Winning Hearts and Awards: A Culture Shift in the South

Episode 5: Traversing the South and Embracing CommunityIn this episode, the team reflects on their journey through key southern states, including Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas. The adventure begins with a challenging road trip plagued by RV tire issues and extreme heat weather challenges, highlighting the resilience and humor needed on the road. Stops included a vibrant stay in Baton Rouge, where the team experienced the warmth of the community, explored the LSU campus, and enjoyed interactions with TikTok fans and local audiences.The team’s mission to foster understanding was evident during screenings and Q&A sessions. They encountered audiences eager to challenge preconceived notions and embrace new perspectives on faith, sexuality, and identity.In Pensacola, a highlight was engaging with the Stamped Film Festival and meeting advocates passionate about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. The team celebrated powerful moments of acceptance, such as the support offered by “Mama Bears” to an engaged lesbian couple whose conservative parents had distanced themselves.Finally, Jacksonville surprised the crew with its affirming spaces, including Riverside Baptist Church, a standout for inclusivity within the Baptist denomination. A poignant moment involved reconnecting with old friends, blending personal histories with shared commitment to advocacy.Interwoven throughout the episode were reflections on the evolving journey, the unexpected kindness encountered, and the affirmation of the power of storytelling to transform hearts. The team also celebrated another Audience Award win at the Reel Queer Film Festival, a testament to their impactful work.Reel Queer:https://reelqueerfilm.org/Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival - https://hsdfi.org/Shift Church:https://shiftgnv.com/all-things-shiftShift Happens Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-happens/id1689054326Stamped Film Festival:https://www.stampedfilmfest.com/Pensacola Little Theatre:https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/Wild Goose Festival: https://wildgoosefestival.org/WJCT jacksonville NPR Radio  - First Coast Connect with Dan Scanlanhttps://news.wjct.org/show/first-coast-connect/2024-08-13/on-wednesdays-show-the-cost-of-biblical-translationFrom the Creators of 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. Hosts Brent Roberts and Sharon “Rocky” Roggio recap The 1946 Culture Shift Tour Across America in a 9 Episode Web-Series / Podcast.  Check it out! www.1946themovie.com.@mybrokerbrent https://www.instagram.com/mybrokerbrent/@rockyroggio  https://www.instagram.com/rockyroggio/Special Guests: Joe and Tori Smith Shiftgnv.comJeff Glickman, Theatre Director and Kathy Holsworth, Artistic Director Pensacola Little Theatre@unconventionalpastorpaul https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalpastorpaul/@freemomhugs https://www.instagram.com/freemomhugs/@realmamabears https://www.instagram.com/realmamabears/Church Sponsors: University United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LAUniversity Methodist Fellowship Hall universitymethodist.orgRiverside Church at Park and King Riversidetogether.orgPastors:  Mary Mikell (Baton Rouge) Rev. Adam Gray and Rev. Amber Kearney - (Jacksonville)Venue: Pensacola Little Theatre - www.pensacolalittletheatre.comHosts: Sid Williams-Heath - [email protected] Osborn - StampedFilmFest.comCrew - Filmed, Recorded and Edited by: Eliot Sandusky Peterson @eliotpetersonSupported by UNCUT STUDIOS DTLA  and  Making Things Right the series amplifies marginalized voices and celebrates the resilience and unity of LGBTQIA+ communities.UNCUT STUDIOS DTLA https://www.instagram.com/uncutstudiosdtla/Step into a studio unlike any other, designed for bold visions and endless creativity.Making Things Right http://makingthingsright.org/Making Things Right is an initiative that seeks to rethink the Christian response and responsibility to LGBTQ+ people. You might be a friend or a parent of an LGBTQ+ individual, trying to reconcile your love for them with your beliefs. You may be a church leader looking for better ways to navigate an often divisive dialogue. For anyone weary of the debates and looking for more productive conversation, visit makingthingsright.org to learn more.