Benefit For Documentary About Transgender Life In Pittsburgh on Friday, August 9th, 2013

Pittsburgh, PA(PittsburghNewsWire.com) — The documentary “Gender Dances” aims to show what life is like for trans* individuals to bring more visibility to the often ignored ‘T’ in LGBT. With all of the media attention focused on marriage equality people often don’t realize the difficulties faced by trans* folks. “We face greater discrimination, higher suicide rates, greater violence including murder, and discrimination in health care and housing. Pittsburgh has a thriving transgender community that deserves to be seen,” says Nancy Evelyn Gold, Director and Executive Producer of “Gender Dances”.Performers from all over the region, and as far as Washington D.C., will be donating performances to help finance the film which is about 25% complete. Funds will be used to cover production expenses and needed travel to obtain interviews with community leaders. The benefit will be held August 9th, 2013 at 10:00 PM (Doors open @ 9:00 PM) at Cattivo Bar, 146 44th St, Pittsburgh, 15201. Scheduled to perform are:  Robin Banks and the Reigning Mr. Cattivo Johnny Valiant, On A Bender, Corvida Bleux, Reigning Miss DC Royale Rayne Bottoms, Reigning Mr. DC Royale BJ Bottoms, Boom Boom Bridgette, Alora Châteaux, Aiden Cox, Maycum Dizzi, Confetti Gunn, Tasha Kahn, Charlee Monroe, Bella Muse, Macabre Noir, Reigning Mr. Pittsburgh Pride Devon Orel, Ruby Ruckus, and Malcum Tent. This line-up represents some of the finest Drag Kings, Drag Queens, Gender and Burlesque performers in the region. Music will be provided by DJ Titanium.

“I have been producing shows for almost 2 years now, including a number of fundraisers and benefits. I can honestly say that I have never had such an outpouring of willingness to help out. We have local drag/sideshow/burlesque performers as well as performers coming all the way from DC and Baltimore. This show is going to be huge, definitely a show you do not want to miss. You can either spend $12 to see a crappy movie with stale popcorn and annoying teenagers OR you can spend $7, support a great film, see amazing performers and grab some killer grub,” says Johnny Valiant, Event Producer and Performer.

Two new short films by Nancy Evelyn Gold will also premiere at the benefit. The show is 20 years to the date that Nancy started her life as her correct gender. Now, approaching 50 years old and suffering from some physical disabilities, she’s dedicated herself to helping other trans* folks through advocacy, education and filmmaking.

Cassandra Smithson, “Gender Dances” Producer & Event Performer ‘Malcum Tent’ says, “We’re telling the story of people that are often invisible to the greater community — In the gay community and just living in this country period. They are beautiful, funny, intelligent, generous, snarky, witty people. Folks who I have learned are exactly like everyone else that I’ve ever known. Actually they’re a lot nicer. These people are friends and family and share their joy openly and willingly. I’ve grown into a much more open and happy person because of them. These stories need to be told. This benefit will help to make that a reality. Help a good cause and be entertained like never before.”

“Gender Dances” is a documentary about transmen, transwomen and everyone in between. It looks into gender expression and society’s reaction to people that refuse to be defined and confined by assigned binary gender. The film is a raw look at the realities of being a trans* person.

Updates on the project at http://facebook.com/GenderDances
Promotional Videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/NancyonMedia

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If you would like more information about the event, please contact:
Nancy Evelyn Gold at 412.758.0119 or email her at nancy@nancyonmedia.com.
Nancy has been a transwoman for 20 years; she’s a geek and former sex educator.
She is available for consultation or interviews on the subject of trans* and other LGBT issues.