NORMAL VALID LIVES
Every single person we know has been affected by bullying in some way. Think about it. If you weren’t bullied yourself, then perhaps your child was, or your bother or sister, a friend, a neighbor. Someone you know has been bullied. It’s an epidemic in this country that often times seems to be ignored by those who could actually do something to stop it.
We believe that this story of incredible bravery — a story of students and adults who fought against terrible odds and of the injustices committed against them by their own schools and communities — must be told.
The issues Normal Valid Lives raises are ones at the forefront of public debate: bullying, same-sex relationships, and the treatment and rights of LGBTQ citizens. Our aim is to engage viewers in this debate while also telling the story of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, thereby demonstrating the necessity of protections for LGBTQ students and the importance of curbing bullying in our schools.
In making the film we will interview a large majority of those involved, including family members, friends, those bullied and those who bully, school board members, and politicians. The people who were touched most by this tragedy. People on both sides of the issue, to get a better understanding of what happened, why it happened, and how we can prevent it from ever happening again.
If we can open eyes to what’s going on in every school in every city in every state, perhaps we can not only help bring dignity and compassion to all students, we can also save lives.
Please note: because of our 501c3 fiscal sponsorship from The Film Collaborative, every contribution made to Normal Valid Lives is tax deductible.