Since the premiere of L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin, Susan and I have been flooded
with positive messages and encouragement. The film was beautifully executed and
we are so proud to have been a part of it. We actually sat in bed all weekend
and personally answered each email, tweet, and Facebook message. We have been
overwhelmed with emotion as we read their stories; some were inspirational
stories of triumph while others were tragic tales of hate crimes and
death. Even in the midst of the
darkness, however, each person comforted us with love and support. We have been
swaddled in what seemed to be a warm comforting safety blanket…Until 7 days
later.
One week after the show’s premiere, Susan and I were having
dinner, in the safety of our home, with co-stars Jana Haynes and Dannika Dewhurst
and their young son, when our business line rang. Susan, as always, answered,
“In Motion Fitness how can I help you?”
Expecting a typical question about gym membership or business hours but
instead she was violated with obscenities and threats of violence. She quickly
put it on speaker while Jana began filming video
(WARNING: contains graphic and violent language) with her cell phone. Understanding
that any signs of weakness or fear may have detrimental results, Susan began to
retaliate verbally. This did not
deter him; he continued to threaten sexual violence against all of us, and a
jelly donut.
I, along with Dannika, began to be flooded with tears as his
threats became personal. It seemed as if he had ripped away the safety blanket
that we had become accustomed to over the days prior. We immediately posted the
video of the call to social media in hopes to somehow expose him and protect
us. We then called our local police dept. They sent an officer over but to no
avail. We were told that there was
nothing that they could do. The four of us, along with the rest of the cast,
knew what kind of risk we were taking when we agreed to film this documentary,
but this was horrifying. I was gripped with fear…a fear that has been foreign
to me since coming out, unlike my partner who has always tried to keep me aware
of the underlying danger of being gay in the South.
This phone call has become a rallying point for LGBTQ
Mississippi and beyond. People have circled around us in support. I have talked
with several reporters and expressed my fear. I want to recant that statement…I
REFUSE to live in fear. I will, however, be aware of any underlying dangers and
crazies. I will walk with my head held high, I want this person, and every
other bigot, to know that I am who I am…and I’m very proud of it! I will not be
manipulated any longer by fear.
Although this phone call was terrifying, it was one among
thousands of responses and it stands alone amongst a mountain of love and we
will not allow it to pollute the positive outpouring of support that we have
received. It does, however, stand as a reminder that we do have more work to do
and the threat against the LGBT community is very real. It is also a very clear
example of how ignorant hate really is.
Susan and I are so grateful to Ilene Chaiken and Lauren
Lazin, first for checking on us personally and second, for giving us the
opportunity to tell our stories and we hope that this film will open up minds
and bring about the change for which we have all been fighting. Also, our
heartfelt thank you goes out everyone for their messages of love and
encouragement that continue to pour in; they are the light that has outshines
this darkness. We will continue to combat this hate-filled mindset with The
Real L Word…Love.
Brandiilyne
Dear
Founder of The
Dandelion Project
