Gay filmmaker finds doco funding

Independent LA filmmaker Ryan James Yezak’s appeal for donations to fund an ambitious documentary project chronicling the gay rights movement has been answered by more than 3400 people from all over the world, thanks to the spread of an emotional viral video.

Yezak’s plan for the documentary, titled Second Class Citizens, outlines a long list of issues relating to gay discrimination, including marriage, adoption, anti-bullying law and the controversial ‘gay panic’ legal defence, which recently made headlines in Australia.

The project’s donation tally is less than $5000 away from raising the entire film’s budget of $150,000, which is almost triple Yezak ‘s original $50,000 goal.

“I want to make a documentary that encompasses all areas in which we are discriminated against. The general population is not aware that discrimination against the gay community goes beyond marriage and bullying,” Yezak explained to prospective donors.

“There is far too much hate directed towards our community and I want to capture that hate on camera. In addition, I want to explore where this hate comes from, why it continues to exist, and what we must do to get rid of it.”

According to Yezak, the documentary will also tackle the controversial issue of discrimination regarding the donation of blood, semen and bone marrow by homosexuals.

“My boss asked me if I wanted to donate blood with her,” Yezak explained.

“I immediately got up to go with her and then stopped abruptly, realising that I couldn’t donate blood. She did not believe me, nor did she understand why. I felt like a different species.”

To publicise the project, Yezak released a sobering montage video titled The Gay Rights Movement that mixes startling historical footage with more recent news footage about teen suicide and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy, as well as clips of Ellen DeGeneres, Lady Gaga and Dustin Lance Black (the screenwriter of Milk).

The video went viral, spreading through social media, and attracting donors to the project from all over the world.

“I cannot thank you enough for both sharing this video and confirming a need for a film like this,” Yezak responded.

He said he had four similar videos planned.

Donations can be made through the Second Class Citizens Kickstart page.

INFO: www.ryanjamesyezak.com