HBO Reaches Out To Austin's GLBT Community

HBO Films' newest documentary project, When I Knew, asks America's GLBT community: When did you know you were gay?

When I Knew is based on Robert Trachtenberg's book of the same name, which alternates between hilarious and heart-rending tales. The documentary crew is currently crisscrossing the country, hoping to capture as many interesting and diverse anecdotes as possible. Next Wednesday, they'll be stationed at the Radisson Hotel on Cesar Chavez for an entire day's worth of interviews. Folks from all walks of life are invited to attend&emdash;as long as you're, you know, gay.

The details:

The documentary will focus on gay men and woman around the country; sharing their stories of the moment they knew they were gay. We are looking for fun, enlightening and touching stories; stories that relate to every American.   In the spirit of the book, these stories may be two minutes long or twenty minutes long, but all of them are simple and real.  We are not looking for polished performances.

Award winning documentarians Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato (The  Eyes of  Tammy Faye, The RuPaul Show, Inside Deep Throat, TransGeneration) are producing a film for HBO Films based on the successful book by Robert Trachtenberg, When I Knew, and they want to hear your story. They are keen to include as many unique voices from the gay and lesbian community as possible.

We are looking for every walk of life; cowboys, teachers, astronauts, mothers/ fathers and sons/daughters that want to share their story. We are looking for fun, interesting, touching, tough, loving, stories...

A few sample stories, culled from their Myspace page (see below for link):

"I grew up in a church oriented family. I was taught the the Bible was the Word of Truth and that being gay was wrong. I knew I was different by the age of 16 but I kept it to myself. I was afraid of what others would think and say especially those in the church. For years I led a double life so I would not be scorned. Finally a couple years ago I was tired of being so miserable and I wanted freedom from shame. I came out to my family and all my friends. I don't regret it. It was the greatest moment of my life. A few friends turned their backs on me saying I was a sinner but to each his own they can move along. I am proud of who I am and I know God made me this way. I only wish I came out a lot sooner. " -- FROSTY

"I grew up in a very small upstate NY town and when I was 13, I remember seeing a TIME magazine cover with two men holding hands. It was the first time I thought I was not alone! I remember staring at the cover on my porch and not wanting to make a big deal about it because I didn't want anyone to know. Hmmm How times change, now I am producing a show for HBO on that... :) What a relief it is.. No one is alone!!!" -- Producer of When I Knew

[When I Knew on Myspace]

Interested? Contact casting producer Richard Courtney at 310-728-5929 or rcourtney(@)worldofwonder.net (remove the parentheses) to set up an appointment.

Interviews for HBO Films' When I Knew
Wednesday, November 15th
Radisson Hotel & Suites [map]
111 Cesar Chavez