Black & LGBTQ Documentary

Why a "Black & LGBTQ" Documentary?

By remembering the ground-breakers of the past and appreciating the innovators of today, I propose a discussion: A conversation spotlighting the social impacts and achievements of the black LGBTQ community, by exploring the “then” with interviews of the “now”.  As a Black queer woman, raised within the “normal restrictions of the social construct”, I’ve had a lengthy journey of becoming myself. After too many years of searching for true sexual identity, I’ve landed happily and proudly, out of the closet.

The Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, the Stonewall Inn: Three monumental occurrences in American history, fueled by blacks of the LGBTQ community, and all still current topics of conversation and political points taught in levels of education.  Some silently advocated, while others protested on the front lines.  Collectively, their efforts are the foundation on which the LGBTQ community continues to build on.

From LA to the UK and beyond, the progression has become more and more prominent. Being actors, models, Emmy award winners and activists, they continue the fight of the LGBTQ movement and have created their own voice and identity with in the community. Speaking through their queerness and the same prejudices that black people endure, they address their difficulties within the community and the steps they’ve made to celebrate their journey and accomplishments. 

Always remembering, and never forgetting those whose lives were taken by senseless violence and ignorance, we light candles and in silence pay our respects.  From the nameless, known only as a tally in a police report, to headlining faces that have broken our hearts, we honor those we have lost.

Who are the "then" Black LBGTQ community changers?

James Baldwin - Writer

Gladys Bentley – Blues Singer

Marsha P. Johnson –Activist

Alain LeRoy Locke - Activist

Audre Lorde – Writer and Activist

Langston Hughes – Writer and Activist

Ruth Ellis - Activist

Alice Dunbar Nelson – Writer and Activist

Billie Holiday – Jazz Singer

Barbara Jordan - Politician

Lorraine Hansberry – Playwright and Writer

Anna Pauline Murray –Activist, Lawyer, Reverend

Josephine Baker - Entertainer

Bayard Rustin - Activist

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy –Activist

Richard Bruce Nugent – Writer and Painter

Alvin Ailey – Choreographer and Activist

(+ more)

And the "now"?

RuPaul – Producer

Laverne Cox – Actress/Activist

Lena Waithe - Screenwriter

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy - Activist

EJ Johnson – Television Personality

Jonté – Choreographer/Musician

Frank Ocean - Musician

Paris Barclay – Television Producer

Syd The Kid - Musician

Big Freedia – Entertainer

Melange Lavonne - Rapper

Tracy Chapman - Musician

André Leon Talley – Fashion Journalist

Jason Collins – Retired NBA player

Barry Jenkins - Filmmaker

Isis King –Model

Raquel Willis – Writer and Activist

Patrisse Cullors - Activist

Angelica Ross – Entrepreneur

Elle Hearns - Activist

Janet Mock – Writer

Blane Charles – Style Interior Publicity

J. Christpher Neal – Pride Grand Marshal

Samira Wiley - Actress

Agunda Okeyo – Producer/Activist

Keith Boykin - Broadcaster

Cece McDonald - Activist

Don Lemon – News Correspondent

Nafessa Williams - Actress

Lord Waheed Ali – Politician

Gina Yashere – Comedian

Meshell Ndegeocello - Musician

Bergdorf Munroe- Model/ Activist

MNEK - Musician

(+ more)

What stage is this documentary?

Pre-pitch stage! The more participants the closer funding gets!

Confirmed crew:

TJ Morehouse, producer, pga; Todd Hoffman, producer, Bronson Conner, DP

Confirmed interviewees:

Honey Mahogany, Munroe Bergdorf, Merrie Cherry, JC Neal, Ivana Black, DJ Lynnee Denise and Agunda Okeyo