IN and OUT Blog

The IN and OUT: Being LGBTQ on Vashon Island exhibit at the Vashon Heritage Museum has organized a year-long LGBTQ film series for the Island in collaboration with the Vashon Senior Center, Voice of Vashon, Island GreenTech, and Vashon Theatre.  This film series brings together a collective of LGBTQ ally organizations in support of Vashon’s LGBTQ people by screening historic LGBTQ films. The exhibit is an inner look at the Vashon LGBTQ community, the film series turns our focus outwards to look at the broader LGBTQ community. These films continue to share stories of historical, cultural and political significance to Vashon’s LGBTQ people through a glance into the larger LGBTQ rights movement.

The series of nine films will run from September through April at The Senior Center and the Vashon Theatre. Find out more about each film

“Our Forbidden Country”
By Your Heart Breaks

Shot entirely on Vashon Island, ‘Our Forbidden Country’ explores the secret and forbidden love many queer people must engage in. The lyrics, inspired by the writings of Joan Nestle, paint a vivid portrait of going where one must to find time and space for love and intimacy.  Vashon shooting sites include KVI Beach and Burton Acres Park.  The song is the title track on the album Drone Butch Blues by Northwest band Your Heart Breaks. www.yourheartbreaks.com

Singer/Songwriter: Clyde Petersen / Your Heart Breaks

Directors: Wes Hurley & Vincent Pierce

Cinematographer/Editor: Vincent Pierce

Producers: Wes Hurley & Pete Rush

The Gender Garden remains a popular feature of the exhibit with 86 flags placed since the August reset.  Come on down and place your flag!

True Colors
A Showcase of Songs Celebrating Diversity
of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity performed by LGBTQ Artists and Allies

When: Friday, September 13th at 6pm
Where: Open Space for Arts and Community Grand Hall
Cost: $10 in Advance; $15 at Door; Kids under 13 are Free

We are seeking sponsors, volunteers, silent auction donations, performing artists, and audience members for this event!

Gender Garden Aug 1, 2019

The exhibit’s outdoor Gender Garden was getting so crowded that visitors were having a hard time finding space to put their flag… so we decided to do a monthly “reset”.  Each month we will clear the flags and start fresh.

Join members of the Vashon Senior Center board and staff in watching Gen Silent, a film of LGBTQ activist aging at 5pm Wednesday, July 24^th followed by a potluck and discussion. The Vashon Senior Center is committed to serving all members of the community and welcomes the opportunity to talk about how to do LGBTQ aging services well. Please come and be part of the conversation. For more info, contact Liz Illg, (360) 378-6104.

Gen Silent is a 2010 documentary film, The documentary follows the lives of six LGBT seniors living in the Boston area who must choose if they will hide their sexuality in order to survive in the long-term health care system.

The title of the film is a reference to the generations of older LGBT people who remain in the closet or re-enter the closet out of concern for their safety or quality of life. As a result of the documentary, the term Gen Silent has increased in use as a way to refer to this group.

Find out more and watch the trailer