Copy, paste, click. Copy, paste, click. Oh, yes. Many hours go by like this working on Gayby Boom. I’ve been tackling a brief, yet comprehensive, guide of LGBT organizations around the globe via a list on Wikipedia. Brief as there may be only 1 organization per country. Or there may be 20. And I’m looking at all countries all over the world. Thus, comprehensive.
Now, if they would have direct links to the website and if those websites were in English automatically, this would ease my process. (Or if I knew at least 3 languages...which would be sexy, too) But who needs ease? I’m refining my research capabilities. And it’s truly amazing to see all the good work going on around the world, including regions where it is dangerous to be OUT.
My process? I got through the list on Wikipedia and find the organization’s website and add info to my excel worksheets, including name, email, contact, website, notes as to our contact and geographical location. Then, I send an email to them with a Press Release and Flier. To assist in spreading the Call for Entries, I am awarding opening credits to the organization or individual who refers us the most entries.
The email looks like this and feel free to pass along:
It seems to be working. I can feel the momentum building. I’ve had ILGA, the International Lesbian and Gay Association, send the email off to lists around the world. Forum Haifa in Israel forwarded to their mailing lists. Two organizations in Canada sent the information to their lists and posted to their blogs. The Center in NY posted in their newsletter. An organization in Chile responded with questions in Spanish, as I sent the Press Release in Spanish...choppy though. And Gay Parent Magazine is posting in their next issue. And a professor from Nebraska requested a link to send to her network. Building. Yes, we are. It takes a lot of time and work, but this is an investment.
Would you like to invest? You can in a few ways. Submit a video, subscribe to the art, and/or pass this press release on to 5 people and ask them to pass along to 5 people...and on and on...It works. You work. Let's work it.
The email looks like this and feel free to pass along:
Hello, my name is Lisa Marie Evans. I am a filmmaker and activist currently working on a documentary, Gayby Boom, exploring LGBT families and values. We are seeking home videos by LGBT parents and families from around the globe to compile this feature documentary.
As the home video entries are vital to the completion and quality of the film, I am working to build connections around the world to garner a diverse representation and voice for LGBT peoples and families. If you could pass the information on to your networks, I would appreciate the exposure and hope we may build upon each other's mission. The organization or individual who refers the most home video entries to the film will be awarded opening credits. I have copied the text from the Press Release below, as well as attached a pdf copy and a flier.
I am working to create connections and networks to build upon the work we do and benefit from one another's mission, today and in the future. I appreciate your efforts and energy. I hope we may work together. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or input you may have. Thank you...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Marie Evans
Tel. 816/590-5014
Cell Phone: 816/590-5014
DOCUMENTARY FILM, GAYBY BOOM, SEEKS VIDEO ENTRIES BY LGBT FAMILIES
ARIZONA, May 3, 2010 - Parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender are invited to submit home videos to be included in a feature documentary, Gayby Boom, exploring the ever-evolving definition of family values.LGBT parents and their children of all ages are encouraged to submit. Filmmaker toolkits are available online to assist in the filming process.
"We need parents from around the globe to submit home-videos to represent the many faces and lives involved in LGBT families. In a time where it is still illegal for LGBT individuals to marry and/or adopt in the U.S. and many other countries, this is also the time to share our lives in the spirit of education and awareness for all communities,"expressed filmmaker Lisa Marie Evans. "This will be a brilliant education tool for LGBT individuals seeking to bring children into their lives as they may learn from the stories and experiences of others."
When signing the release forms, individuals are asked who referred them to submit a video. To assist in publicizing the call for videos, the organization or individual who refers the most entries will be awarded their name in the opening credits.
For more information on participation, including where to submit your video, a filmmaker toolkit, releases and press materials, visit: http://www.gaybyboomfilm.com
Submission deadline: September 1, 2010
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