June 28, 1969 – a historic day and one that has made a difference in a countless amount of LGBTQIA lives and in the many generations to come. This day marks when the Stonewall Riots took place. The Stonewall Riots are known for being a pivotal moment in the gay rights movement and it helped bring more awareness towards equality. Now, honoring the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, we look back on a day that has allowed things like pride month and gay marriage to happen, but we also remember that the fight for equality continues.
Last night, June 20, 2019, World of Wonder, the geniuses behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, and Out of Iraq, celebrated the premiere of their powerful documentary, Stonewall Outloud at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California. The documentary, which is directed and produced by World of Wonder in association with YouTube Originals and Storycorps, features “contemporary voices in the LGBTQ community lip-synching over recordings of individuals who were actually present at the Stonewall riots, bringing their voices to life for the next generation” (source: press release). The documentary is narrated by RuPaul and stars Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Daniel Franzese, Amber Whittington, Isis King, Alexis G. Zall, Laith Ashley and many others.
Stonewall Outloud producers and directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, who are also co-founders of World of Wonder, attended the terrific premiere. In addition, aforementioned stars of the documentary also proudly made their way on over to the event. Other special guests who showed their support at the premiere included Alec Mapa, Billie Lee, Rebecca Black, Chester Lockhart and more.
The reception area was inspired by The Stonewall Inn and even displayed the national landmark sign at the entrance. After the screening of the documentary, the producers and directors spoke to a crowd of 300 guests.
Fenton Bailey, Stonewall Outloud producer and World of Wonder co-founder said, “It would have simply been impossible to make the film without an amazing cast. The performances give me chills, and I hope they do the same for you. Their words revived a story about a riot 50 years ago, and brought it back to a struggle that continues even today.”
“Without the courage and brave actions of the voices in the film, there would be no gay pride, no gay marriage. I don’t think we would have the inspiration that we have to protect the rights and freedoms that they ushered in. We will continue to fight for them. The fight isn’t over, we stand on their shoulders,” added Randy Barbato, Stonewall Outloud producer and World of Wonder co-founder.
Stonewall Outloud is a moving and remarkable documentary. Stonewall Outloud premieres on June 28th on the World of Wonder YouTube channel, on WOWPresents and it will have a one-week theatrical run from June 21st – June 28th in Santa Monica.
Check out some more pictures below from World of Wonder’s premiere of Stonewall Outloud!
Photo Credits: World of Wonder
Check out my VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interviews from the premiere of Stonewall Outloud below!
Alexis G. Zall:
Billie Lee:
Rebecca Black: