Jacqueline Bisset Heads Hollywood Celebrities Supporting Stonewall National Museum’s Drive 2 Fundraiser & 20th Anniversary of Gay Rom-Com ‘Latter Days’
2024-10-19
Latter Days Reunion Celebrates 20 Years of Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Storytelling
In a heartwarming celebration of diversity, bravery, and the power of love, Hollywood legends and the creative team behind the acclaimed 2003 film "Latter Days" reunited in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to support the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library's Back to the Drive 2 fundraiser. The event not only marked the 20th anniversary of the trailblazing gay romantic comedy but also served as a poignant reminder of the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing quest for equality.
Reuniting to Inspire and Empower
Iconic Actors and Filmmakers Reflect on the Legacy of "Latter Days"
The event brought together a star-studded cast and crew, including acclaimed actress Jacqueline Bisset, screen-stealer Wes Ramsey, acclaimed writer/director C. Jay Cox, and producer Kirkland Tibbels. These industry luminaries shared their experiences and insights, recounting the pride, resolve, and backlash they faced in creating a film that broke down barriers and celebrated diversity.
A Timely Reunion in a Changing Landscape
As the nation's cultural views on LGBTQ+ rights have evolved over the past two decades, the reunion served as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. With a new film studio under construction in Fort Lauderdale and the county's tax breaks for filmmakers, the event sparked discussions about the potential for Cox and Tibbels to bring their unique storytelling talents back to the Sunshine State.
Honoring the Stonewall National Education Project
The Back to the Drive 2 fundraiser also shone a spotlight on the Stonewall National Education Project (SNEP), a decades-old program dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ+ history, culture, and human rights are taught alongside other invaluable subjects. As books and education remain under threat in various regions, SNEP's mission to provide a safe and welcoming school environment for marginalized students has never been more crucial.
Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of "Latter Days"
"Latter Days," the groundbreaking 2003 film that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The reunion event in Fort Lauderdale served as a testament to the film's enduring impact, showcasing the power of storytelling to challenge stigmas, promote understanding, and inspire change.
A Call for Future Collaborations and Meaningful Narratives
The event's organizers, led by Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library's Executive Director Robert Kesten, expressed their hope for future collaborations between the "Latter Days" creative team and the Fort Lauderdale community. With the region's growing film industry and supportive environment, the stage is set for Cox, Tibbels, and their colleagues to once again push the envelope and deliver meaningful, impactful narratives that celebrate diversity and advance the cause of LGBTQ+ equality.