On Monday August 7 at 9 pm EDT, the cable TV network Lifetime will air “The Truth About Jane,” a film about a teenaged girl who comes out to herself and to her family as a lesbian. The film, by writer-director Lee Rose, was made with the guidance of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Centering on Jane, a high school student, the film highlights the struggles of gay youth facing intolerant parents. Rose made the film in an attempt to depict a more optimistic view of gay youth given the violence that many GLBT individuals have faced. Without discounting such horrible experiences as that of murdered college student Matthew Shepard, “The Truth About Jane” will show a “tender” relationship between two high school girls, and will outline the struggle of parents to accept their children.
Making the film was not easy, Rose said. Casting was a struggle, as few young actresses would take the risk, or were prevented from accepting the role by fearful parents. Jane is played by 18-year-old Ellen Muth; her parents are played by Stockard Channing and James Naughton. Jane’s love-interest is played by 23-year-old Alicia Lagano. Finding a school to shoot the film was also difficult, as countless Phoenix area public schools refused. Caesar Chavez High School eventually welcomed the cast and crew.
