WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign released a web ad featuring Kim Wayans and Dee Rees – star and director, respectively – of the highly-anticipated feature film, “Pariah,” for its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign.  In the ad, both women speak out in favor of gay and lesbian couples getting married nationwide, with Rees explaining, “Lesbian and gay couples’ stories are just as real, and just as romantic, and deserve to be told.”  The video can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/marriageequality. 

“Pariah brilliantly depicts the struggle that many LGBT people – including African-Americans – face in coming out and living openly,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “Marriage discrimination is one of the many factors that perpetuates the notion that LGBT people are somehow less-than, and gives cause to those who continue to discriminate.  I am so grateful to Dee Rees and Kim Wayans for this outstanding film, and for their participation in our campaign.”

“Pariah” tells the story of Alike, an African-American teenager who comes out as lesbian and the struggles she endures in her family and her community.  An official selection at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is set for release Friday, January 6. 

This is the eighth video released by HRC for the Americans campaign.  Past videos feature Scott Fujita, Josh Charles, Katori Hall, John Leguizamo, Julian Bond, Mo’Nique, and Cory Booker. 

About 53% of the American public supports marriage for same-sex couples, according to a number of nonpartisan polls, including Gallup, CNN, and Washington Post/ABC News.
Americans for Marriage Equality is a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married.  The campaign draws from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, political and civic leaders. 

For more information on the campaign or to see the videos, visit www.hrc.org/marriageequality.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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