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      David Slotemaker 5 days ago

      The Gay Rights Movement video led me to come out to my parents. Thank you so much for everything, and I hope my donation helps :)

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      Marcelle Kratochvil 6 days ago

      Though I know I am in no position to request content, I would like to see Ryan include and discuss what happens when someone who transitions (transsexual/transgender) how they can go from gay to straight, or from straight to gay, just by being open about their sexual identity and transition. Its an issue I am grappling with and yet its rarely discussed. It highlights the whole fluidity of sex and gender, attraction and identity.

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      Brad "Thor" Rissmiller on February 9

      At the end of this speech to the Washington State Legislature (I think), at 3:37, I heard the words "second class citizen" said, and I immediately thought of this project. This documentary isn't even close to being complete (or started, really), and already I am reminded of it when I hear those words. Make this great. Make it go down in history.

      You have 3 times the amount you were asking for. What does that say about the will of the common person? People spending money on a product they haven't seen, but on an idea at this point. Make me me cry, make me contemplate. Do it.

      Link to the video of the Wa. State Leg. http://www.youtube.com/watch... ~3:27 for the quote.

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      Lisa Palmer on February 7

      I am. A peI saw this video ,i was so touched, I backed this project, can't wait to see The film!!! Thank-you.

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      Sean on February 4

      $150,000+ Simply Amazing, Good luck on this project, it will be EPIC!!! It's time to open some eyes...and hearts

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      Dallas Wiebelhaus on February 4

      I don't have much but I gave what I could , cheers from a quintessential heterosexual Texas redneck who doesn't care about color, creed or sexual preference.

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      Ladyhawke1205 on February 3

      Thank you :)
      My wife and I have been together for 20 years and only 2 years legally married.
      We are incredibly lucky to live in a state that recognizes our marriage but we are only halfway there because the federal government still does not.
      I may not have the skills or resources to raise my voice loud enough to be heard but I can sure as hell support someone who does!
      We both thank you from the deepest depths of our hearts for your courage and creativity :)

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      Amanda Reynolds on February 3

      I gave for all of the second class citizens, but especially for my best friend of 24 years. I want to live in a society where he has every right I have. His love for his partner is every bit as valid as the love I have for my partner.But, he is discriminated for that love. That is wrong. And it breaks my heart. And I will give, do, and say all I can to help right this injustice.

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      Colin Baxter on January 31

      Can there be a straight-centric t-shirt option?

      Great work though!

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      Robbie & Kim on January 27

      Got you over the $150,000 mark!!! Kim and I know you will change the world! We love you Ryan!

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      Jack Moore on January 26

      You're amazing.

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      NW on January 25

      Hi Ryan, congratulations and good luck! Thought the update comment was a little off putting though. Maybe just 'thank you' is enough instead of your cander.

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      margaret bernhard on January 25

      I'm really impressed by the level of patience and understanding of those people who are answering the homophobes, some of whom the phobes, appear to be in the middle of a psychotic break. I think I have to remove my intemperate remarks to the phobes. I look bad compared to the gay guys skilled wrangling. Very impressive.

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      Delsea Regional HS GSA on January 25

      The Delsea Regional High School Gay-Straight Alliance is located in a rural, southern, New Jersey town. The clip promoting the documentary Second Class Citizen was shown at our last GSA meeting; the students were in tears. They immediately reached into their pockets and made a donation because they believe in this movie. I am proud to be their adviser!

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      Krist'n M. Thomas on January 25

      I can't wait to see this film. I believe in what you're doing, Ryan, and I thank you.

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      Jay Arms on January 25

      Thank you.

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      Bryan Solem on January 24

      This video has me in tears every time I watch it. I know you will create something beautiful so that all of the world can open their eyes.

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      Jessica Hunter on January 23

      I'm backing this with all of my heart. I'm sickened by comments I hear in my school and on the street. Hopefully our pledges can help enlighten some of the ignorant people out there... It's ok to be gay.

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      Victoria Donahoe on January 23

      "We are not a nation that says 'Don't ask, don't tell.' We are a nation that says, out of many, we are one." :-)

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      Caitlyn James Homol on January 23

      Looking at the number of backers and the amount of money raised is a beautiful, awe inspiring thing.
      What made me want to donate was the absolutely saddening realisation that keeping my sexual orientation a secret because that was "professional" was wrong, silly, and ultimately unfair. Why does it have to be this way? I'm convinced that it doesn't, and I hope that this documentary ushers in unprecedented tolerance and discussion. No one should be afraid to express their love for another. Thank you for taking on this project.

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      Julianna Yap on January 22

      Reading all these supportive comments an seeing the amount of money that has been pledged in such a short amount of time... It's raised my faith in humanity a little more. I'm happy to be a part of this project.

      Cheering you on from Canada.

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      Brett Lacki on January 22

      I am so excited to be a part of something this beautiful.

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      PsyMcDingo on January 22

      I believe in you, Ryan.

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      Toonz Chapter Konstance on January 22

      Nice one! dont forget about asexuals. I got discriminated for not attracted to guys, being a single all the time and not acting like a gal, even though I am a gal.

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      Frankie Dumm on January 21

      this is a beautiful project and im so glad you are doing this. you are a true hero to the gay community. i am not gay but i have friends that are and i support this issue so much and im always trying to find new ways to help and support. keep up the good work. much love. <3

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      Giacomo on January 21

      Love it love it love it love it love it!!! <3

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      Helen Santoro on January 21

      Thank you so much for creating such a brilliant idea for a documentary. This is a battle of human rights, and it's people like you that are going to make the change. I'm honored to back your project!!!

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      Sarah Little on January 21

      Thank you for sharing your vision and giving us the opportunity to support it. For the beautiful men and women in my life who are gay, and for every gay American, this documentary is a step towards equal rights.

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      George Turner on January 21

      IM SO HAPPY FOR RYAN!! He is the most perfect person to be at the front of the gay rights movement by making this documentary!

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      marcus-chr. wendt on January 21

      It's one of the last human battles we have to fight and win. You put yourself right at the front line, and that's what I support with my pledge. All the best with this project, can't wait to see the result. Greetings from Italy!

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      Faith Burket on January 21

      When looking at how much people have pledged to this project already (over 140k upon this post) the original amount Ryan humbly asked for seems to dwarf in comparison, and there's still 48 days to go! It shows how many people truly care and want to see this happen. I hope this documentary will do what you've set out to do and open the eyes, hearts, and minds of all the ignorant homophobic Americans out there and educate them. I think I speak for everyone when I say that we're all honored to be apart of this masterpiece of yours, so best of wishes to you and your team, and thank you so much for having the courage to make this documentary!

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      Jeff Camire on January 21

      Glad to see you guys almost tripled your goal as i have stated on my Facebook page
      anyone who thinks ignorance is bliss should try bieing on the recieving end of it

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      moby longinotto & aviva wishnow on January 20

      For fans of this of Second Class Citizens, please check out our Kickstarter project ending in just 43 HOURS!!!!! PLEASE HELP us meet our goal for THE JONESES documentary about transgender matriarch in bible belt mississippi. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1901269862/the-joneses-a-feature-length-documentary...

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      moby longinotto & aviva wishnow on January 20

      "Second Class Citizens" is going to be nothing but extraordinary. The Joneses can't wait to see this finished so we can spread the love. - The Joneses Doc team

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      Paul Ware MacKnight on January 20

      Thank you!! I cannot express how moving and beautiful the preview alone is.

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      Danielle on January 20

      Thank you Ryan for having the courage to say what needs to be heard. You have an important message and a powerful voice. It's hard for my partner and I to find the words to console our children when the hate and judgement becomes just too much. Thank you for respecting my family.

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      Tom Sacharski on January 20

      Anything to cut down on the ignorance of society.

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      Shoshana on January 19

      When I backed this you had less then $2k. Today over $134k. Amazing Ryan. I'm so excited for you. I'm sure it's also a bit scary and overwhelming feeling all of these people's expectations. But based on all your prior work, you have the talent, the motivation, the skill, and it seems now... the money! Trust your instincts and your movie will be game changing!

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      Kasandra M Hill on January 19

      Oops..should've posted here before asking a question! But I can't thank Ryan enough, and all of us 'regular Joes' who've come out to support civil rights have went a long way to helping me think there is hope for our country. I mean, the women's' and African American civil rights movements are fairly recent, and we did it then. What makes lawmakers think we're going to stop now? And what happened to that whole separation of church and state thing? You know, from that old, moldy thing called the United States Constitution that the government wipes its butt with? We can do it, and thanks to all of you, I really believe that now. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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      Neisha Henstridge on January 19

      This is such a wonderful and inspiring project all the best ... I know one day humanity will get there in the end and we will all be equal not just some of us. It's great to know that there are many out there that offer to give the LGBT community a voice and also show others how to use theres:)

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      Eric Kever on January 19

      I really appreciate what you're doing here. What more can I say? Thank you so much.

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      Will Henning on January 19

      133K???? How awesome is this!?!??!!?!?

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      Aaron Light on January 19

      It's amazing to see how much support you've gotten so far. You'd better make one kickass movie! We all need more tolerance in our lives.

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      Jessica Jane Rodrigues on January 19

      Every person is a first class citizen, regardless of race, gender, and especially sexuality. Love is love no matter what.

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      Mindy Lowers on January 19

      I'm pledging in the name of Westboro Baptist Church. Good luck!

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      Zachery Gochenour on January 19

      I'm glad to pledge my hard earned money to back this movie. I hope this investment brings us all one step closer to a brighter and more equal future!

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      Luis Gonzalez on January 19

      I think this incredible Documentary should be expanded in the future, maybe by spinning off a Series to focus on each topic. I'm so happy and proud that I can sponsor such a groundbreaking project.

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      SALVADOR GONZALEZ on January 19

      I am a Spaniard man married 6 years ago with a Californian man, it's sad that every time we take a plane to visit his family in California, our marriage dissolves through the clouds, and every time I am asked by customs officials in American airports I feel compelled to disguise my answers with some ambiguity, I love my husband and to see how every time we go to visit his family his country treats him as a second class citizen breaks my heart. I hope this film will open many minds and make the self-proclaimed birthplace of democracy, freedom and equality of opportunity actually so.

      (I'm sorry for my English, I'm working on it! ;-P)

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      Sam Street on January 19

      I got married in San Francisco on Oct 30, 2008, five days later Proposition 8 ended the right for others to marry in California. I am heartbroken for other gay individuals who don't have the right to celebrate their love the way we did on that day. The amount of ignorance and the amount hate that is brewing towards gay people in this country right now is beyond troubling. Thank you for trying to make a difference! Thank you for having a voice for us all! How else can I help with this project?

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      king on January 19

      For my gay son, who is perfect and a better man than I.

3,865
Backers
$155,014
pledged of $50,000 goal
 
 

Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more

1015 Backers

A big heartfelt thank you - no amount is too little. Your name will go on the donor section of the website.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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351 Backers

A thank you from Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak on Twitter or Facebook!

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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545 Backers

An autographed movie poster (11" x 17"). Along with... A thank you from Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak on Twitter or Facebook! *Please add $5 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $35 or more Pledge $35 or more

79 Backers

A thank you phone call from Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. I will need your phone number. I promise not to save it. Unless you want me to. An autographed fim poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $5 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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307 Backers

A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

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247 Backers

Your name will appear as a credit at the end of the film! Along with... A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

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472 Backers

A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Along with... Credit at the end of the film. Along with... A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

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30 Backers

A personalized thank you video from Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. Along with... A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

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3 Backers SOLD OUT (0 of 3 remaining)

Guest host a Monday edition video on the YouTube collab channel "Gays of the Week"! Along with... A personalized thank you video made for you by Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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4 Backers

A Skype chat with Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. Along with... A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

The lifeguard buoy worn by shirtless comedian Guy Branum in the "California Gays" music video". Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Add $15 for US shipping. *Add $25 for international shipping.

Estimated Delivery: Apr 2012

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0 Backers • Limited Reward (5 of 5 remaining)

You'll get to appear in Ryan's next music video filming in Los Angeles late January/early February. Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Reward must be selected before shoot date. *Travel/hotel not provided. *Please add $7 to international orders.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

The wedding tuxedo/gown hybrid worn by the bride (Jake Quinney) in the "Only Gay In The World" music video. Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A movie poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $15 for US shipping. *Please add $25 for international shipping.

Estimated Delivery: Apr 2012

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0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

The white flower vase from the "Peacock" music video - my personal favorite memorabilia from any of my music videos. Along with... A Skype chat with Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $8 for US shipping. *Please add $15 for international shipping.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more

6 Backers

2 tickets to the Los Angeles film premiere -or- to the premiere closest to your city. Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

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0 Backers

Associate Producer credit! Along with... 2 tickets to the Los Angeles film premiere -or- to the premiere closest to your city. A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

Pledge $3,000 or more Pledge $3,000 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

A dinner date with Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak. Along with... Associate Producer credit. 2 tickets to the Los Angeles film premiere -or- to the premiere closest to your city. A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

Pledge $3,000 or more Pledge $3,000 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

A dinner date with Anthony Saldana (star of the "Only Gay In The World" music video). Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

A dinner date with Cory Lee (star of the "Only Gay In The World" & "We R Who We R" music videos). Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Mar 2012

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0 Backers

Producer/Director Ryan James Yezak will travel to you to host a screening of the documentary in your living room. You can invite whoever you want & we will have a Q&A. Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Travel/Hotel not provided.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more

1 Backer

Executive Producer credit! A trip to Los Angeles to attend the film premiere & dinner beforehand! Along with... A Skype chat with Ryan. A personalized thank you video made for you by Ryan. A limited edition "I Am Not A Second Class Citizen" shirt (black or white). Credit at the end of the film. A special edition DVD of the film. A film poster (11" x 17"). *Please add $7 to international orders. *Flight/Hotel included if in US. *Only hotel included if international.

Estimated Delivery: Jan 2013

Project By

Ryan james yezak presents hiam.large

Connected as Ryan James Yezak (5157 friends)

My name is Ryan James Yezak - I am a filmmaker and a vlogger on YouTube. I have created popular music videos over the past couple of years ("California Gays", "Peacock", "We R Who We R", "Only Gay In The World") to express my unique vision. Recently though, my vision has become flooded with the daily occurrences of inequality in our country. We are living as second class citizens & it cannot go on any longer. So I am going to make a documentary about it. I would love it if you joined me because it can not be done without you.

  1. youtube.com
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  4. ryanjamesyezak.com