LGBT + and Transgender Rights Through Storytelling
Table of Contents:
Introduction to LGBT Advocate James Lantz
The Importance of Storytelling
Theatrical Advocate: "The Bus"
Documentary Filmmaker: Amplifying Voices
Advocacy through Narrative Media
"Angry Gay Grandpa" Web Series
"Not Losing You" Film Project
Personal Journey and Commitment
The Power of Representation
Continuing the Fight
Introduction to LGBT Advocate James Lantz
In a world where marginalized communities continue to face discrimination and oppression, storytellers like James Lantz have taken it upon themselves to be the voice of the voiceless. Through his multifaceted career as a filmmaker, playwright, and advocate, Lantz has dedicated himself to championing the rights of the Transgender and LGBTQ+ community, using the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms and promote understanding and acceptance. You can watch Amber LeMay interview James Lantz in the video above. He was previously on Amber Live to talk about his other projects including Vermont and the Bright Green Nothing.
The Importance of Storytelling
Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for fostering empathy, challenging preconceptions, and creating a more inclusive society. By bringing to light the lived experiences of marginalized communities, stories have the ability to humanize those who have been dehumanized, and to shed light on the injustices and struggles they face.
In the realm of Transgender and LGBTQ+ rights, storytelling has played a crucial role in raising awareness, breaking down stereotypes, and advocating for equal rights and protection under the law. Through the medium of film, theater, and literature, artists like Lantz have given voice to those who have been silenced, and have served as a catalyst for social change.
Theatrical Advocate: "The Bus"
One of Lantz's most acclaimed works is the award-winning LGBT + play, "THE BUS." Set in small-town America in the 1980s, the play tells the story of two boys who meet in secret on a parked church bus to explore their budding relationship, hidden from their families and friends.
"THE BUS" tackles themes of secrecy, religion, and the complexities of familial bonds, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by LGBT + individuals in a society that often stigmatizes and ostracizes them. Through its powerful storytelling, the play has resonated with audiences worldwide, shedding light on the human experience of those who have been marginalized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Documentary Filmmaker: Amplifying Voices
In addition to his work in theater, Lantz has also used the medium of documentary filmmaking to amplify the voices of the Transgender and LGBT + community. His documentary short film and essay, "THE SIGN," commissioned and published by The Guardian, explored the complexities of free speech and LGBT + rights, winning the Best Documentary Award at the 2016 Boston Short Film Festival.
Lantz's commitment to amplifying marginalized voices is further exemplified by his Kickstarter-funded documentary, "VERMONT AND THE BRIGHT GREEN NOTHING," which delved into a Vermont trademark conflict over the phrase "Eat More Kale." Through this film, Lantz shed light on the importance of free speech and the challenges faced by small businesses and activists in the face of corporate power.
Advocacy through Narrative Media
"Angry Gay Grandpa" Web Series
Lantz's advocacy for Transgender and LGBT + rights extends beyond his artistic endeavors. He is currently developing "Angry Gay Grandpa," a web series that tackles the tragic issue of Transgender youth suicides in the wake of anti-Trans and anti-LGBT + rhetoric and legislation sweeping across the United States.
The web series is inspired by the heartbreaking events in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where four Transgender and non-binary youth suicides occurred since November 2022. Despite the anti-Trans rhetoric being partially implicated in two of the teens' suicides, there has been virtually no media coverage of this tragedy.
Through "Angry Gay Grandpa," Lantz aims to shed light on this critical issue and provide a platform for the voices of Transgender and Queer youth to be heard. By humanizing their experiences and highlighting the devastating consequences of discrimination and hate, the web series has the potential to foster empathy, understanding, and a call to action for social change.
"Not Losing You" Film Project
Another project in Lantz's pipeline is "Not Losing You," a commercial film project that focuses on the father of a Transgender teen contending with new anti-Trans laws. This timely and important work aims to raise awareness and foster understanding around the challenges faced by Transgender individuals and their families in the face of discriminatory legislation.
"Not Losing You" is part of a larger independent film project that seeks to support Transgender and Queer youth through filmed narrative media, including a 30-second commercial planned for broadcast during the 2024 presidential election season. By using the power of storytelling to humanize the experiences of Transgender individuals and their loved ones, Lantz hopes to combat the prejudices and misconceptions that often fuel discriminatory policies and legislation.
Personal Journey and Commitment
Lantz's advocacy for Transgender and LGBT + rights is deeply rooted in his personal journey. Two years ago, he came out as gay on National Coming Out Day, sharing his story with the world through an open letter to his wife. This act of vulnerability and authenticity not only empowered Lantz to live his truth but also served as an inspiration for others who may be struggling with their own identity or fear of rejection.
Furthermore, Lantz has been public about his diagnosis with a rare Sarcoma cancer five years ago, which has left him partially disabled. Despite the cancer metastasizing to stage 4, Lantz remains resolute in his belief that it is possible to change the world for the better, and he is working tirelessly to complete critical parts of the "Not Losing You" Film Project prior to the 2024 presidential election.
Lantz's personal journey has undoubtedly shaped his artistic vision and advocacy work, imbuing it with a sense of urgency and authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences and inspires others to join the fight for equality and acceptance.
The Power of Representation
Lantz's work highlights the profound impact that representation can have on marginalized communities. By bringing the experiences of Transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals to the forefront through his films, plays, and advocacy efforts, he is not only giving them a voice but also challenging societal norms and preconceptions.
Representation is a powerful tool for fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance. When marginalized communities see their stories and lived experiences reflected in the media and art, it validates their existence and affirms their humanity. This, in turn, can help to combat the stigma, discrimination, and violence that these communities often face.
Furthermore, representation can inspire and empower those who have felt invisible or marginalized, providing them with role models and a sense of belonging. It can also serve as a catalyst for social change by challenging the status quo and prompting difficult but necessary conversations about equality, justice, and human rights.
Continuing the Fight
James Lantz's work as a storyteller and advocate for Transgender and LGBT + rights is a testament to the power of art and storytelling to effect positive change. Through his plays, films, and advocacy efforts, he has shone a light on the struggles and experiences of marginalized communities, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for social justice.
As the fight for equality and acceptance continues, storytellers like Lantz play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of the voiceless and challenging the prejudices and misconceptions that fuel discrimination and oppression. By humanizing the experiences of Transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals, Lantz's work has the potential to inspire compassion, spark difficult conversations, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and just society.
As Lantz continues to develop projects like "Angry Gay Grandpa" and "Not Losing You," his impact is sure to resonate far beyond the confines of the stage or screen, serving as a powerful catalyst for social progress and a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized and silenced.
"I have an ethical obligation to confront the failures of my profession and the complacency and complicity of fellow communicators," says James Lantz. "As a creative communicator, I have a duty to reflect and amplify the voices marginalized.”
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—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
