Out in the Country:
Stories of Small town and Rural Queers
In thousands of small towns across our country there are remarkable stories that we never hear. These are stories of lesbian, gay, bi and trans folks making a life outside of the metropolitan areas and the gay ghettos. Stories of people who’ve designed their own authentic path, with creative flair, boldness and a gay exuberance, stories of people who live outside of the mainstream.
The queer artist in northern Montana, owner of the county’s largest Barbie collection, who’s redesigning City Hall…
The tranny mechanic at a southern Nascar racetrack, caring for her aging father
The dyke in an Oklahoma volunteer fire department who teaches meditation in a local prison
The gay oil well rigger in Texas who designs handbags.
How do they do it?
How do they mix with straight culture in small town America, and how does straight culture mix with them? What are the gifts and talents they bring to rural life? How do they deal with conflict, homophobia and bigotry, with love, acceptance, sex, & romance?
Out in the Country tells the stories of people who have found a way to be themselves in the middle of small town America, living with humor and joy, even as they face challenges of sexism, racism and homophobia. They are stories full of drama, heartbreak, comedy, mystery and intrigue, featuring people of all colors, ages, and sexual identities. Remarkable people who bring a uniquely queer perspective to what is often called Red America.
Out in the Country is a series of 30-minute programs for television that tells three stories about three people leading creative lives outside of the mainstream.
Each story also introduces the original music of queer musicians, providing a unique soundtrack to the series while showcasing a full range of talented new musicians.
Out in the Country is being created with an eye towards national broadcast in early 2006.
Out in the Country is looking for new stories.
Do you know of any LGBT folks living in rural or small town areas that are leading unique and creative lives? Please let us know – send email to:
FILMMAKERS
Bill Weber
Eric Slade
Eric Slade has been an independent producer/director for over 20 years.
His recent film, “Hope along the Wind: The Life of Harry Hay” a one hour documentary on gay rights pioneer Harry Hay, had its broadcast premiere on PBS. The film received a Bay Area Emmy nomination, a Golden Gate award at the San Francisco International Film Festival and four “Best Documentary” awards at festivals across the country.
Slade’s independent productions have screened at dozens of festivals around the world and received numerous honors and awards.
Most recently he worked as Series Producer/Director at Oregon Public Broadcasting (PBS) in Portland, Oregon.
