Engage, Lobby, Love: Elizabeth Gilbert's Passionate Advocacy for LGBT Immigrant Families
By Steve Ralls on 08/13/2010 @ 10:15 AM
By now, there probably aren't many people who don't know Elizabeth Gilbert's life story. The best-selling author, who traveled millions of miles in what ended up being a search for her own, centered self, caused a sensation with her diary of personal discovery, also known as Eat, Pray, Love.
The book, which became a sort of holistic prescription for self-empowerment via self-fulfillment, was passed from person to person and ended up - in a life-changing moment amidst a story full of such karmic twists - in the hands of Oprah Winfrey.
At its peak, Love was at the top of the best-sellers' list, and was hailed by millions as the holy text for embodying "la dolce vita." (I learned about it when a friend sent me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate, and proclaimed, "Use this to buy Eat, Pray, Love!") Readers have debated its place in the lexicon of feminist literature . . . organized book clubs to swoon over its lush storylines . . . and spent more than a few hours daydreaming about throwing caution to the wind, and following in Gilbert's footsteps, in pursuit of a more perfect union (with themselves).
In short order, the book's title - Eat, Pray, Love - became a mantra for the masses. And now, it has become a Hollywood blockbuster, too.
Beginning today, movie-goers are expected to flock to theaters to see Gilbert - played by screen icon Julia Roberts - eat, pray and love her way across Italy, India and Indonesia. But when the film stops rolling, another inspiring and empowering chapter in Gilbert's life will just be beginning: Her selfless work on behalf of lesbian and gay immigrant families.
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