Filmmaker, writer and activist Katina Parker has created "Truth.Be.Told.," a television series that documents the lives of queer black visionaries.
The documentary series was launched to capture their stories of trials, triumph, self discovery and evolution.
A slew of notable people have committed to being featured in the first two seasons, such as Tony Award-winning poet Staceyann Chin, "Noah Arc" creator Patrik-Ian Polk, filmmaker and transgender advocate Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler and more, as Black Enterprise notes.
According to Clutch Magazine, the series is currently in the development stage, but Parker intends to release 122 30-minute episodes in total.
“As queer black people we have been pushed to question everything about our multiple layers of identity -- race, gender, sexuality, class, vocation -- and then reconcile who we know ourselves to be with the identities our families and society at large have constructed for us,” Parker explained to Black Enterprise.
She then went on to add that there's a lack of visibility for black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
“While our stories are told more frequently than they used to be, our lives are shared in sound bites," she said. "We need more prime time real estate in media so that we can more fully engage in dialogues about who we are and what we stand for.”
Alongside Parker are executive producers Carol Ann Shine ("Noah's Arc") and Jennifer MacArthur, Public Media Engagement Consultant for Independent Television Service (ITVS).
Parker is a former communications consultant fo GLAAD and the National Black Justice Coalition. She previously had a fundraising goal of $10,000, but slightly missed her mark. She is now attempting to raise $4,000 with an IndieGoGo campaign.
The director and activist has plans to create a pilot episode to be distributed via digital platforms and TV networks such as Vimeo on Demand, HuluPlus, Netflix,iTunes ,TVOne, BET or Showtime.
To learn more information about this TV series and fundraising campaign click here.
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