to the high school group Spectrum, a gay and lesbian support group of students without regard to sexual orientation.

Maguire said a small number of Concord residents began meeting in an unorganized fashion to offer support to Spectrum

"Concord-Carlisle High School is a small community," said Maguire. "When something happens to one, it affects the whole."

He and Garden said their goals for Prism are to create an environment in which one does not hear homophobic slurs or where one is not attacked because of their sexual orientation. "Sometimes children will use the term 'it's so gay' to describe something they don't like," said Garden. "Or they will use terms like fag or dyke. These words are hurtful to both young and old."

Garden has been involved with Spectrum since its inception in 1993. "Children may not be aware of their sexuality until high school, or they may be unsure of themselves," said Garden. "If a boy is straight and wants to play the violin instead of football, he may have a problem at the high school where he will be expected to excel at sports to the exclusion of music," she said.

She said Spectrum members have reached out to other schools, such as Concord Academy, and conducted teacher education programming through the film "It's Elementary."

"We hope that, through the exhibit, we can show the community that gay and lesbian families exist and are viable," said Garden, "and that love does make a family." She added that she hopes children in gay families, who generally grow up straight, can do so in a safe, nuturing atmosphere.

"It would be wonderful if parents would take their children to the exhibit," said Maguire. "We hope that it would help parents as well as children and provide support."

Garden said she received e-mail from a man in Concord who heard of her membership in Prism, "He said, 'I'm gay with two kids,' It really made an impact on me," she said.

"Love Makes A Family" shows approximately 20 families of diverse racial and economic backgrounds with lesbian or gay members, grandparents, parents and children. The interview text combined with the pictures will invite viewers to experience in words and images the strength, support and love within these families.

Prism paid approximately $1,100 to bring the show to the library, according to Prism member and adviser Jim MacAleer, executive director of Minuteman Arc for Human Services. "We started fundraising last November and have raised enough to pay for the exhibit," he said. "In the future, we hope to bring another exhibit geared to teens, and perhaps a focused drama program for teens." MacAleer said fundraising is ongoing.

"Prism has two important parts of its mission statement," said MacAleer, "awareness of the gay and lesbian community, and positive images for young people."

MacAleer said the exhibit "stands on its own merit and is not agenda-oriented. We hope to raise awareness and to normalize the images of gay families."

A resource guide which accompanies the exhibit can be ordered at the library by visitors to the show.

Prism members will host the May 5 opening reception and will provide further information about the organization at that time. Maguire said they number approximately 12, and are looking for new members. The next meeting is scheduled for September when new projects will be discussed.

--An opening reception will be hosted by Prism on Tuesday, May 5, 4-6 p.m. in the gallery of the Concord Free Public Library. The public is invited to attend.

(Nancy Garden is online at Nancegar@aol.com and Love Makes A Family is online at famphoto@aol.com)

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