Inspiring stories of courageous and committed activists determined to make a difference set the tone for this program. Whether it’s fighting intolerance outright, or merely opening up discussions on “closeted” subjects, characters in these films bravely face the big issues of the world, and attempt to make changes in their small worlds.

Queer Streets (Alex Waterfield, US, 2006): Follow the lives of seven gay, lesbian, and trans youth for one summer as they deal with poverty, drugs, sex work, and daily life in the New York City youth shelter system.

Das Ovo (Michael Brynntrup, Germany, 2005): It’s not about how a drag queen moves, it’s what she sets in motion.

The Essay Assignment (Jennifer Lin, US, 2006): A 14-year-old Asian American girl’s essay on homosexuality and gay marriage causes controversy at her middle school in a small conservative Ohio town.

We Belong (Dean Hamer, US, 2006): A rural teen finds the courage to stand up to bigotry and intolerance in his town, and harnesses the determination to tell his story to the world.

Swim for Life (Tim O’Hara, US, 2006): A group of gay athletes faces a second coming out process as AIDS surfaces in San Francisco.

Smalltown Boy (Moby Longinotto, UK, 2007): Fifteen-year-old David battles it out for the title of “Carnival Queen.”

ADMISSION:  $10 non-member / $8 members