BUTCHVoices.com» An Open Letter

This is something that I never thought I would have to write. Yet, I know, with change, often come awkward stepping stones.  Writing this now, I am confident that I will look back on this moment and understand it as one necessary to the development and sustainment of BUTCH Voices.

Recently, former BUTCH Voices members made an attempt at what might be perceived as airing BUTCH Voices’ dirty laundry.  It has recently been picked up and covered by media outlets, and I’m sure more coverage will come.  Unfortunately, this is often the case when inaccurate and negative information is spread throughout the internet.

I have already made a previous public statement about the press release, and been in contact with many who are concerned about BUTCH Voices’ “internal strife” and the “affect this may have on our upcoming conference” in August.  I appreciate your concern, and you have given me and my fellow BV board members much food for thought and improvement.

Still, I want to publicly announce, at this point, there has been no “airing of dirty laundry” because there is no internal strife with BUTCH Voices or the 2011 BUTCH Voices National Conference.  We are what we think; we are all on which we focus our thoughts.  At present, the entire BV team is focusing on making our 2^nd National Conference the best conference to date.

Saying this, I am still aware that there are issues to be addressed and questions to be answered.

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Frameline discussion with the Director/Producer of Pariah

thegang:

        

        

I also had the extreme fortune (with the same dope folks) to hear the director and producer of the feature film, Pariah speak at a Frameline discussion yesterday as well. Not only did we get to hear them speak about the film’s evolution from a short into a full-length feature (picked up by Focus Features), we got to kick it with them for food, drinks, and good times afterwards. 

I remember hearing about Pariah a couple years back and watching the short online. I was completely blown away by the quality of the short - everything from story line to the visuals, to the acting was perfectly on point. Pariah has now been picked up for major distribution later this year (woot!!).

Hearing the Director (Dee Rees) and Producer (Nekisa Cooper) talk about their transition from corporate america (the dreammm) to following their hearts and produce something they are really proud of was nothing short of inspirational. They described in detail the work and passion it took to get this far with a film that at times to others seemed “too black” or “too gay”. They also talked about giving back to the LGBTQ community and supporters that got the film to where it is today. In short, these are folks who are about bringing visibility to our community, and to people’s stories who aren’t being told.

So, please SUPPORT this film when it comes out! “We like to have the kind that jingles, but we rather have the kind that FOLDS!” lmao. Put your money where your mouth is and check this amazing film out opening weekend! This way up and coming film-makers won’t have to fight as hard to get our stories told.

Peep the new trailer, HERE.

Peep some video I took of the discussion, HERE & HERE. 

Co-Presented by BUTCH Voices and the NIA Collective