WHO: My name is John Rizzo, I have 40 years experience working with Newsweek, NYTimes, Bloomberg, Wash Post, LA Times, Overseas Press Club and I have been making pro bono films about the transgender community worldwide for 3 years. The films are given away free to Pride organizations and shown at universities. The first 2, from Thailand & Philippines are completed and posted on YouTube; the 3rd, from Amsterdam, is in postproduction. I do not make money from these films. Each film is entered in international film festivals for maximum exposure.

WHAT: The goal is to create one film on each of 6 continents to produce a worldwide view of what is going on within the transgender communities.

WHEN: I am looking for funding to produce one more film in Australia in 2025 to have it ready for WorldPride 2026. The funding is needed for airfare, lodging, meals & production assistance. All subjects in the films donate their time and work with us without fees.

WHERE: Australia, Africa & South America are the next locations.

WHY: LGBTQ communities are under assault across the world. Gender-affirming care is being denied to teens, sometimes with deadly consequences. Young people have nowhere to turn to. In my opinion, not enough people have access to someone who is trans, therefore cannot relate to them. My films provide the chance to meet everyday trans men and women who have navigated difficult situations and have come out on top. These are positive stories of resilience. The films also include government officials, physicians, community and religious leaders. Notable subjects included to date: Yvo Manuel Vas Dias, Founder of TransAmsterdam; Dindi Tan, first transgender member of Philippine Govt.; Touria Meliani, Deputy Mayor/Alderman of Amsterdam; Bemz Benedito, first transgender political candidate in Asia; The Pride Clinic at Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok.