A documentary by Eric Criswell and Martin Bedogne
"OUT in the Cold" is the riveting documentary that brings light to the hidden world of runaway and homeless gay and lesbian youth. This stirring film takes you on a journey into the lives of young people who were rejected by the very institutions they were raised to believe in, because they came out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Turned away by family, clergy, teachers and school administrators, the lucky ones find safety with friends, or a supportive relative. Many see suicide as the only option, while others head to the one place they know they can be free: the streets. Turning to drugs, prostitution, and crime as a way to survive, these once suburban kids with hopes and dreams for the future, are lucky to stay alive.
"OUT in the Cold" not only asks the question why, but seeks to uncover the issues that lead to gay youth being ostracized by their community. We talk to parents, teachers, clergy, and the youth themselves to find out what has to change to make sure that no child is ever rejected and thrown away simply because of who they are. Compelled into action following the brutal murder of her son Matthew in an anti-gay hate crime, Judy Shepard, speaks directly to parents in hopes of raising awareness and compassion toward their gay or lesbian child. Featuring original music by Barry Manilow, Randi Driscoll, and 51 Peg, OUT in the Cold will at once shock the viewer, while challenging them to seek solutions and create change in their own community.
"OUT in the Cold" is produced and directed by Eric Criswell, (Executive Director, CIRE) and Martin Bedogne (Director of the award winning documentaries Journey to a Hate Free Millennium, and Making Babies: The Gay and Lesbian Baby Boom). Generous funding is provided by the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
