Last month, HRC Arkansas proudly sponsored the Third Annual Kaleidoscope LGBT Film Festival in Little Rock, Arkansas. The locally-grown event featured around 45 films, ranging from shorts to feature-length films that chronicled the experiences of LGBTQ people around the globe. During the event, HRC Arkansas hosted two post-film discussions – on films “The Watermelon Woman” and “Saturday Church” – and an after party.

HRC Arkansas State Director Kendra R. Johnson led a post-film discussion with veteran director, and out lesbian, Cheryl Dunye, who wrote, directed and starred in “The Watermelon Woman.” The film, shown on its 20^th anniversary, is touted as the first LGBTQ film featuring a Black lesbian. It was followed by her new short film “Black is Blue,” which examines the realities of trans men of color, equally unchartered waters in film.

“Saturday Church” is a feature-length musical that examines the role religion plays in LGBTQ youth homelessness and how our community develops chosen family. Luka Cain, the lead actor in the film, sat down to discuss the real-life inspiration for the film. “The film was loosely based on real life people who ended up on the street because of discrimination and found family at this real-life shelter,” said Cain.

Uplifting the stories of LGBTQ people told by LGBTQ people is crucial, which is why HRC supports events that bring our stories to light.

HRC recently launched the Love Your Neighbor video series and OutLoud Storytelling, both featuring LGBTQ and ally Arkansans telling their stories. Next month, HRC Arkansas will also host its third annual “OutLoud Storytelling” on October 11, 2017. The event is held on National Coming Out Day and centers the stories of LGBTQ Arkansans and allies. For more information on OutLoud Storytelling or to get tickets, click here.