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We Live Here: The Midwest
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Stories of LGBTQ+ families in gender-identity docu; peril.
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We Live Here: The Midwest
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What's the Story?
In WE LIVE HERE: THE MIDWEST, LGBTQ+ families speak about their experiences as U.S. heartland region residents. Their shared stories include the challenges of revealing true gender identity to relatives, joy as an LGBTQ+ parent, and the increasing levels of discrimination.
Is It Any Good?
Director Melinda Maerker presents an insightful and important documentary about a timely topic. "Many LGBTQ+ families were reluctant to be interviewed," says the lesbian filmmaker of We Live Here: The Midwest. "They feared recrimination from their jobs, schools, and neighbors. And yet, some were willing to share their stories."
"There's nothing different about who we are," says Courtney Skeeba, a Kansas farmer, lesbian, and parent. "The Midwestern culture has an overall resistance to change." Russell Exlos-Raber, a gay Ohio educator, mentor, and creator of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ kids, believes "change is difficult for people." And, notes Russell's husband Mark, a finance manager, "we need to work as a country on communication. Not just in small towns, everywhere."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of the cast in We Live Here: The Midwest. How do they also demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
In the film, Nia Chiaramonte of Minnesota believes that the state doesn't want queer individuals to live here. Why do you think there is an increasing backlash against LGBTQ+ kids and adults?
How does the documentary make you think about LGBTQ+ families?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 6, 2023
- Cast: Heather Keeler , Monte Foreman-Powell , Russell Exlos-Raber
- Director: Melinda Maerker
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors, Queer actors, Indigenous actors, Gay actors, Black actors
- Studio: Hulu
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 53 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 6, 2023
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