It began with the release of Kevin's Room in 2001 - a boldly innovative effort by the Chicago Department of Health's Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Health to address the crisis of HIV/AIDS in the African American gay community. The groundbreaking film introduced Kevin and his support group for men "in the life," garnering national accolades for its realistic, positive portrayal of LGBT people of color and their allies.
Kevin's Room II: Trust released in 2003, reinforced the message of inclusion, tolerance and collective responsibility while tackling the related issues of monogamy, sexual boundaries, and the re-emergence of STD's.
the next chapter:
The story came full circle in Kevin's Room: Together, the third and final installment of the acclaimed series. While continuing to explore many of the issues raised in the first two films, the third addresses new concerns reflected in today's headlines - violence, sexual identity, spirituality - and the ways in which a community can help shape its own future. Consistent with this theme, the third film broadens its focus, transcending sexual, gender and racial lines, suggesting such problems must be met with a cohesive voice.
Kevin's Room: Together completes the acclaimed series that has established new and creative lines of communication between healthcare providers, social service groups and the communities they serve. Faithful to its predecessors, the film seamlessly educates and entertains, prompting viewers to be proactive toward their own health and well-being - and that of their community.
Written by series creator, Executive Producer, Lora Branch, Hana Anderson, Allen Wright, and ML Hunter, the film was directed by Dave Beedy and Mark Caras of Chicago-based Karl Productions.
Principal cast members include Keith Butler, Bruce Edwards, Sanford Gaylord, Cynthia Maddox, Malik Middleton, Byron Stewart, Darryl Taylor and Pamela Upsher.
Kevin's Room: Together synopsis
Prompted by the recent shooting of a support group member at a popular nightspot, Kevin organizes a weekend retreat to encourage members of the community to "come together," confront these unsettling trends, and begin the healing process. Secluded in a lakefront lodge, Kevin and company struggle to reach a consensus response to the shooting and the fate of the club, a gathering spot with deep roots in the community. Groups members clash over larger questions of belonging, self-fulfillment and community loyalties.
Against this backdrop, Kevin's Room: Together brings together established characters as well as new ones; Tatiana, a young transgendered woman; Rodney, a college student seeking support and direction; and Sammy, Aaron's son, who is mature beyond his years.
Presented in a "reality show" format, Kevin's Room: Together gives us a unique, over the shoulder perspective of the action. Woven throughout the story are unscripted "behind the scenes" interviews with key characters, offering deeper insight into their motivations and reactions to the conflicts the retreat uncovers.
