"Jim in Bold" Press Release

Here's the press release for the upcoming "Jim in Bold" event from the Greater Kansas City chapter of GLSEN.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Media Contact: Andy Schuerman
	Phone: 816-309-2591

GLSEN-KC Board Members
Andy Schuerman - Chair
David Alonzo - Secretary
Sharon Sanita - Treasurer
Dr. Jennifer Santee - Accreditation Chair
David Beal - Fundraising Chair
Dr. Sheryl Guth - Membership Chair
Coyote Schaaf - Programming Chair
Jim MacDonald- Member Liaison

Kansas City, Mo. - Growing up gay in rural Pennsylvania was too much for Jimmy Wheeler. An embattled artist with a loving family, the abuse he suffered at school and in the world led to his suicide in 1997. His short life and a look at the environment for lesbian and gay youth after his death are chronicled in the film "Jim in Bold."

The boards of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN-KC) and Four Freedoms Democratic Club will hold a screening of the film, "Jim in Bold," on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Tivoli Theater located at 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Manor Square building.

Following the film, a question-and-answer session will be held with one of the film's characters, Andy Brown. A reception with cookies and milk provided by members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will conclude the evening.

"Jim in Bold" provides a look at Jimmy Wheeler's life through his paintings and poetry along with vivid and painful interviews with his family. Also in the film is a journey highlighting how things have changed since Jimmy's suicide. Five years after Jimmy's death, three filmmakers trek across the U.S. interviewing lesbian and gay youth to compare their lives to Jimmy's. These interviews are interwoven with those of Jimmy's family members to create a stark contrast from the time in which Jimmy ended his life.

"'Jim in Bold' shows that homophobia can kill," reads a summary of the film on its website, www.jiminbold.org. "The harsh reality of Jimmy Wheeler's abuse is a sober reminder of the destructive power of hate and prejudice."

Highlighting the climate for lesbian and gay youth today is a primary motivator for holding this screening, says Alex Flemington, president of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club.

"The environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth improves everyday," said Flemington. "However, much remains to be done to breakdown the institutionalized and internalized homophobia and heterosexism that still pervades our society."

David Beal, GLSEN-KC board member and one of the planners of the event agrees.

"This film illustrates the isolation and loneliness experienced by many lesbian and gay youth," Beal said. "It is the responsibility of us all to expose this isolation and help lesbian and gay youth feel safer in their homes, schools and communities."

According to the film's website, "Jim in Bold' manifests part of Jimmy Wheeler's dream for society.

"'Jim in Bold' is a story of a boy who dreamed of a better world and the people who live his dream today."

Tickets for the film are $10 and can be reserved by calling 816-881-1140 or by e-mailing mhennosy@sbcglobal.net. They may also be purchased at the door the day of the screening.

The Kansas City chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN-KC) works to ensure a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and those who are questioning their sex ual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ). The local chapter was established in 1998 and works with schools to identify their most pressing needs related to LGBTQ youth and strategies for addressing those needs including training, policy changes and the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances for youth. More information about the chapter can be found at www.glsenkc.org.

The Four Freedoms Democratic Club, also established in 1998, provides a voice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Kansas Citians in the Democratic Party. The organization has sponsored voter registration drives, screened and endorsed candidates for office, campaigned for endorsed candidates and gained political visibility for LGBT people in Kansas City. More information about Four Freedoms Democratic Club can be found at www.fourfreedoms.org.