The Fortune Teller: 50 Yrs of Faggotry in 5 Mins, By Leo Herrera from Herrera Images on Vimeo.
Leo Herrera, a NYC-based visual artist, filmmaker, writer and advocate with a focus on cataloging and presenting gay history, has released an update to his viral video the “The Fortune Teller” in response to it being circulated widely in the wake of the Orlando LGBTQ hate crime, that killed 49. This new version also includes footage to reflect the positive impact Truvada, also known as PrEP, has had in reducing the risk of HIV infection.
First released in 2013, to celebrate gay history and pride, the widely viewed video gained new momentum as the news of Orlando spread over social media. It became clear that a time capsule of gay history would need to include recent events, as the impact on the community is immense. Unlike other marginalized minority groups, gay history isn’t shared widely in schools or at home by parents with their children; it’s one the community must tell.
“As more people started to share the video online, updating it became a priority to honor our fallen brothers and sisters in Orlando,” explained Herrera. “The goal of the Fortune Teller has always been to document and remember where we came from, recognize the struggles and attacks we have overcome, and also celebrate the progress gained through the fight and sacrifices of those that came before us. While the Orlando tragedy is a terrible reminder that there is still much progress to be made, there is also good news to be shared such as the availability of PrEP.”
The Fortune Teller does not attempt to be an all-encompassing history; the clips in the Fortune Teller were curated based on icons and moments personally selected by Leo as they defined him as a gay man and the gay community world over.
To add your story, post the video link with something you remember or would like others to recognize that tells a unique story of struggle or pride, along with the hashtag: #futurepresentpastgay
