LGBT + and Trans Rights Champion, James Lantz
Table of Contents:
Introduction to LGBT Advocate James Lantz
Early Life and Career of LGBT champion James Lantz
Filmmaking and Commercial Success
Theatrical Playwright
Documentary Filmmaker
LGBTQ+ and Trans Rights Advocacy
The Bus and LGBT rights
Angry Gay Grandpa and Trans Rights
Not Losing You
Personal Journey
Continuing Impact
Introduction to LGBT Advocate James Lantz
Award winning filmmaker and playwright, James Lantz, is working hard to create a better world for the oppressed. He has been on Amber Live twice as a guest, and you can watch videos of both his first visit to speak about his career, and his latest visit to speak about his work as Angry Gay Grandpa! He sat down with Amber LeMay to speak about all his projects past and present.
Early Life and Career of LGBT champion James Lantz
James Lantz's journey as a storyteller began at a young age when he worked as a country radio DJ in the same station where the legendary Patsy Cline got her start. It was here that he learned the craft from a group of colorful old-timers, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
After his early foray into radio, Lantz ventured into the world of education, teaching high school in a farming program called Vocational Agriculture. His dedication to his craft was recognized when he was honored as Teacher of the Year, a testament to his ability to connect with and inspire his students.
Filmmaking and Commercial Success
Lantz's filmmaking career has been nothing short of prolific, with over 200 commercial and corporate films under his belt. His work has been commissioned by some of the most recognizable names in the business world, including American Airlines, Alamo Rental Cars, Amtrak, and Mobil Oil.
Throughout his career, Lantz has consistently delivered high-quality work that has resonated with audiences and clients alike. His ability to tell compelling stories through the medium of film has been a hallmark of his success in the commercial realm.
Theatrical Playwright
In addition to his filmmaking accomplishments, Lantz has made a significant impact in the world of theater. His award-winning LGBTQ play, "THE BUS," has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its powerful storytelling and exploration of themes surrounding secrets, religion, and family bonds.
The play has been produced Off-Broadway and has toured nationally and internationally, garnering critical acclaim along the way. The New York theater critic Weston Clay described it as "Theater magic," while the British Theatre Guide called it "fascinating." In its premiere in Vermont, the Burlington Free Press hailed it as "Extraordinary."
Documentary Filmmaker
Lantz's talent as a storyteller extends beyond the realms of fiction and theater. His documentary short film and essay, "THE SIGN," commissioned and published by The Guardian, won the Best Documentary Award at the 2016 Boston Short Film Festival.
In 2021, Lantz's Kickstarter-funded documentary, "VERMONT AND THE BRIGHT GREEN NOTHING," which explored a Vermont trademark conflict over the phrase "Eat More Kale," premiered to critical acclaim. The Burlington Free Press gave it a four-star review, calling it "a fascinating case study in documentary filmmaking."
LGBTQ+ and Trans Rights Advocacy
Throughout his career, Lantz has consistently delivered high-quality work that has resonated with audiences and clients alike. His ability to tell compelling stories through the medium of film has been a hallmark of his success in the commercial realm.
Theatrical Playwright
In addition to his filmmaking accomplishments, Lantz has made a significant impact in the world of theater. His award-winning LGBTQ play, "THE BUS," has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its powerful storytelling and exploration of themes surrounding secrets, religion, and family bonds.
The play has been produced Off-Broadway and has toured nationally and internationally, garnering critical acclaim along the way. The New York theater critic Weston Clay described it as "Theater magic," while the British Theatre Guide called it "fascinating." In its premiere in Vermont, the Burlington Free Press hailed it as "Extraordinary."
Documentary Filmmaker
Lantz's talent as a storyteller extends beyond the realms of fiction and theater. His documentary short film and essay, "THE SIGN," commissioned and published by The Guardian, won the Best Documentary Award at the 2016 Boston Short Film Festival.
In 2021, Lantz's Kickstarter-funded documentary, "VERMONT AND THE BRIGHT GREEN NOTHING," which explored a Vermont trademark conflict over the phrase "Eat More Kale," premiered to critical acclaim. The Burlington Free Press gave it a four-star review, calling it "a fascinating case study in documentary filmmaking."
LGBTQ+ and Trans Rights Advocacy
The Bus and LGBT rights
Lantz's award-winning play, "THE BUS," has not only been celebrated for its artistic merit but also for its powerful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. The play centers around two boys who meet in secret on a parked church bus to explore their budding relationship, hidden from family and friends.
Set in small-town America in the 1980s, "THE BUS" tackles issues of secrecy, religion, and the complexities of familial bonds. Its poignant storytelling has resonated with audiences worldwide, shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones.
Angry Gay Grandpa and Trans Rights
Lantz's advocacy for LGBTQ+ and Trans rights extends beyond his artistic endeavors. He is currently developing "Angry Gay Grandpa," a web series that tackles the tragic issue of Trans youth suicides in the wake of anti-Trans and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation sweeping across the United States.
The web series is inspired by the heartbreaking events in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where four Trans and non-binary youth suicides occurred since November 2022. Despite the anti-Trans rhetoric being partially implicated in two of the teens' suicides, there has been virtually no media coverage of this tragedy.
Through "Angry Gay Grandpa," Lantz aims to shed light on this critical issue and provide a platform for the voices of Trans and Queer youth to be heard.
Not Losing You
Another project in Lantz's pipeline is "Not Losing You," a commercial film project that focuses on the father of a Trans teen contending with new anti-Trans laws. This timely and important work aims to raise awareness and foster understanding around the challenges faced by Trans individuals and their families in the face of discriminatory legislation.
"Not Losing You" is part of a larger independent film project that seeks to support Trans and Queer youth through filmed narrative media, including a 30-second commercial planned for broadcast during the 2024 presidential election season.
Personal Journey
Lantz's artistic and advocacy work is deeply intertwined with his personal journey. Two years ago, he came out as gay on National Coming Out Day, sharing his story with the world through an open letter to his wife.
Additionally, Lantz has been public about his diagnosis with a rare Sarcoma cancer five years ago, which has left him partially disabled. Despite the cancer metastasizing to stage 4, Lantz remains resolute in his belief that it is possible to change the world for the better, and he is working tirelessly to complete critical parts of the "Not Losing You" Film Project prior to the 2024 presidential election.
Continuing Impact
James Lantz's multifaceted career as a filmmaker, playwright, and advocate has left an indelible mark on the artistic and cultural landscape. His commitment to telling stories that challenge societal norms, shed light on marginalized communities, and promote understanding and acceptance is truly inspiring.
Through his diverse body of work, Lantz has not only entertained and educated audiences but has also sparked important conversations around LGBTQ+ and Trans rights, family dynamics, and the power of storytelling to effect positive change.
As he continues to develop projects like "Angry Gay Grandpa" and "Not Losing You," Lantz's impact is sure to resonate far beyond the confines of the stage or screen, serving as a powerful catalyst for social progress and a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized and silenced.
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—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
