In My Shoes: Stories of Youth with LGBT Parents

Jessica, who is 17, lives in a loving, stable home with her uncle and aunt. Her mother's boyfriend was abusive, so when she was a baby, her uncle ended up taking legal guardianship of her…only at the time, her now transgendered uncle was her aunt. Alex, who is 12, lives in a nurturing home with his biological mom and his mom's female partner (his biological father, in a longtime gay relationship, donated sperm so his mother[s] could have a child, and family photos depict four parents). Obviously, these aren't your everyday families, but that's the point of Jen Gilomen's documentary, produced by participants in a youth program for teens with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) parents. Five teens are profiled in 5-6 minute clips, partaking in common family activities: walking the dog, playing games, making dinner together, etc. Each talks about home life in an honest and articulate manner, sharing opinions on everything from gay marriage to how people react to their unconventional households. Although some of the creative choices are questionable, and the camerawork leaves much to be desired, the message of In My Shoes—when it comes to families, “normal” is a very subjective term—is clearly and effectively communicated here. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)