I remember being made fun of as a young teen, because of how masculine I was. Many people couldn't even figure out if I was a boy or a girl, and that really threw them for a loop; often to heated anger. A strange thing. There were many reasons I seemed so boyish, and some of them had to do with the fact that later I realized I'm bisexual... but mostly the fact was that the way I presented myself was right for me. It was who I was; it was how I wanted to wear my hair/my clothes and how I wanted to behave. I didn't understand why people had to categorize themselves as male or female, masculine or feminine. I honestly thought that it was best for us just to express ourselves honestly, as long as that didn't interfere with anyone else's self-expression.
Well, I'm reminded of this in part because of the recent press release I received. Thought I would share. I believe you can visit the website and get involved with the project, if you'd like. All the best to everyone, with your own coming out journeys, and your own ongoing quest for authentic self-expression.
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PRESS RELEASE: The Worst Thing About Coming Out
Rob Barracano is a professor of digital filmmaking at Champlain College and has written horror films for Hollywood and also done TV work. http://www.champlain.edu/academics/our-faculty/barracano-robert
One of his projects with Champlain film students is a web site/turned documentary called “The Worst Thing About Coming Out,” stories of gay, lesbian and trans individuals of all ages about their decision to come out and how they felt about it
http://www.worstthingaboutcomingout.com/. On Friday, Oct. 11, which is National Coming Out Day, a documentary Rob and students made about the project will premiere at the Vermont International Film Festival. I have students who were involved who could be interviewed. Below is more info:
On Friday, 11 October, National Coming Out Day, there will be a panel discussion on identity:
SELF IDENTITY + "HOME:" Our Selves in Community.
"To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." William Shakespeare and the official premier of the documentary, "The Worst Thing About Coming Out." Both events are part of the Vermont International Film Festival and on the festival's opening day. They are free.
Screening 2:30 pm
Panel Discussion 3:30 pm
at Film House
Third Floor of the Lake and College Building, at Sixty Lake Street, in Burlington, Vermont
Dr. Ame Lambert and Eric Ronis of Champlain College, and Dr. Kim Fountain of RU12, will sit on the panel along with guests from the documentary and other community representatives.
