the pride
ISSUE NUMBER 63, VOLUME 34 | SEPTEMBER 3 – SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 9.3.2021 – 9.17.2021
WWW.THEPRIDELA.COM
LOS ANGELES
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THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER
Research suggests nearly half of LGBT renters behind on rent fear eviction within 2 months
UCLA study sheds light on concerning issue By SuSan Payne
Nearly half of the LGBT renters in the United States who are behind on their payments fear the worst: eviction.
In as quick as two months, LGBT renters fear they could be displaced, according to research released by the University of California-Los Angeles. Examining housing stability during the coronavirus pandemic, a brief (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla. edu/publications/lgbt-renters-and-evictionrisk/) compiled by the Williams Institute at University of California Los Angeles found
that 19% of LGBT respondents said they are behind on rent, and 47% of fear eviction within the next two months. Results of the survey come after the Supreme Court’s decision to block an eviction freeze put in place by the Biden administration to financially shield vulnerable Americans during the pandemic, according to reporters
and the space and the platform you’ve created for so many voices and stories to get out there and to reach people,” Page said. In addition to the film festival, the Outfest organization — an education resource and program haven for queer artists — boasts many branches, including Outfest Forward, a development program for underrepresented artists to build entertainment careers. Backed by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, which invested $100 million in The Outfest Screenwriting Lab, Outfest works to nurture, promote and celebrate the work of LGBTQ+ creators. “Outfest the festival, and Outfest the organization, are successful case studies on how a business can grow, evolve and thrive,” said Cervantes. In 2019, Outfest board of directors hired Damien Navarro, a native Angeleno, start-up entrepreneur, cinephile and urban farmer, as executive director. Navarro began his career as an entrepreneur, founded and later sold his digital marketing and tech consulting agency. Earthbound Media Group — later renamed Brighter Collective — bloomed in his garden of startups, and 15 years later, housed popular household name brands. He then ventured into several more business ventures as founder of the The Institute, a marketing, fundraising and consulting firm, and faculty at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. With his husband Adam, he also ran Monkey Business Farms and the Laurel Canyon micro-farm. “Navarro’s position at Outfest comfortably sits at the intersection of his multifaceted career, which must have made him an obvious
pick for executive director,” said Cervantes. During a phone call with The Los Angeles Blade, Navarro said he chose Outfest as his next career move to challenge himself. Navarro’s first two years with Outfest was a time of reflection and introspection not only for him, but for the company as well. Noticing that much of the programming had gone unchanged for years, and the evolution and expansion of many programs had stalled due to lack of funding or support, Navarro accepted the challenge. When COVID-19 hit and impacted businesses worldwide, Navarro saw an opportunity to leverage his skills and expertise and figure out how to move forward with the confidence and assurance of a seasoned businessman, but also move Outfest into becoming a culture of change. Navarro’s goal for Outfest was to reflect all of Los Angeles, not just West Hollywood. His three-step process to make that change started with breathing. Step two, Navarro said, he evaluated the programs in place, and asked himself, “Does this meet the intended mission or impact?” From there, he made changes, and the year of 202 provided time for that revitalization. After more than a year of doubling down, the Outfest film festival made a remarkable comeback, connecting with previously unrecognized talent in unexplored neighborhoods and cultivating the next generation of filmmakers. “The night was a glittering success, a happy reminder of pre-covid times and a credit to the leadership of Outfest’s bold new executive director,” Cervantes said. Later this year, Outfest will be awarding
LGBT renters, see page 11
Photo: Getty
‘A Glittering Success:’ Outfest 2021 Film Festival’s Success Credited to New Leadership Largest LBGTQ+ film festival in the world returns for 10 day festival By SuSan Payne
Outfest, the largest LBGTQ+ film festival in the world closed its 39th birthday in mid-August at the Orpheum Theatre with a screening of the documentary Fanny: The Right to Rock and a live reunion performance from Fanny and her band — the first allfemale rock band to release an album with a major label in the mid 1970s. With strong representation, the 10-day festival featured full length feature films, short films, panel discissions, outdoor festivities, indoor screenings and exclusive online festival programming. “For up-and-coming queer filmmakers, (Outfest) is a lucrative career launchpad and networking goldmine. For hot indie feature films, it’s a festival must-stop and a respected laurel for the poster,” said Alejandro Cervantes, writer for The Los Angeles Blade. “For the queer community it’s a vital fighter in the battle for more LGBTQ+ representation in media.” During the festival’s final screening, Oscarnominated actor Elliot Page, who came out as transgender last year, praised the festival for “an incalculable amount of positive change and transformation in this world” via video message. “I don’t know that I’d be sitting here without the work that you’ve done and continue to do
Photo: Facebook (@outfest)
three $5,000 cash awards to Short Form Jury Winners.
“It’s not enough for us to give stars and
certificates. We have to put real money in the hands of the filmmakers,” Navarro said.