Reel Affirmations: The Nation's LGBT Film Festival 2008

Forget the dim lights and sexy music! For many gay families, the decision to include children is more often clinical than sensual. Sadly, with a patchwork of anti-gay laws, an out-of-touch medical profession, and any number of other obstacles in your way, becoming a parent involves more fine print than leasing a car. After the screening, join a team of parenting and legal experts from MICHELE ZAVOS LAW GROUP as they answer your questions about adoption, surrogacy and ways to protect your growing family.


Mommy and Mommy
Linda and Mona, of Montreal, are eager to become mothers. They’ve got the house in the country, two dogs and they live in Quebec… a province that had already legalized both same sex marriage and adoption.
There’s more than enough love to go around, and after all… how hard can it be for two women to have a baby?

They make the rounds:fertility clinics, male friends, and DIY insemination… to no avail.
Turning to adoption, Linda and Mona realize that while legislation is in place to assist them, they’re told to expect a wait of 5 to 10 years, or perhaps a year for married, heterosexual couples. With door after door slamming in their face, the women file a human rights complaint as they begin to explore foster parenting.
Despite the numerous setbacks and red tape, all is resolved… seven years later… as they become the proud parents of David and soon after, his little sister.
Mommy Mommy, Sylvie Rosenthal, CANADA, 2007, 42 mins.

Daddy’s Love (Min stolte far)
Daddy's love is director Mette Aakerholm's remarkable debut about an extraordinary, young, gay man. Kenneth is a single, 26-year-old from Askim, Norway who is determined to become a father. Adoption not being an option for him in Norway, he begins a two year process to identify a surrogate mother to have his child in the U.S. The film follows Kenneth and his own mother's journey to Kansas to witness the birth of his son, Isaiah. Along the way, we hear from the surrogate mother, and her husband, who offer a heartfelt portrait of the surrogate's experience. This film is testament to the rewards of personal courage, and the power of love.

Mette Aakerholm, NORWAY, 2007, 48 mins.
English/Norwegian

Sponsored by Zavos Law Group

Panelists: Emily Russell and Nan Hooven of MICHELE ZAVOS LAW GROUP, PLLC