The UK premier of “For the Bible Tells Me So” was at Queen Elizabeth Hall tonight, and HWMBO and I went. We met Chun and two of his friends at the door–Chun is an old mate of mine from Long Yang Club days (not bfs, just friends). We walked, and then separated as we were in row G and they were in row DD.
The movie was fantastic. There is no better testimony to the fallacies that people spout about the Bible than this movie. Everyone ought to see it. Bishop Gene Robinson was only a part of it; his parents were in it, as were many gay men, lesbians, and their parents. There were Biblical experts who carefully and correctly explained why the Bible says nothing about modern-day homosexuality but lots about ritual in Biblical times.
Then Sir Ian McKellen introduced Gene, who was resplendent in a white suit, purple shirt, and pectoral cross and collar. He talked about how the movie was made, how he knew that he really needed to be in it (after the filmmaker penetrated the layers of security around Gene before his consecration to talk to him about it), and the sentiments expressed.
I asked the first question: “I understand that after disinviting you to the Lambeth Conference, Archbishop Rowan actually sent the Diocese of New Hampshire a request for $4,000 to support the conference. Did you send him any money?”
Gene laughed and said, “That’s not true. They asked for $7,000. Why they couldn’t have removed the letter with the money request in it when they removed my invitation I can’t imagine. I didn’t respond.”
There were other very respectful question, some very moving (such as the person who asked about transgender and bisexual rights within the lesbian and gay community).
We met Chun and friends again at the door and ended up at Pizza Express talking about all sorts of things including the North Shore of Massachusetts, since one of his friends had lived in Salem for a year and a half.
What a pleasant and inspiring evening.
I know I’m a complete ass for this, but you’re writing about some movie and a guy named Gene, neither of which I know. I should, probably, but dang, I don’t.
Try looking at this website for the movie. I’m sorry I didn’t provide any context. “Gene” is The Rt. Rev’d V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, who has been in the news somewhat for the last 5 years.
I guess I’m guilty of being context-free. Sorry about that.
Sounds like a very good flick. I added it to my Netflix Queue.
A couple of people on my flist were at that event.
e.g. http://rozk.livejournal.com/213473.html
Glad it went well.
Oh wow that seems like a super movie.
And THAT Gene, oh *HIM*. See, I knew I was an ass. 🙂
You’ll enjoy it!
Oh, and very far from being male.
Oh, foo. I am truly sorry. I couldn’t see you very well (we were down at the front) and thus went by voice. I will edit.
I gathered – I am old enough that I transitioned before safe voice-box surgery and am used to voice as it.