Human Rights Art Festival Partners with NYC Comedian to Increase Gay Visibility

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) is partnering with artistJamie Benson to co-produce Gay Stuff, a new web series designed to increase gay visibility in comedy and diffuse homophobia with humor. This partnership is in direct response to His Eminence Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan banning IHRAF's Prologue to Progress from being performed in St. Mary's Catholic Church last fall, due to LGBTQ content. The production begins filming in August 2018 and will seek out an inclusive local church to shoot scenes in.

"Being banned from having our event in a Catholic space last October, as well as the recent Supreme Court decision that allowed a baker to legally discriminate against LGBTQ couples, has only deepened my commitment to opening hearts, softening minds, and revealing systemic bigotry as a cancer on society. - Tom Block, IHRAF Founding Producer

IHRAF will co-produce 2 comedic video sketches, written by recovering contemporary and commercial dancer Jamie Benson. These sketches are based on Benson's serious, real life experiences, but presented with a disarming, laugh-first point of view.

Gay-splainer satirically pokes fun at people who treat the queer community like make-over machines and sassy side-kicks.

Avenue WTF absurdly depicts a counseling session for a man and his hand, literally exploring gay self love, and internalized homophobia.

With the bold comedic tone of Gay Stuff, IHRAF, known for presenting fine art experiences, expands their arsenal for promoting the common good and fighting for human rights, as they believe comedy has a unique ability to diffuse divisions and address charged social topics.

"We are honored to partner with an artist who uses comedy, honesty and vulnerability to fight against prejudice, hatred and bigotry." - Tom Block, IHRAF Founding Producer

"We hope people recognize themselves in the fun-house mirror we hold up, preferably through laugh-tears." - Jamie Benson, Rebel-Clown Choreographer / Comedy Nerd

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