Free Mom Hugs to host free SLC screening of ‘This Time’ on Int’l Allyship Day
Recent research from The Trevor Project shows that 50 percent of LGBTQ youth in Utah have seriously considered suicide in the past year, with 17 percent having attempted it. The study also highlighted the positive impact of supportive environments, revealing that LGBTQ youth with access to affirming homes, schools, community events, and online spaces reported lower suicide attempt rates.
In response to these findings and in honor of International Allyship Day on August 8th, the Utah Chapter of Free Mom Hugs is hosting a free screening of the film “This Time” at Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake City. The event is endorsed by The Inclusion Center, Project Rainbow, and former Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, the city’s first openly gay mayor and state legislator.
The event will take place on Thursday, August 8, from 7 to 10 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. It will be held at Brewvies Cinema Pub, 677 S 200 W, with free admission is free. Space is limited and tickets are required. Must be 21 years of age or older.
A highlight of the evening will be a virtual live-stream panel discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. featuring prominent community allies and leaders, including Sara Cunningham, author, activist, and founder of Free Mom Hugs; Reverend Evan Swance-Smith, an advocate for marginalized communities and member of the 2SLGBTIQ community; Dr. Marci Bowers, WPATH President-elect and Trevor Project Board of Directors member; and Florida state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, PhD, an advocate for families and the working class, and the first Iranian-American elected official in Florida.
“This Time” follows sixteen-year-old Grace Walker as she embarks on a journey to honor her late father’s wishes while escaping conversion therapy. In a twist of fate, Grace encounters Red, a troubled 66-year-old funeral home employee, and they form an unlikely partnership. Their road trip to Los Angeles becomes a testament to true allyship, revealing the strength and essence of support in unexpected places.
The film has received accolades, including Best Director at the Orlando Film Festival, Spirit of Independents Award at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and Best Actress at the Florence International Film Festival. Supported by Free Mom Hugs, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, “This Time” is not just a movie but a powerful narrative about identity, allyship, and the courage to be oneself.
Free tickets are available at eventbrite.com. More on the Utah Chapter of Free Mom Hugs can be found on their Facebook page.
