From left: Rabbi Barbara Zacky, Bruce Vilanch, JQ International Executive Director Asher Gellis, Faith Soloway and Andrea Meyerson. Photo courtesy of JQ International

Those being feted were folk musician and writer Faith Soloway (JQ Inspiration Award), who also is a writer for “Transparent,” the show created by her sister Jill Soloway; comedy writer and performer Bruce Vilanch (JQ Trailblazer Award); filmmaker Andrea Meyerson (JQ Visibility Award) and Rabbi Barbara Zacky (JQ Community Leadership Award).

“After I came out, I identified strongly as a Jewish lesbian, but there weren’t many places that honored all of me,” Zacky said in a statement. “JQ has created an open and inclusive community of LGBT Jews and I’m so glad to be a part of that.”

Approximately 165 people turned out for the event.

JQ International describes itself as an inclusive community for LGBTQ Jews that raises awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ community members in the Jewish world.

“We create programs and services that foster a healthy fusion of LGBTQ and Jewish identity, which offer LGBTQ Jews, their friends, families, and loved ones the opportunity to connect with each other while fostering a strong sense of self,” the organization’s website indicates.

The post JQ International honored several successful LGBTQ role models: Bruce Vilanch Was One first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Festival passes for the 3rd Annual North Louisiana Gay & Lesbian Film Festival are now on sale.

The festival, presented by People Acting for Change and Equality, is set for Sept. 16-22 at the Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport, featuring celebrity guest Bruce Vilanch.

The festival pass is $95 and includes admission to the opening reception with Vilanch on Sept. 16; the opening screening of “Get Bruce” featuring an introduction before and discussion after with Vilanch; a stand-up comedy performance with Vilanch on Sept. 17; and screenings of “Undertow,” “Wish Me Away,” “Hollywood to Dollywood,” “Leave it on the Floor,” “The Will Be Done” and a collection of original short films.

Panel discussions will follow one screening of “Gen Silent” and “They Will Be Done” and executive producers and lead actors of “Hollywood to Dollywood” will attend the closing night of the festival on Sept. 22.

Festival passes can be purchased online at www.robinsonfilmcenter.org, by phone at 459-412 or at the box office at 617 Texas St., Shreveport. Individual tickets will go on sale Aug. 29.

Visit the festival website at www.nlgff.org for more information.

The post Bruce Vilanch Special Guest At Shreveport’s 3rd Annual North Louisiana Gay & Lesbian Film Festival first appeared on We Got Bruce!.