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Jim Wheeler was a young gay poet and artist, who was the victim of extreme homophobia while growing up in rural Pennsylvania. In 1997, alone in a cold room, Jimmy took his own life. Five years later, armed with a video camera and Jim's poetry, three members of Young Gay America embark on a cross-country road trip, interviewing gay and lesbian youth in the heartland of America. Their stories show not only the struggles many gay and lesbian youth still face, but also the progress and strength demonstrated every day by simply being yourself. Written by Mike LaMonaca
Having been gay for as long as I can remember, it was such an honor to have been chosen to be a part of this documentary. I am Emily Johnson-Williams, though these days, I only go by Emily Johnson. I see that no one else from the movie has commented on it, so I figured I would. Being a part of something that was so tremendous, yet so small, was something that changed my life. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Austin to the AGLIFF premiere of Jim In Bold, and I was invited to speak about my experience in helping to make it. When I got there, I talked to Malcolm Lazin, and he told me that there are people all over the world who wanted him to tell me that I was an inspiration to them, being from such a small, homophobic town - in rural Texas, no less! LOL! But that really opened my eyes and made me see that I wasn't alone, no matter how many times I felt alone. I'm thankful to Jimmy Wheeler, for the fact that it was because of him that I got to know that I wasn't alone. It was really nice. I wish his family all the best in life, and may Jimmy rest in peace.