One of the most exciting films, and what lesbian filmmaker Nicole Conn feels is probably "the most important project she will ever do for the gay and lesbian community," is slated for distribution late this fall. From 100 to Infinity is a documentary that profiles 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual figures and heterosexual friends and supporters of the community hand-picked to serve as role models offering alternatives to gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth.
Among those featured are Sappho and Alexander the Great, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, and Bessie Smith, Harvey Milk and more contemporaries like Melissa Etheridge, Martina, Greg Louganis, and RuPaul, as well as straight supporters like Judith Light and Rosanne.
The percentage of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals among teen suicides is staggeringthe agreed upon figure is 30%. More than 40% of the homeless teenagers in Los Angeles are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. That figure, says the film, represents those we know about. "Facing death," says the Human Rights Campaigns Donna Redwing, "is easier than growing up queer in America." From 100 to Infinity is aimed at that commonly held belief.
"Being in the closet takes a terrible toll on your spirit," the film states, "every time you change a pronoun or stifle a comment about your home life, you cause another microinjury to your soul." The films makers and participants seek to make growing up gay and lesbianand coming outin this country easier for the hundreds of thousands of teens facing the hostility and homophobia of families and peers.
From 100 to Infinity will be completed this winter when it will be available FREE to schools around the country. For further information, contact Joe Marks at (310) 274-5545.
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8/22/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.