Earlier this year, the documentary Out in the Silence caused a major controversy in the small town of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The film ended up being shown at the public library despite threats of protest. Three months later, and after a rash of gay suicides, has the public’s attitude changed toward a film that shows the struggle of growing up gay in a small town?

Out in Silence demonstrates the complexities of being gay in small-town America, and it is set to be screened at Oregon State University. Filmmakers Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer will be present after the screening to answer questions and engage dialogue about fairness, equality, and inclusion.

Wilson, a native of Oil City, Penn., left his conservative hometown, but after his same-sex marriage was announced in the local paper, it attracted so much attention that Wilson chose to return home to document the many voices raised on all sides of the issue.

Read more and view the Trailer after the jump…

Exploring topics ranging from religion, safe schools, anti-gay bullying, and economic development, to discrimination, tolerance and understanding, the film offers a model for civic engagement and dialogue to begin the process of building bridges on issues that have divided communities. Wilson and Hamer are working with grassroots groups, colleges, universities and a variety of civil and human rights organizations to take the film to small towns and rural communities.

“What better places to promote dialogue and mutual understanding,” said Wilson, “than in public libraries, churches, schools, colleges and universities, community centers and local theaters, those great institutions where families, friends and neighbors in small towns and rural communities come together to talk about and develop solutions to the most challenging issues of the day?”

The screening of “Out in the Silence,” is scheduled for 5 P.M., Friday, Nov. 5, in the Memorial Union Journey Room on the Oregon State University Campus.