20 Straws

20 Straws follows the lives of nine Midwestern teenagers from Columbus, Ohio, as they come into their identities as out, gay youth.

Join us after the film for a reception with the filmmakers, sponsored by the OSU GLBT Alumni Society. Partial proceeds from this event will go to Youth Video OUTreach to facilitate ongoing projects that build community and self-esteem through video. In 20 Straws we meet Wayne, who thought he had AIDS as a little boy; Denise, whose mother forgot her own daughter was a lesbian; Aris, whose hero is David Bowie; and six others striking individuals. Under the guidance of video artist Liv Gjestvang, these talented young filmmakers share their stories of coming out and staying out in high school. For the past 18 months these students have been working together to shoot and edit the film, which tells their stories in their own voices. This deeply touching and courageous film will grab you with its heartfelt honesty and spirited look at being young, gay, and out in middle America. (28 mins, video)

Come to the Wexner Center early tonight for a guided tour of the exhibitions Glenn Ligon: Some Changes and Sadie Benning: Suspended Animation. Both artists' works explore issues of sexuality and identity with sensitivity, honesty, and humor. Meet at the entrance to the galleries at 6 PM.