“When do you get to see the stories of queer youth being agents of their own transformation? Agents of cultural change?”
Amidst the controversial Supreme Court cases debating the rights of same-sex marriage, The Theater Offensive and its youth troupe, OUT Youth, made up of LGBTQ youth and their allies, are working tirelessly to complete their documentary film project, True Colors, but not without your help.
With seven days left in their Kickstarter project, they still need about $22,000 to reach their goal of $55,000 – funds that will help to purchase the film and pay for the editing process necessary to complete this documentary.
(left to right) Associate Producer Pam Chamberlain alongside Director and Producer Ellen Brodsky
Reading articles and listening to the news surrounding same-sex marriage debates in the LGBTQ community, posting a viral profile picture to show support, and engaging in a few heated conversations during the ruling period can often make one feel like they’ve done their part. Though making these issues visible to communities at large and speaking out against hate and injustice is an essential component to progress and change, it can be easy to forget about the basic component at the heart of all these debates,
and that is the love between two people.
OUT Youth does not want you to forget that.
Director and Producer of the True Colors Film Project Ellen Brodsky asks us, “When do you get to see the stories of queer youth being agents of their own transformation? Agents of cultural change?”
The answer is True Colors. Members of OUT Youth write and perform original scripts inspired by their personal stories. Their production has made trips to numerous high schools and community groups in the Boston area, seeking to share their stories in the hopes of educating youths about the experiences in the LGBTQ community. Love is a central theme to this documentary, and the mission of True Colors. Romantic love, family love, religious love,
but most importantly, self-love.
While the documentary won’t shy away from many of the harsh realities for LGBTQ youth that popular media often highlight, like bullying, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide, OUT Youth looks to promote an alternative, using candid and inspiring stories to promote justice and self love.
They “model the importance of being out as they support each other falling in love, surviving break ups, and finding their true selves.”
Needless to say, we dig this Kickstarter, and think you will too. Support this project with your pledge. And if your pockets are feeling light, go cheap with free speech and spread the word about OUT Youth and the True Colors Film Project. You’ve got one week to help these kids make a change.