Among the little-known deeds of comedian Robin Williams, mourned by many of us this week, is that he helped launch a groundbreaking children’s film that included same-sex parents.
The award-winning That’s a Family  was “the first film for children to explore all family types,” according to its website. Directed by Debra Chasnoff, the film was launched in 2000 by her educational film company Groundspark (formerly Women’s Educational Media). (Chasnoff also directed Choosing Children, about the first generation of lesbians choosing to have children together.) 
In the 35-minute documentary for grades K-5, children talk about their many different types of families, including ones with parents of different races and religions, divorced parents, a single parent, gay and lesbian parents, adoptive parents, and grandparents as guardians.
On its Facebook page on Tuesday, Groundspark posted a photo of Williams at the film’s premiere, and noted, “He performed a wild, crazy, monologue about all kinds of families at our world premiere and then lent his name with a powerful endorsement of the film that helped us reach into schools and many communities.” 
His endorsement read, “That’s a Family! is an extraordinary film that teaches a poignant lesson about love and family.”
The film even received a screening at the White House later in 2000 — but was banned in 2007 by a school district that found its inclusion of children with same-sex parents unpalatable.
Williams is missed by many of us for many different reasons. Add his allyship with diverse families to the list.
