[4-5-04]

"Project Hearts & Minds" includes DVDs, tapes, and facilitators' guides allow easy discussion of LGBT concerns in churches, schools, community groups

SAN JOSE, CA, April 5, 2004 - More Light Presbyterians (MLP) and the San Jose / Peninsula chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) today announced the national video release of Project Hearts & Minds, a multi-volume series of half-hour television shows designed for use as discussion starters and for prejudice reduction in churches, schools, community groups, and other organizations. Each TV show volume includes four studio-taped talk-show interviews with LGBT or LGBT-supportive guests who speak about their lives, their experiences, their families, and their work for equality.

"What's great about the Hearts & Minds series," commented More Light Presbyterians Co-moderator Donna Riley, "is that it's aimed at fence-sitters -- people who are uncertain about their feelings on LGBT issues but whose hearts and minds can be won when they hear the stories shared by real lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people."

"Supporters of LGBT equality now have an easy way to promote discussion of LGBT issues within mixed-opinion or even moderately hostile social groups," noted Tom Henderson, PFLAG San Jose President. "We're excited at this opportunity for collaboration between PFLAG and More Light Presbyterians, since the shows work well both in churches and in secular groups."

Each volume of the Hearts & Minds series includes four 30-minute shows, is available on DVD and VHS, and ships with a printed facilitator's guide of discussion questions that make it easy to get groups talking after watching each program. The material is appropriate for both youth and adult groups in a wide variety of settings. The copyright allows users to make and share copies of the tapes and DVDs with friends on a noncommercial basis. Two volumes are available immediately, with more volumes scheduled for release throughout the year.

The Hearts & Minds VHS tapes and DVDs can be ordered online at www.mlp.org/heartsandminds. There is no requirement to be a PFLAG or More Light Presbyterians member. The series is sold at cost, with DVDs under $4 and VHS tapes under $10.
 

About More Light Presbyterians: More Light Presbyterians, the oldest gay rights group in the 2.5-million member Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA), works for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the PCUSA.

About Peninsula / San Jose PFLAG: Peninsula / San Jose PFLAG is one of the leading chapters of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a 200,000-member national organization which promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy.

Media Contacts:

Donna Riley, Co-Moderator, More Light Presbyterians, 413-584-7935, dmriley@alumni.princeton.edu

Kate Sherwood, Peninsula / San Jose PFLAG TV team co-producer, 650-327-1721, ducky@webfoot.com

Hearts & Minds web page: www.mlp.org/heartsandminds

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Another good resource for facilitating dialogue on sexuality is offered by the Public Conversations Project.