LGBTQ ISSUES - International Film Festival Support – “People are People”

THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY IN RUSSIA

Recently the Inti Raymi Fund traveled to Russia with the goal of supporting a community which is all but “invisible” to the naked eye – The LGBTQ Community. This community has made great strides globally against homophobia and they have spread awareness of the ignorant stereotypes imposed upon this discriminated segment of society. Unfortunately, the Russian government and other countries, have moved in opposition to global opinion and open-mindedness. The Russian government is continuously cracking down on non-­heterosexual activity, as evidenced by the social aggressions and violence during the Sochi Olympics held in 2014.  Further, a number of their film festival venues have had to be cancelled or changed in the past due to bomb threats. It appears very relevant to support this “invisible” and vulnerable community of People in Russia.

We researched and visited with the Side by Side (Bok­-0-­Bok in Russian) International Film Festival team of Russia and found their approach  helping People to be brilliant. Their emotional, psychological and educational support through international film festivals for those feeling discrimination for being “different” is worthy of support.  The further criminalization of these people by their governments further shames them and erodes their Dignity & Respect. It would be immensely beneficial if governments took the lead role by example, supporting diversity in all People with equal rights and education.

The Side by Side International Film Festival of Russia provides an emotionally safe environment for an age 18+ crowd of open­minded people to view films on the LGBTQ Community. Various issues within the LGBTQ Community are topics like stigma, homophobia, discrimination, hate crimes, and acceptance are all addressed sensitively. This careful approach encourages understanding and enlightenment in the 30% “straight crowd” who attend these film festivals. We believe it is a powerful way to help mend the misunderstanding and prejudice that undermines the LGBTQ Community.

We encourage you to contact this wonderfully dedicated organization in Russia directly, to support their effective film festival projects. The Inti Raymi Fund has personally visited with and researched this fantastic organization which is under continued political pressure. They need your help now more than ever.

INTI RAYMI FUND AND SIDE BY SIDE

The Inti Raymi Fund provided $25,000 in financial support to the Side by Side Organization in Russia.  Interestingly, thirty percent of the attendees are “straight”, showing hope of bridging the gap of misunderstanding on this issue in Russia.

Please follow them on social media and contact them directly through their web site for additional support at:

FACEBOOK:  Side by Side LGBT International Film Festival

WEB SITE:           www.bok-o-bok.ru

DIRECT EMAIL:  manny@bok-o-bok.ru

GPS coordinates of project location were purposefully modified for discretion.