In the life-affirming documentary JIM IN BOLD, two story threads are brought together - one of the life of Jim Wheeler, a gay teen from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who committed suicide at the age of 18 after years of alienation, and that of Young Gay America, an organization devoted to getting the stories of gay youth by traveling the country and via their website. Audiences were on their feet following this documentary, which sent a powerful message that there is a place in this world for gay youth, and the fear and alienation that many experience doesn't have to be.

Immediately following the documentary were a number of exciting performances and appearances. Malcolm Lazin, who was a key person in bringing this documentary to life, stated how important it is for this documentary to be seen for its important message to gay youth. Lazin also lauded the recipients of the Role Model Award, Mike Glatze and Benjie Nycum, co-founders of Young Gay America, for their persistence and dedication, which involves sinking every cent they earn into this venture.

Director Glenn Holsten, who has won awards for previous PBS documentaries, took the stage and thanked Glatze and Nycum for their vision, as well as the Wheeler family for their openness during a very difficult time in their lives and for allowing the use of Jim Wheeler's extraordinary poetry. He echoed Lazin's plea to support the documentary in further stages.

Various interviewees from Jim in Bold were dispersed in the audience as well, and Jim Wheeler's mother came forward to give a heartwarming speech and issue the Role Model Award to Glatze and Nycum. She thanked Lazin and Holsten for their vision and support, and called Glatze and Nycum not only this year's role models, but her own "role models." Glatze and Nycum graciously accepted the award and thanked their families, not only for their support, but for giving them shelter while pursuing this project and allowing them use of their vehicle.

With performances from American Idol 2002 finalist Jim Verraros (who sang a tender acapella performance of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and dedicated it to Jim Wheeler), dancers from the University of the Arts (blindfolded in one performance and in large numbers for an exciting, foot-stomping finale), and an actor from an off-Broadway production of The Laramie Project, audiences both cried and rejoiced in this celebration of the life of Jim Wheeler and the future of gay youth everywhere.

More of Fred Shelley's writings can be found at www.haydenism.com.