PHILIPSBURG/SANDY GROUND:---- SAFE (St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance for Equality) hosted a successful screening of the very entertaining movie “Musical Chairs” at the Cultural Center in Sandy Ground.
With a good turnout from a diverse public representing both French and Dutch side, including 1st Vice President and Senator of the Collectivite de Saint –Martin, 2nd Vice President of the Collectivite de Saint – Martin, Ramona Connor and Rene Jean Duret, Member of the Territory Council, this movie caught the attention of all those that attended. The clients of the Sister Basilia Center from the Dutch side also enjoyed the outing and SAFE wishes to extend thanks to them, their leaders and all other organizations that turned out for the event.
The film which features both disabled and able-bodied actors in rousing dance scenes succeeds in conveying the struggles we all face, making our way, whether through life or on the dance floor, embracing people in all their diversity.
Janet Carrus, the producer of “Musical Chairs”, was present during the evening and answered questions at the end of the presentation, highlighting the importance of tolerance and respect for each other while accepting the fact that we are all different and unique. Acceptance can create a community where we are allowed to “dance to our own beat”, but can have fun, collaborate and respect each other’s values.
The evening, with free entrance, was fully sponsored by St. Martin Sotheby’s International Realty. Audience members were given a brief introduction to SAFE and also encouraged to donate funds to the organization’s causes; an opportunity several took advantage of. SAFE thanks all of those who contributed to their donation box and says that all funds will be used to benefit the LGBT community of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
This is not the first screening of Musical Chairs on the island, but this year’s turnout far surpassed the previous one and in keeping with the producer’s goal to have the movie grow by word of mouth, touching everyone with its message, SAFE encourages other organizations to also screen the movie at events around the island. Copies of the DVD of the movie are also available at Amazon.com.
SAFE, a young organization with representation from both sides of the island seeks to highlight the importance International Human Rights and legal equality no matter one’s gender, race, religious beliefs or sexuality, with special interest for issues pertaining to the LGBT community and their allies. For more information you can contact their hotline: +1 721 550 4221 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also find SAFE on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/safe.sxm
