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Bringing ‘Wish Me Away,’ Chely Wright to Denver

Bringing ‘Wish Me Away,’ Chely Wright to Denver

By Alison Kudlacik

I’m not someone who generally talks about God, and what God does, says, thinks, praises or judges, primarily because I have always found it ridiculous and offensive that for far too long, select conservatives have used the name of “God” to separate, marginalize, condemn and degrade people; particularly gay people.

Singer/songwriter Chely Wright

While I have always felt drawn toward a spiritual path – never questioning God’s love for me – I have intentionally chosen to sidestep the tiresome debate that stems from religious-based bigotry. Yet after constructing a successful life in New York City – which included being out to most everyone in my life – I found myself paralyzed when approaching the notion of coming out to my parents. Of course intellectually, spiritually and emotionally I knew better, but I was still holding onto the notion that my parents might reject me, which developed under layers and years of religious rhetoric. I also feared that not only would they reject me, but I believed that they might even have good reason to reject me that came from somewhere in the Bible.

With a bold pack-all-of-my-possessions-into-my-Wrangler-and-head-to-beautiful-Colorado move in February of 2010, I gave myself the much-needed time and space to let everything go in the hopes that I could later pick up what I needed. And after three months of soul-searching, studying, hiking, wandering and yoga, I planned to fly home and come out to my parents at the end of May.

Two weeks before my trip home, Chely Wright came out on the TODAY Show and her story struck me. I realized then that God was no longer speaking to me in whispers and footfalls as I walked along Rocky Mountain trails, but loud and clear, in words of strength and affirmation, in personal, powerful stories, memoirs and music. My decision was reinforced when I realized that if Chely Wright could come out and reclaim her truth, than so could I.

I came out to my parents on that trip and they were totally fine. Amazing actually. They were beautiful, loving, supportive – and as a result, I feel free to go out into the world as my own true and honest self.

In November of 2010 I was invited to an event called “The Evangelical Church & Homosexuality” at Highlands Church, Denver. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting from the experience, but it was a powerful, inspiring and healing day. The Highlands Church is not a “gay church”; there are no rainbow crosses (not that there’s anything wrong with that) – it’s simply a church made up by a community of people who live and love without labels. I’ve been a regular at the church ever since.

Skipping a couple months ahead again to March 2011, I noticed that there was an independent documentary called Wish Me Away about Chely’s coming out story which was set for release in the spring. I thought it was worth asking Mark Tidd (the Highland’s pastor) and the film’s directors/producers – Bobbie Birleffi and Beveryly Kopf – if there was interest in screening the film at the Highlands Church.

There was definite interest and so began our mission to bring the film to Denver, in the biggest way possible.

In May we coordinated a private screening with Bobbie and Beverly in Denver to connect with the wider Denver community in preparing to make the film a big success for the fall. At the screening we welcomed representatives from Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, Out Front Colorado, Diversity Now Media, Interfaith Alliance, MANifesto and other various businesses and LGBT-based organizations. The screening produced an ecstatic energy and emotional response from the community.

As Wish Me Away was winning awards at film festivals across the country this past summer, it was also accepted into the Denver Film Festival as one of four red carpet special presentations. And after selling out the first scheduled location – before tickets even went on sale to the public – there was a change of venue and the touching film will make its Denver premiere at 7:30 p.m. Friday Nov. 4 at Highlands Church, 3241 Lowell Blvd. The film’s directors as well as Chely Wright herself will attend to walk the red carpet and answer questions from the audience following the screening.

My passion for promoting and sharing this film was driven by the same reasons that Chely came out so publicly and purposefully. The directors/producers have executed Chely’s story so well that kids and adults across the country are finding new courage to cope with their struggles.

We are welcoming Chely Wright as one of two featured speakers at the 3rd annual Symposium of “The Evangelical Church & Homosexuality” the day after the film’s Denver premiere. Wright will speak from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at The Highlands Church, 3241 Lowell Blvd. And following the symposium, Wright will be performing at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the intimate venue The Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St.

On the Web at http://highlandschurchdenver.org and http://thewalnutroom.com

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