What does the Bible really say about queers anyway? In this eye-opening documentary, devoutly Christian women speak candidly about their previously unthinkable journeys. Through prayer, study, and reflection, each has met the challenge of integrating LGBT acceptance into their faith. Their motivations: their own queer children.
Mom Kimberly recounts how she resisted her toddler, Kai, identifying as a girl; her soul-searching led to activism against Texas Senate Bill 6 – the so-called “bathroom bill” – which would have required public school students to use bathrooms based on “biological sex.” Tammi, a black lesbian, struggled with self-acceptance, a road travelled with her mother at her side. Sara strove to ‘convert’ her gay son, Parker; her emotional and spiritual odyssey led to her founding Mama Bears. The membership, Christian moms who’ve accepted their queer kids, grew in number and across state lines, from free hugs at Pride events to an extraordinary national bus tour.
Director Daresha Kya gained the women’s trust, documenting testimonies about their 180-degree transformations, their maternal love, and their deep-seated guilt. (In one hilarious exchange, a school friend says how wonderful Sara is, to which Parker bluntly replies, “You should’ve seen her five years ago!”) MAMA BEARS recounts inspirational transformations that have left audiences cheering.
— Frank Danay
