Paul Bashline on OUTART cancellation

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		Paul Bashline on the cancellation of OUTARTxxxxxxxxxxxx

The following is an editorial by Paul Bashline
(Posted 2-23-01)

To Whom It May Concern,

I have just read the press release concerning the OutArt Board of Directors announcement in which they state they have decided to disband the group and cancel all future plans for a film and arts festival. To be honest, I feel let down. But more importantly, I am angered that the group had given us hope. Then decided after only two years to blame what they see as a failure all on "the lack of participation from the gay and lesbian community."

In fact the spokesperson is quoted as saying, "we feel the community sent a clear message that this is not the type of activity they want to participate in". All too often groups that try to promote positive images of the gay and lesbian community have tried to blame us rather than looking internally for the problem. I am sure the board all worked well together in harmony but big deal! They let the community down, not the other way around.

Imagine if the Pride Network became discouraged at having only 13 people marching in the first pride parade and quit. Where would the community be now? Imagine if the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund became discouraged and disband after the first two years. Where would the community be now? Imagine if Off AIDS disbanded after their first Halloween party had a lower turn out than the year before. Where would the community be now? All groups will have to struggle through the same financial hardships. Serving on any board is not easy, many are just plain hardships but the boards will continue to work for the betterment of the entire community. Most all of the groups in this city share a small pool of individuals that care to make a difference. Several have practically the same board make-up and each group; gay or straight, democrat or republican, rich and poor alike, continue to work despite the lack of community support or involvement, because it is the right thing to do.

If the "community" is to blame why even start in the first place? Productions like this take years. Did the board of Out Art not do any research about other art festivals? Did the board of Out Art not reach out to the larger metro for support? Did the board of Out Art ever go to the major sponsors of the other successful film festivals that love to fund these events and ask for their support? Remember "Every giant tree started with a small seed. With water and time it will find its roots and soon the FRUITS will be falling from the sky!"

I may sound like I am insensitive or even cruel in my accusing the board of directors of OutArt of letting the community down and whining, but I spoke to them before the last OutArt festival. I approached two board members concerning getting corporate sponsors, such as the ShowTime Network, Absolute Vodka, the Sundance Film Channel, or any others. These are the sponsors of the Austin Gay and Lesbian Film and Art festival and several other GL festivals around the country. I will quote the board member, "then we would lose control". By saying that, it was made obvious the venture was only to stroke the few egos on the board and nothing more.

With any luck, well intentioned individuals will once again step up to the challenge of organizing a first rate gay and lesbian film and art festival that all of Oklahoma City can be proud of. Who knows, maybe I might be up to that challenge.

Paul Bashline

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