At their meeting Thursday night, the Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board decided to schedule the annual Rainbow Key Awards as a virtual ceremony on Aug. 19 — then they quickly realized how little time remained to produce it.
Originally, the board had conceived of a production largely composed of pre-recorded pieces including introductory featurettes of the award winners.
In April the group recommended the following nominees be given awards: Nik Kacy; Dr. Adrian Ravarour; Troy Masters; Grace Baldridge; Sophie B. Hawkins; Jeff Consoletti; Dante Alencastre and Paulo Murillo.
As the scale of the project soon became apparent, the question became: Who’s responsible for putting all this together?
Liaison Hernan Molina was clear on his position — a producer was needed for this project.
“Somebody has to do it. And that’s not going to be me. That’s not going to be the communication department. One of you needs to assume the responsibility.”
Co-Chairperson Robert Gamboa and Board Member Alex Paris offered to handle producing duties.
The board members decided to keep the date in August, set about writing a script and seek vendors for the production.
Board member Jackie Steele shared details about the upcoming event to honor the late activist Ivy Bottini, a pioneer in women’s and LGBTQ rights.
The City of West Hollywood will honor her with her own day on Aug. 18.
The celebration, still in the planning phases, will feature speakers, artists, singers and poets in a hybrid production of live and pre-taped content.
Boardmember Miss Tiger spoke about two options in mind for a planned Memorial in Remembrance of Lives Lost to Suicide in the LGBTQ+ Community.
1) A mirror with etched-in silhouettes that allows the person standing in front of it to see their reflection and “feel surrounded by love.”
2) An 8’x2’ panel with a reflective side to create the same effect as example one. The panel would have water cascading behind and around it and the water will flow into rocks below it.”
Miss Tiger noted the seriousness of the project, and how the current target date of September was unrealistic.
“This is something that’s going to get a lot of attention,” Miss Tiger said.
The idea of creating a Memorial in Remembrance of Lives Lost to Suicide is itself a romanticization of Selbstmord (as it’s called in German). The project planners suggest: 1) A mirror with etched-in silhouettes that allows the person standing in front of it to see their reflection and “feel surrounded by love.” 2) An 8’x2’ panel with a reflective side to create the same effect as example one. The panel would have water cascading behind and around it and the water will flow into rocks below it.” This is the perfect design concept to induce suicide on site. It’s one… Read more »
Recognition of Paulo Murillo is long overdue. Not only has he been an incredible advocate and role model for the sober community, he is a wonderful human being who truly makes this community special. He is a friend, a neighbor and community activist who truly inspires.