Just Between Us" New Documentary Engages Diaspora in the African-American Gay Community

Very few African-Americans of the 20th Century ventured to declare their sexual orientation, but for those who did, it was a time of evolutionism within. So where are we today and what does it mean to be black and gay in America today? What is the state of our community?

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 1, 2005 -- The gay communitys struggle for civil rights has been well publicized, and the Down Low Phenomenon overrated, but the personal battle each gay and lesbian person of color faces everyday is too often kept in the dark. Just Between Us, is a documentary that delves into the community's turmoil by speaking to the revolutionaries of today that are telling their stories, giving advice and shedding some light from their own personal trials and tribulations.

With all their successes, at the end of the day, these individuals, Faith Trimel, Maurice Jamal, Christopher David and Sharon Bridgforth are still reminded that they have to work twice as hard, twice as long and twice as fast as their white counter-parts. Just as their predecessors, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Wallace (Wally) Thurman, Audre Lorde, Baynard Rustin, Pat Parker, and James Baldwin, did.

Each one of these revolutionaries embodies the various voices of gays and lesbians of color either through not only their artistic presence, but communal significance as well. The community embraces them, relishes them and dreams for them as they give not only of themselves, but the power of their voices. With all the beauty, intelligence and compassion, in the community, our darkest moments need to be understood and explained by those who have been through it. These revolutionary pioneers of the African-American Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender Community share with the world in this documentary that there is really only one problem: the communitys love is still hidden from the world and secret lives that have been carefully concealed by denying the attractions for fear scorn can be overcome. The life of a gay and lesbian person of color is can seem unbearable and a torturous personal hell, but through understanding, it is good to be gay in America.

Just Between Us reveals not only the life of the African-American Gay and Lesbian community, but dispels the stereotypes and myths plaguing the community as a whole and stop the hush-hush nature in the African-American family units and its reluctance to accept or incorporate gay lifestyles into the African-American community and society. Ken Jackson directs this documentary not only at African-American gay men and women, but others who are likely to be impacted by same gender loving individuals afraid to share their lives with loved ones, because of unnecessary shame and defeatist elements who dont understand that there is nothing wrong with being gay or lesbian. With style as colorful as Jackson himself, he is sure to draw in all walks of life.

For more information please visit www.ken-jackson.net & www.onpointeproductions.com.

Editors: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
On Pointe Productions, Inc. Promotional Services Department
Tel: 404 538-8761
Email: indieblkfilmkr@yahoo.com
(Please provide a street address in email)

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