As their release date from prison nears, friends of JJ and Orlando, as well as the remorseful defense attorney who represented the KKK, rally to analyze the lyrics of the music they once loved, looking for instances of homophobia and expressions of hatred, wondering if it inspired the hate crime. This moves JJ to reach out to his boyfriend's attackers and ask, "Did the music make you do it?"
Incredibly moving and compelling, Bashment intelligently explores the triggers that could drive someone to hatred and violence.
Bashment: Sat. Oct. 15, 11 a.m., Tampa Theatre. A panel discussion follows the film with members of Community Tampa Bay, USF Pride and local youth groups and Gay/Straight Alliances.
TIGLFF is also co-sponsoring a forum Fri. Oct. 21 at USF called A Day of Evolution: Creating Effective Service Delivery Systems for Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, 2-Spirited Youth and Young Adults. Events include a showing of Rikki Beadle-Blair's film Fit; a keynote speech by Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner on building inclusive communities; and a candlelight vigil for victims of anti-gay bullying and violence. Co-sponsors with TIGLFF are Federation of Families, Men of Agape and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Conference takes place at USF College of Behavorial and Community Sciences, Westside Conference Center C, 13301 Bruce B. Downs. Blvd., Tampa, Friday, Oct. 21, 11:00 a.m.-7 p.m. Open to the public; limited tickets available. For info, call 813-914-7930 or got to fofeventsoct2012.eventbrite.com.
