Twist Film Festival 2016

I had an amazing opportunity to be a photographer for a film festival celebrating LGBT independent films in October.  I have always been drawn to the LGBT community and I think it is because many people I met in the past who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender were very lovely people.  America is advanced in many things but the discrimination against minorities, both gender and racial are yet to prevail.  The stereotyping is terrible here and it is to the point the average American is convinced Asians students are geeks and gays are sexually flamboyant in nature. I am offended with what is on TV most of the time as it is helping with the generalization.  No, I was actually terrible at math and no where near being a teacher's pet.  It did help me in college though since my professors always assumed I am a good student, but I hated the fact that a lot of people still treated me like I am a helpless Asian girl.

The attendees at TWIST seem very nice.  There were a lot of smiles and supportive atmosphere throughout the event.  I took photos of a premier of "Retake", which is a bitter sweet story about a man's plight of longing for his lost lover and how a young escort helped him be freed from the painful past.  I met the producer, Sean Mandell, who hosted a Q&A session after the showing.  He was a very handsome man and I stared at his face for a few seconds which made the situation a bit awkward.  It is true the best dressed and most handsome are on the other team!   The movie starred Tuc Watkins from Desperate House Wives and Devon Graye from Dexter.  I had an option of leaving the theater while the film was showing, but I really wanted to stay and watch the film. I enjoy watching independent films.  I can tell that the movie makers poured their hearts and souls into the film.   I was able to capture the happy atmosphere of the premier and I think the organizer liked me photos.

I was also invited to take photos of a dance of workshop of an amazing dancer named Lady B.  She is a transgender female dancer who specializes in soulful burlesque dance but in particular, twerking.  The workshop was titled Twerkshop and I was very excited to take a part in this event.  So excited that I decided to study a bit about Lady B.  I found a TED presentation she did at her university and I was very moved.  You can watch her presentation here.  She is amazing!  You have to watch it! 

The workshop was a lot of fun.  She welcomed me like I have known her for ages and the attendees were having a lot of fun.  I wish I could join in and dance, too.  I could not help but smile the entire time because it was an honest whole-hearted fun everyone was having.  It really doesn't matter if you are straight or gay, we were born to grow and conquer our challenges, find happiness, nurture it, and grow some more until we pass.  All the difference we have amongst people makes this world a big fun and interesting place to live. The word UNITY does not mean to act the same way.  I have a problem with people who want others to think and behave the same way as themselves.  Our civilization has come a long way.  Let's keep learning and lend our ears to people who are from different circumstances as you are.  Sure, it's not an easy thing to do to be out of the comfort zone, but a little effort can lead to a brighter future for all of us. I felt great being able to help the LGBT community.  I was happy to expand my community and gain a very valuable knowledge and experience with a group of wonderful people!