A new documentary examines the relationship of charity and big business during a gay pride event.

(PRWEB) April 5, 2005 -- A new documentary, “Selling Queer” chronicles the events of Gay Day 2004 in Orlando, Florida. One of the nation’s largest gay-oriented vacation weeks, Gay Day brings over 150,000 travelers to the area and has been the target of numerous protests due to its close affiliation with the Walt Disney World Resort.

According to the Gay Days promoters over $110,000,000 is brought into the central Florida economy during the week long party event. Of that money under $10,000 went to charity. The promoters claim that the benefit to the local gay community comes from the influx of capital into the venues and then trickles down to the extra man power that must be hired. If this is true, then why are many of the gay-owned and operated businesses in Orlando’s so-called “Rainbow Row” closing their doors immediately following the event? Why are circuit party promoters like Mark Baker [Coliseum, Magic Journeys] trying to pay their talent in party tickets instead of cash? This is where “Selling Queer” breaks new ground, allowing a silent majority to be heard at a crossroads for gay rights. A majority that feels it isn’t appropriate for gay community leaders to allow corporate sponsors and mainstream media to reinforce the image of a hedonistic community of drugs and sex.

There are two sides to every story and “Selling Queer” presents a view of the event not only from those promoting the parties, but from those who feel that big business in the modern era of “gay chic” is morally detrimental to the community at large. The issues addressed in the documentary raise questions about if large corporations portray and support only the “sexy” aspect of gay life, do they hurt efforts toward gay marriage and adoption? By the media portraying gays as being either wealthy or poor but beautiful does that further alienate those young and old who feel that they don’t even belong in their already small community? These social issues are at the core of the film and why it is a must see piece of cinema.

The film was shot over seven days in Orlando Florida last June and features interviews and appearances by promoters, clergy, politicians, charity organizers and performers, all of which wrestle with the new issues facing gays in the 21st century.

The film’s director, R. Dekker Dreyer, is proud that the film shows an accurate picture of the events and is quoted as saying “Although we strive to give equal time to both sides of the issues, we can’t make people say or do things that they didn’t. I’m very proud of the fact that we didn’t take anything out of context in this movie and that in being balanced we hope to do good for those we represented” He continues by saying, “There are moments in the film, especially where we chronicle the lesbian wedding that happened during Gay Days, where we know that we captured something that may change people’s perspective on same sex couples. It’s about showing people who may not know any homosexuals that there’s more to it then Queer Eye and Broadway stereotypes. In the context of a documentary I think this is especially powerful.”

This film isn’t the first touch of controversy surrounding the Orlando event. On the film’s official website http://queer.dandalimited.com there is an archive of related articles on the subject by the associated press. The online trailer is also available. There is a grassroots cultural movement that needs to be heard and “Selling Queer” is simply one example of it.

Selling Queer will premiere in New York City on May 4th, 2005 at the Village East Cinemas (2nd Ave. & 12th St.). The screening will take place at 8:00pm and tickets are available for $10.00 online at http://www.ticketweb.com/ (search for Selling Queer), by phone at 1-866-468-7619 or at the box office.

Press is invited to attend the screening and after party. Credentials can be obtained by faxing a request on letterhead to (212) 387-0873 Attn: Briege. To contact those involved in the production for interviews or other inquires please contact (212) 465-2503.