The RFGLCF and Wheeler Opera House are joined forces to present a FREE film and discussion on Friday, December 11, 2009.

The Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund and The Wheeler Opera House are presened a free film on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm as part of a weekend of community education on homophobia and hate crimes. “Amancio: Two Faces on A Tombstone” is a moving documentary film (64 minutes) about the murder of a gay man in the Colorado River Basin and one man’s quest to seek justice in his death. For a preview, please watch the trailer at: www.amancio-themovie.com

While the movie was presented free of charge, donations are being accepted to benefit TEACH (Teachers Empowering Agents of Change), a valley-wide non-profit that trains local area students to recognize and diffuse situational racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, classism, bullying and homophobia in our schools. TEACH is a diversity training group located in the Roaring Fork Valley that was founded by a group of 15 educators from the Roaring Fork School District who were trained as part of a district initiative to maintain a safe educational environment for all students. TEACH is one of two non-profits supported by RFGLCF.

The film was followed by a discussion on recognizing and combating homophobia and negative stereotypes with De Palazzo of Perspectives Unlimited. Perspectives Unlimited is a group that is committed to fostering dialogue about diversity, intercultural understanding and the constructive engagement of conflict in our communities. The RFGLCF is proud to be bringing Ms. Palazzo to the Roaring Fork Valley for this weekend of events. She is a nationally-renown expert on these issues and Perspectives Unlimited is committed to fostering dialogue about diversity, intercultural understanding and the constructive engagement of conflict in communities.

This programming continues the mission of the RFGLCF to promote tolerance, understanding and diversity through education, community action and service. This is the first event of an annual community education series being planned by the RFGLCF, which also produces Aspen Gay Ski Week in January each year. Other events during the weekend included: a training session for TEACH trainers and Diversity Training at a local school.

# # #

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Bryan Gonzales, RFGLCF Program Director at (970) 948.7743 or bryan@rfglcf.com