2023 Outfest LA LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Representation Matters: Queer Love in Film

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Stream began March 31, 2023 8:30 PM UTC
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This session will be held live via Zoom. Join the workshop here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83924486383


Panel Description:

Join us for an honest discussion about queer love and relationships in film, highlighting the impact of queer representation on positive relationship outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community.


Presented by

Soul 2 Soul Global's (S2S) mission is to help people unlock their full potential and achieve their goals through a holistic approach to personal growth. The company offers a variety of services, including one-on-one coaching, group workshops, online courses, and keynote speaking.


About the Panelists:


Jensen Atwood - played love interest to Oscar® Winner Halle Berry in Oprah Winfrey's Their Eyes Were Watching God, while working alongside the legendary and Academy Award® nominated Ruby Dee, as the unforgettable Johnny Taylor. Historically, Atwood played a series regular in LOGOs cable series Noah's ARC as Wade. The range of this actor is unprecedented, due partly to his studies at California State Long Beach, Playhouse West, and with journeyman Eric Morris in Los Angeles. His triple threat of talents as an actor, dancer, and singer has created a wide range of opportunities. And can be seen starring in the films BEFORE I DO, ONCE APON A LIFETIME, VELVET JESUS, DEADBEAT and SISTERS.


Dr. Corey Emanuel is a writer-producer and media psychologist. After graduating with a master’s in communication from Columbia University, he earned a PhD in Media Psychology from Fielding University. Dr. Corey has been featured as a guest expert on the nationally syndicated Tamron Hall Show as well as KTLA News. His self-produced digital series, Lend Me Your Lens, has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine. In 2012, he published his first children’s book entitled, Can I Be President, Too?. Dr. Corey is a proud member of the nonprofit organization, Engage the Vision, which serves at-risk youth through weekly mentoring. He is also an instructor at FYI-Films which teaches filmmaking to incarcerated teens.. Dr. Corey is the founder of the social movement, Men Talking Shift which is dedicated to helping men develop healthier relationships and navigate mental health challenges. He is passionately dedicated to using storytelling and media psychology to educate, inform, and inspire diverse audiences across the globe. Dr. Corey enjoys guest lecturing, traveling, cooking and being a mixologist to family and friends. He is based in Los Angeles, CA. 


Antonio David Lyons’s creative spirit enjoys the balance of performing in front of the camera and nurturing meaningful projects through the production process. An Applied Theatre Practitioner who manages to maintain a thriving career as a professional artist in tandem with his activist and scholarly pursuits. He has been a Fulbright Awardee, an Oregon Shakespeare Festival Producing Fellow and a Scholar in Residence at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). He is the creator of “We Are Here”, a social activism campaign birthed in South Africa that utilizes discursive play to engage men and boys in themes of identity, Masculinity, relationships, gender based violence and HIV/AIDS. We Are Here has implemented programs and toured in South Africa, Namibia and the USA. Writings about We Are Here, appear in Performance and Politics in Africa;University of Michigan Press.


O’Shea” Myles who hails from Riverside, California, amidst the backdrop of dirt and mountains found her imagination and her voice by creating worlds that were as far and different from her actual world as she could make them, always stated that she would change the world through storytelling. Today that statement has manifested into O’Shea” having functioned as a writer, director, producer, and creative assistant who has worked on over 15 short films, 5 feature films, multiple commercials, and music videos. She has written five independent features and two television pilots, yet to be produced. She was the Associate Producer on the Oscar-nominated student short “Amelia’s Closet”. O’Shea” is currently the Senior Career Advisor, Industry Events and Film Festival Coordinator for the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Owner of Eagle Peak Entertainment LLC, a development and media production company focused on creating value and diversifying the landscape of media and entertainment. O’Shea” is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts where she earned her MFA degree in Film and Television production. Myles’s undergrad, thesis film, “All Out” was chosen for Official Selection at the Texas Black Film Festival. O’Shea’’ is an advocate for and member of the LGBTQ+ community and volunteers her time to supporting community organizations. Applying what she has learned while working in the industry, her desire is to use her skills, voice and lived experience to innovate and diversify the dynamic world of storytelling by expanding and elevating the mainstream discourse.


Moderated by

Gregory Canillas, PhD, is the founder and CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, a mission-driven company that provides "Simple Relationship Solutions for Busy People", as well as life coaching and personal development services to individuals and organizations around the world. "Doc", as he is affectionately known, is the creator of the Love Wins! LGBTQ+ Weekend Couples Retreat, a fun and interactive couple retreat that combines LGBTQ+ specific coaching with a luxurious resort experience. S2S also offers the SYMBIS Assessment ("Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts") for all couples. Doc also served as a contributing author to the American Psychological Association's "Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons", writing the sections on diverse relationships (Guideline 9) and families (Guideline 11). He also appeared as a subject matter expert in the award-winning documentary "Beyond Ed Buck".


Doc has over 30 years of experience in the personal development industry, and has worked with clients in a variety of fields, including business, sports, and entertainment. He has also collaborated with other industry leaders and experts to create innovative programs and resources for his clients. In addition to his work with Soul 2 Soul Global, Doc is also a sought-after speaker and author, sharing his insights and expertise with audiences around the world. He is known for his passionate and engaging approach to personal growth and development, and for his ability to inspire and motivate people to achieve their dreams.


Accessibility:

Automated captions will be available for live virtual workshops. To request accommodations, fill out the Accessibility Request Form, or email us at: accessibility@outfest.org with at least 48 hours notice. Visit our Accessibility page for more details.