Hello, everyone! I am very happy to be a part of this group. I have written two screenplays and working on a third of a series, all taking place in Deep South Mississippi starting in the late 30s. These works are looking like they are going to be a prequel to a web series that I have been working on, which is set in the 1970s. Both feature LGBTQ characters, mainly of color, with the web series featuring them predominantly. I feel that minority LGBTQ characters are VASTLY underserved in the film and TV world, unless they are viewed as secondary characters or comic relief, and not as the heroes and heroines we are. I wish to change all of that.
I look forward to getting to know all of you better! All the best,
Derek
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Hi Derek, it's great to meet you! Minority LQBTQ voices and stories are being told severely less than others. The underrepresentation needs to be addressed on-screen in addition to off-screen. The more work we can do behind the scenes the better we'll get on screen as we get authentic voices in roles to create. In the fandom world, Queerbaiting is a major issue and it seems to have gotten worse. Thank you for sharing and for your work. Be sure to post your loglines in the logline section! https://www.stage32.com/loglines
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Nice to meet you, W. Derek Ratliff. I live in North Carolina, and I mostly grew up between NC and VA.
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Yes! A huge need and audience wanting and waiting for more stories that are representative. Grateful that you are writing stories that celebrate the LGBTQ community.
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Hi Derek. Great to meet you here in the community. I’m the Director of Education here at Stage 32. If I can ever recommend any of our education or be of any help on your Stage 32 journey please email me at edu@stage32.com.
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Thank you all for responding! I greatly appreciate it!
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I can feel your passion to represent the LGBTQ community and love that you are in the community here on Stage 32. Looking forward to following your ride!
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Hi Derek. Nice to meet you.
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Welcome to the community! So glad to have you here :-)