Back in April, we published easily the most difficult story of my life and career, "'Til death do us part." It was the painful retelling of what happened after my partner of 11 years, Alan, took his life on Easter Sunday 2012 – the legal fallout, the family drama, the politics, the blood, the tears. Following repostings on social media by Dan Savage and Lizz Winstead, the story went reasonably viral, with me ending up doing guest appearances on Sirius XM radio (Michelangelo Signorile) and locally on Lauren Rowe's "Flashpoint" on WKMG-6.
After that sadness junket, I was approached by local filmmaker – and wife of my attorney Mary Meeks – Vicki Nantz about her putting together a documentary about my story. Though I was wary of exploiting Alan – and, truthfully, emotionally exhausted by all that had come before the request – I agreed to participate in a limited fashion, mostly providing voiceovers and images. In the end, I agreed to go on film, if only briefly. The resulting documentary, Billy & Alan: In life, love & death, equality matters, will be an official selection at next month's Global Peace Film Festival, with screenings on Sept. 18 and Sept 21 (oddly, Alan's 51st birthday would have been Sept. 20). It's also been named an official selection in October's Ft. Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Here's a trailer for the 37 minute documentary. It's a tough road, this. But I'm still walking it. Enjoy.
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