The Boca Raton Tribune
Last Friday night, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Hollywood legend Jacqueline Bisset (Bullitt, Murder on the Orient Express), screen-stealer Wes Ramsey (CSI: Miami, Pretty Little Liars, General Hospital), Film writer/director C. Jay Cox (Sweet Home Alabama, Kiss the Bride) and producer Kirkland Tibbels (Cloud 9, Adam & Steve) came to support Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s Back to the Drive 2 fundraiser while also celebrating the 20th anniversary of their trailblazing, gay rom-com, “Latter Days.” (High-Rez Photo Images Available).
“Hearing the fearless and iconic Jacqueline Bisset, Wes Ramsey, C. Jay Cox and Kirkland Tibbels reminisce about the pride, resolve and backlash they faced in making this film 2 decades ago— a film that breaks down barriers and attacks stigmas while celebrating diversity, bravery and all shades of love— was an inspired reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has come far but our quest for equality is far from over,” said Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s Executive Director Robert Kesten.
Hundreds of Stonewall supporters and Latter Days movie fans came to The Venue in Wilton Manors on Oct 17 where they enjoyed a delectable meal, drinks, screened scenes from the now classic Latter Days film and an intimate Q and A with the Latter Day crew.
Kesten (half) jokingly implored the team for a sequel or future project in Fort Lauderdale, but Cox and Tibbel remained mum, although both were approached with ideas and, in one case, funding.
Left to Right: Kirkland Tibbels, C. Jay Cox, Wes Ramsey, Jacqueline Bisset
“With a new film studio under construction in Fort Lauderdale and the county’s tax breaks for filmmakers, it seems like the perfect time for Cox and Tibbel to plan a movie here in Florida,” added Kesten. “The nation’s cultural views of LGBT+ rights have changed over the past 20 years, and we’d love to once again see them push the envelope in a meaningful and significant way.”
Latter Days tackled the love story between a LA party boy, closeted Mormon missionary and the changes they brought to one another’s lives. Initially released in 2003 at the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and OutFest, it quickly gained groundbreaking acclaim from viewers across the U.S. and around the world.
Back to the Drive 2 serves to support Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library’s Stonewall National Education Project (SNEP). As books and education remain under threat in a growing number of states and regions; as LGBTQ+ history, culture and human rights are under attack, SNEP- a decades-old education program- continues to ensure that our nation’s most marginalized students not only have a safe and welcoming school environment, but that LGBTQ+ history and culture will be taught along with all other invaluable subjects.
Photo Credit: SNMAL
Jacqueline Bisset
Photo Credit: Sergey Bermeniev
With a film career spanning decades, Jacqueline Bisset’s rise to stardom began in the late 1960s. Known for her stunning beauty, Bisset landed her first leading role in the 1967 film The Cape Town Affair. In 1968, Bisset replaced Mia Farrow in the film The Detective alongside Frank Sinatra, leading to mainstream recognition. She also co-starred with Michael Sarrazin in The Sweet Ride, earning a Golden Globe nomination as Most Promising Newcomer, as well as starred in the classic film Bullitt, where she costarred with Steve McQueen.
Kicking off the 1970s, Bisset was featured in the star-studded disaster film Airport. In 1973, Bisset found recognition in Europe following the film Day for Night. In 1977, she gained wide publicity in the United States with the box office hit film The Deep, which popularized the famous wet T-shirt craze and made her known as one of the most beautiful actresses of the era.
In 1978, Bisset earned another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy for the film Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?, cementing her as a star in the US. She would be nominated for a Golden Globe again in 1984 for the film Under the Volcano for Best Supporting Actress as well as nominated for a César Award, the French equivalent of the Oscar, for her performance in Claude Chabrol‘s La Cérémonie (1995).
Throughout her career, Bisset has starred in films across the globe and in several different genres, showcasing her acting capabilities and impressive skill set. She won her first Golden Globe in 2013 for the BBC program Dancing on the Edge. Bisset has continued to star in films to this day, with her most recent films being Loren & Rose (2022) and this year’s Long Shadows.
Wes Ramsey
Photo Credit: @meenophoto
Best known for his work on beloved daytime soap operas General Hospital and Guiding Light, actor Wes Ramsey has made his name known throughout the film and television circuit. With roles across dozens of beloved series and films, such as Charmed, Sidetracked, Venice the Series, Pretty Little Liars, CSI: Miami, Grey’s Anatomy, and Days of Our Lives, Ramsey has proven his acting range through his impressive resume of characters. Ramsey is also known for playing a lead role in the 2003 LGBT+ romantic comedy Latter Days.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ramsey graduated from Juilliard School with a Bachelor in Fine Arts. Ramsey made his Hollywood debut in 2000 in Guiding Light as Sam Spencer. His most recent role was the 2021 web series Sidetracked where he plays a recurring role.
C. Jay Cox
IMDB. Photo Credit: Laurent Thor Weber
C. Jay Cox is the writer of the box office hit and award-winning film Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon, as well as the brains behind the audience-adored and award-nominated 2003 film Latter Days starring an all-star cast including Jacqueline Bisset and Wes Ramsey.
C. Jay was also the director and producer for the film Kiss the Bride starring Tori Spelling, as well as was a screenwriter for the 2009 film New in Town featuring Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.
A Nevada native, C. Jay Cox discovered his love of filming and writing at an early age. With a Bachelors in Journalism, Cox graduated from Brigham Young University before relocating to Los Angeles and beginning his career, as well as discovering his sexuality and identity.
Kirkland Tibbels:
Best known for Cloud 9 (2014), Latter Days (2003), and Adam & Steve (2005), Tibbels’ career began in 1994. Alongside producing partner Justin Ware, Tibbels has financed, produced, and co-produced/distributed nearly 30 film and television projects. His production banners Hollywood Farms and Funny Boy Films are actively working on several films, including true crime novel adaptations by author Jack Olsen. Tibbels has also worked on the screenplay for award-winning novel A High Five for Glenn Burke.
Stonewall National Education Project (SNEP)
Stonewall National Education Project (SNEP) is the education program of Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library, focused on promoting LGBT+ inclusive policies, practices, and curriculum through a nationwide network of educators. Each year, SNEP organizes a four-day symposium bringing together those working with LGBTQ+ students in the education system, educators, government officials, advocacy groups, and community organizers. The symposium provides a forum for the sharing of concepts and methods for promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive environments.
Additionally, SNEP creates curriculum and instructional materials that are LGBTQIA+ inclusive for high school settings. These materials are accessible for purchase and distribution through grant-funded projects.
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