Presented by Colorado State University's College of Liberal Arts.

Gay rights activists have made tremendous strides in nudging state legislators and voters toward more progressive stances on issues that impact the lives of millions of Americans. However, throughout the Bible Belt region, where there is strong opposition to same-sex marriage, members of the LGBTQ community continue to fight against laws that essentially license discrimination (for instance, a bill in Mississippi, under the guise of religious freedom, allows businesses to turn away potential customers based on their gender identity or sexual orientation). As the son of a Southern Baptist pastor from Texas, Tim Seelig, who today is the conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, knows from experience how difficult it can be to replace misguided hatred with compassion and understanding; especially now, when the ideological rift between the U.S.’s two major political parties appears to be widening and right-wing leaders and other elected officials promote intolerance while reversing the progress made under earlier presidential administrations. He along with 300 other singers (from his own choral group as well as the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir) take their message of love on tour, to churches and concert halls in the Deep South — an ultimately cathartic opportunity for personal healing that brings many of them face-to-face with long-estranged family members whose hearts are slowly opening to the idea of having a gay son. Directed by David Charles Rodrigues, Gay Chorus Deep South follows Seelig and his gospel-singing cohort on their week-long journey, in the process revealing how efforts to build unity might be regarded as condescending or paternalistic by those on the receiving end of such goodwill gestures; especially individuals, such as queer historian John Burford, who do not fit the stereotype of bigotry so central to the cultural imaginary of Southerners as rural, homophobic racists. Although brief, Burford’s conversation with Seelig, like the spiritually uplifting choral performances that pepper this film (and which are attended by socially conservative as well as liberal audiences, from Alabama to the Carolinas), complicates the sometimes-simplistic depictions of the Deep South found in more mainstream narratives. These scenes also offer an alternative view of fellowship, wherein the traditional teachings of organized religion — including the Biblical exhortation to “love thy neighbor as thyself” — might serve as vital reminders of our shared humanity.&nbsp;By David Scott Diffrient Thursday, October 1, 2020Watch with us + Live Q&amp;A:6:15 PM MDT - Start your virtual screening7:50 PM MDT - refill your beverage and gather your questions8:00 PM MDT - Tune in for the live Q&amp;A with Dr. Tim Seelig *If you can't join live, the Q&amp;A will be recorded and posted for later viewing. ** Film subject Chris Verdugo was planning to join, but was unable to make it to the livestream Q&amp;A.

Gay Chorus Deep South

To confront a resurgence of faith-based anti-LGBTQ laws brought about in the Trump era, Conductor Tim Seelig leads 300 singers of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on a bus tour of the deep south, showcasing fine music, confronting political and religious intolerance, and challenging his own troubled past with the church. Joined by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, they bring a message of music, love, and acceptance to communities often on the front lines against intolerance

Join ACT Human Rights Film Festival's opening night for a live broadcast conversation with Dr. Tim Seelig. Submit your questions and learn more about the film. Moderated by CSU's Dr. Eric Aoki. Thursday, October 1st ﻿Watch with us + Live Q&amp;A: 6:15 PM MDT - Start your virtual screening7:50 PM MDT - refill your beverage and gather your questions8:00 PM MDT - Tune in for the live Q&amp;A with Dr. Tim Seelig *If you can't join live, the Q&amp;A will be recorded and posted for later viewing. ** Chris Verdugo was scheduled to join the Q&amp;A, but is unable to make it.

A conversation with Film subject Dr. Tim Seelig

United States of America

Gay Chorus Deep South & Live Filmmaker Interview

General Admission

Colorado State University Foundation, 23-7098397

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