Why tell this story now?
The LGBTQ+ community is under attack on every front in our country. Conservatives and right-wing groups want to erase our very existence. Recent court challenges show just how far people will go to attack basic human rights. The historic right of LGBTQ+ Americans to marry legally is in jeopardy. Since January 2025 Republican lawmakers in a total of nine states have introduced proposals to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the ruling that granted same-sex couples the right to marry in the United States in 2015.
More than ever, the time to act is now. We must stand up to this hatred with all we have. It is vital that we come together as members of the gay community, with our allies, to tell stories that celebrate our rich heritage, protect our hard-fought rights, and inspire future generations to continue the battles they will face in the fight against inequality. We must become our own cavalry.
Why make a feature film?
Political action takes many forms. Some argue in court, others demonstrate in the streets—others make films. Films are political in nature when the subject is injustice. Philadelphia did it for AIDS, Brokeback Mountain did it for the nightmare of being in the closet, and Milk marked a burgeoning political movement. Our film will help drive the change needed for a more inclusive country and planet.
Right now, there is an ever-present need for a film that has the power to change peoples’ hearts and minds at such a critical time in our nation’s history. Four Letter Word has the potential to do just that. Our hope is to inspire anyone who sees Four Letter Word to take action in their own community. The film is aligned with the mood of many in this country who are seeking real change—an organic and authentic movement. Because it is drawn from actual events, the story hits home powerfully. This could happen to any family in any town where hatred still lives.