As the marriage equality debate rages around the world, it’s become clear that there is a voice missing from the discussion: the voice of the kids. Young filmmaking duo, Charlotte McLellan (producer) and Maya Newell (director) are revealing the untold stories of children of same sex parents with their documentary, GAYBY BABY.

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Director Maya Newell, grew up with two mothers, giving her a unique insight into the subject. “When I was a kid, I didn’t know many other children with gay parents. I would have loved to have been able to watch a film and feel that my experiences were shared. So I’ve decided to make that film.”

The filmmakers are currently campaigning to raise $100,000 via crowdfunding, which will go towards production costs including sourcing further content for the film, camera equipment, travel and accommodation, marketing, and postproduction costs, including a professional editor, grading, sound design, sound mixing and animation design. See Maya represent gaybies on QandA here.

We ask Maya about the process so far.

On what scale is this work by comparison to your other films?

GAYBY BABY is my first feature length film.  About ten times or more endurance and passion needed to pull me through.

How have you sourced your gaybies?

It has been through various processes. Lesbian circles and word of mouth – so family and friends, which got me a plethora of kids. We contacted many same-sex parenting networks for enthusiastic camera friendly families. From there it’s just casting. This is my favourite part really as I have got to sit down and share stories with so many young gaybies who often have not articulated their idea on some of the subjects we speak on.

You’ve gone from interviewing older gaybies and moved on to young children – why is that?

The film is not finished yet, so I don’t want to be too definitive about who will be in it or not – it may have both older and younger kids. I am interested in younger kids as they are often unable to articulate what it means to have a gay family, they are living it. Older kids are great to chat to for research, as we have had time to make sense of our upbringing and often have more understanding of how it has shaped and informed our identity.

You’ve been travelling Australia interviewing gaybies for this film – what has it been like making a film that so broadly covers your home country?

Well I love the diversity of Australia and I love the diversity of family so naturally travelling to find kids from all over was a winning idea.

Donations to the film can be made at: pozible.com/gaybybabythemovie