A new video competition for college and middle and high school students is launching in Southern California to expand understanding and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) contributions to society. The Lavender Effect has partnered with the educational network Global SchoolNet and REVRYTM, the world’s first streaming network dedicated to all forms of digital entertainment created by and for LGBTQ and allied audiences.
The Queer History Student Filmmakers Competition will launch at a fundraising event on Oct. 26 at the W Hollywood Hotel, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. The Rev. Troy Perry, gay activist and cofounder of LA Pride and Christopher Street West and founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, will give a special presentation before the competition formally opens.
College students entering the Queer History Student Filmmakers Competition will produce 3 to 5 minute videos celebrating historic LGBTQ and allied figures and landmarks. The competition aims to engage students to present their unique perspectives on LGBTQ history, as student filmmaker Alex Valencia did with his award winning video about computer scientist Alan Turing.
The Lavender Effect will have a dedicated channel on the REVRYTM streaming platform, making it accessible to young filmmakers and sharing significant stories of LGBTQ history and culture with the world. Global SchoolNet will facilitate the competition for middle and high school students.
The Lavender Effect is a nonprofit project of Community Partners whose goal is advancing the future of LGBTQ heritage and culture. “Celebrating LGBTQ heritage and culture helps to demystify our diverse community, as well as reduce shame, combat homophobia and empower future generations,” said Lavender CEO Andy Sacher.
