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Shelby Knox Redux, by Marion Lipschutz and Rose Rosenblatt, profiles a high school student who, despite her deeply conservative Southern Baptist upbringing, advocates comprehensive sex education and gay rights. Five years after her controversial activities and now living on her own, she returns to Lubbock, Texas to check in with her friends, her supportive parents and a local church that "welcomes" everyone. An epilogue to the 2005 film The Education of Shelby Knox, Shelby Knox Redux takes viewers on a journey of personal awareness, family, faith, and transformation.
In response to the February 2008 murder of 15 year-old Lawrence King of Oxnard, California by a fellow classmate, reportedly because he was gay, Active Voice has launched the Welcoming Conversations Project. The Project will use Shelby Knox Redux as a catalyst to help congregations — initially in California to have more open dialogue around sexuality and inclusion — and to foster better teen-parent relationships around these issues.
Shelby Knox Redux is collaboration of Incite Pictures/Cine Qua Non and Active Voice. Funded by the Ford Foundation, it is Active Voice’s first original production.
OPPORTUNITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Working in partnership with seminaries, congregations and nonprofit organizations, the Welcoming Conversations Project will:
• Engage communities of faith in discussions of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) issues, especially in the context of various interpretations of scripture.
• Foster intergenerational dialogue between parents and teens about sexuality and sexual orientation, inspiring them to be more open with each other.
• Support public engagement around tolerance and respect for LGBT youth, especially among parents and teens of faith.
• Give voice to LGBT youth and create opportunities for greater involvement in their churches and communities.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
• Community screenings with congregations and LGBT advocacy groups across California and beyond. Active Voice is providing support and guidance to congregations that are holding special events and dialogues, some of which will include Shelby Knox herself.
• Long term tools and resources for faith-based dialogue. We’ve created special materials to accompany the film, including a discussion guide with facilitation tips and suggested action steps. A resource list of books, curricula, study guides, films and web resources can help participants learn more about LGBT issues in a faith-based context.
• Do-it-yourself screening opportunities. Copies of the DVD and event-planning resources will be available to churches, youth groups and advocates in CA who want to hold their own screenings and discussions.
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