Out and Around chronicles one couple's journey across 16 countries in search of queer people fighting for equality around the world. The filmmakers discuss what they found along the way.
Jenni, a business manager for eBay, and Lisa, a social worker in HIV services, first met on the AIDS Lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. In the summer of 2011 they decided to take a year to travel the world together. In each destination, they sought out inspiring activist leaders, whom they coined “Supergays.” Along the way they conducted interviews, gathered personal stories, and were exposed to a whole new world of LGBT culture.
The couple documented their discoveries and interviews on their website, Out & Around: Stories from a Not-So-Straight Journey.
Source: outandaround.com
You were recently named one of Velvet Park's "Top 25 Significant Queer Women of 2012." How did that make you feel?
Lisa: We were quite surprised, but also thrilled that our little film project has made such an impact.
Jenni: It really goes to show how everyday people can make a difference. Before we left on our one-year trip, we didn't even know how to use a camera. With the help of friends, we were able to shoot a film and create a popular blog that had a far reach.
Source: outandaround.com
You both were in search of "Supergays" — what makes someone a Supergay? How did you come up with that term?
Lisa: I always wanted a T-shirt that said "Supergay," with the Superman logo. The idea grew from there.
Jenni: During our year of travel, we were on the hunt for Supergays: individuals who are leading the momentum on the LGBT movement. We found Supergays everywhere across the globe. Supergays may be directly involved in community organization, or they may be using their influence in politics, health, arts, entertainment, or business to raise awareness and make progress on gay issues. Everyone can become a Supergay.
