K-State students involved in production of 'You Belong to Us'

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Sources: Mary Siegle, 785-532-2194, msiegle@k-state.edu;
and Jemmie Godwin, 785-532-2582, jemmie@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Shelby Haag, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, March 8, 2007

K-STATE STUDENTS INVOLVED IN PRODUCTION OF 'YOU BELONG TO US'

MANHATTAN -- Two Kansas State University graduate students in drama therapy have joined with the Flint Hills Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to present the second part of the Family Ties Project with the premiere of "You Belong to Us" March 9-11.

The opening performance will be at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the Manhattan Arts Center. Other showings will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 10, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11. All showings are free and open to the public.

K-State drama therapy graduate students Martha Crouse, Morris, Minn., and Jemmie Godwin, Chattanooga, Tenn., under the direction of Sally Bailey, associate professor of speech communication, theater and dance, were commissioned by Flint Hills Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to write and direct two nonfiction plays about Manhattan lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. The first production of the project, "If Truth Be Told," was presented in October 2006.

Godwin said both plays allow the community to understand the inner roller coaster of emotions that parents experience when they realize that their child is lesbian or gay.

"The play is about inner conflict, acceptance, understanding and most of all, unconditional love," Godwin said. "Learning that someone is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can open a range of emotions, from confused to concerned, awkward to honored. It may be hard to know how to react -- leaving you with questions about what to say, how to talk about it and how to be supportive."

Mary Siegle, a member of Flint Hills Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, said the performance will especially be of interest to college students.

"We feel that the production is very relevant to the K-State student population," Siegle said. "Many students may have siblings or close friends who are or will be navigating the coming-out process, and we would like to give those family members and friends an exposure to the stories, thoughts and feelings portrayed in the play."

"You Belong to Us" is the second portion of the Family Ties Project funded by the Caroline Peine Foundation. For more information, contact Flint Hills Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays at 785-410-3130 or fhpflag@sbcglobal.net.