Hello, fellow Kossacks.
I have been reading posts here since 2006 and all that time I've thought to myself, "I really should start diarying." But there are so many great diarists here, and so many folks who are so much more knowledgable than myself about the political issues, I never felt like I had much to contribute. The funny thing is that I am actually a writer. I write musicals. And most of my work is very political in nature, in that it is provocative and questions accepted notions. And so, in honor of Spirit Day, I wanted to introduce an anti-gay bullying musical web series that I've co-written called, The Hinterlands. Because something special is happening.
The Hinterlands is about a bullied gay teen growing up in a rural red state who faces an onslaught of bullying and intolerance, to the point where he feels as though his life isn't worth living. Though we usually write for the stage, we wanted to create a work that could be seen by kids across the country, in the privacy of their own homes. So we decided to make the show a web series. We're currently fundraising to do the filming in early 2013 and if all stays on track, the show will be online for kids to watch, free of charge, in spring of next year.
One of the songs in the show is called "Worthy," and it's a powerful song about every kid is worthy of compassion, respect and love. On Sunday, just 5 days ago, one of the folks working on spreading the word about The Hinterlands had an idea that we should request photos from friends with a sign that says, "I am worthy." We sent out a call for photos, hoping to get back 40 or so. We have received over 600 and they are still rolling in, from across the country. We put as many as we could into the video below and I wanted to share it with you because I think it's really beautiful and inspiring. (It was literally just released moments ago.)
I don't want to overstay my welcome, this being my first diary and all, so I'll just close with this: over the past six years, visiting the Daily Kos has made me feel part of something larger than myself and I have been uplifted by many posts here by people who truly care not just about themselves, but about all human beings. Your sentiments have shaped who I am as a person and as a writer, and so The Hinterlands is in some ways due to your great humanity. Thank you for letting me be part of your community, even though you didn't know I was there.
Warmly,
Michelle
I Am Worthy from The Hinterlands