A Living History of the LGBT Movement
There was a story that needed to be told—a story about love in the shadows, about voices rising from the silence. AARP saw a community overlooked for too long and turned to rezonate and NextDayBetter to help change that. "A Living History of the LGBT Movement" isn't just a film; it's a tribute to those who dared to live authentically when the world wanted them hidden. It's a reminder that the fight for dignity and equality isn’t over—it’s alive, it’s breathing, and it’s carried forward by those who refuse to be invisible.
Creative Direction
Animation
Design
Edit
Sound Design
Music
Direction
AARP + NextDayBetter
Pride Festivals today represent joy and freedom of expression, but this wasn’t always the case; for the path to love and acceptance was paved with grief, anger, justice, and a strong desire to live freely.
Working together with AARP and NextDayBetter, rezonate created a World that communicates hope amidst fear, love amidst hate, and pride amidst oppression.
Through illustrating the Living History of the LGBT Movement, rezonate paid homage to the LGBTQIA+ elderly who lived in times of prejudice & strife, and are facing an endemic of invisibility today.
Case Study: A Living History of the LGBT Movement
Project Overview:
In a world where visibility and safe spaces are often hard-won, "A Living History of the LGBT Movement" sought to tell a different kind of story—one that is grounded in both the reality of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community during times of suppression and the hope and idealism that has driven its heroes to reshape the world today. The film weaves together the threads of fear and hope, love and hate, pride and oppression, offering a tribute to the elderly who lived through prejudice and strife and now face the challenge of invisibility.
Project Goals:
AARP, recognizing an opportunity to connect with a community that had felt unseen, partnered with NextDayBetter and rezonate to bring this story to life. The goal was clear: to build trust, foster awareness, and create a dialogue with the LGBTQIA+ community. Through this project, AARP aimed to show that they are listening, recognizing the struggles and victories of this community, and committing to providing support that resonates deeply with its members.
Creative Execution:
Typography and Color:
From the beginning, we chose a visual style that would be anything but quiet. Inspired by the boldness of activist posters and protest placards, the typography commands attention, echoing a movement that has always demanded to be seen. The color palette starts with deep, somber hues—reflecting a past filled with secrecy and oppression—before exploding into vibrant, unapologetic colors that capture the joy, pride, and unyielding spirit of liberation. The contrast of these colors against stark black and white backgrounds mirrors the journey from hidden identities to open celebration. Intimate portraits of individuals set against expansive cityscapes capture the duality of the LGBTQ+ experience: a deeply personal struggle for acceptance intertwined with a collective fight for justice. Each faded texture, every scratched surface, tells a story of scars from battles fought, but also of resilience and defiance—a declaration that the fight for equality is far from over.
Character Design:
The character design breaks away from traditional, sanitized depictions of LGBTQ+ history. By embracing a simple, almost childlike style, the illustrations reflect a world where self-expression takes precedence over anatomical accuracy. These minimalist figures embody the raw authenticity of the LGBTQ+ experience—an assertion of individuality and the courage to be one’s true self. The use of negative space conveys both the isolation that many in the community have faced and a sense of hope, with figures standing tall against the emptiness, refusing to be diminished. The illustrations do not focus on historical accuracy; they capture the essence of a movement that celebrates courage, solidarity, and the ongoing quest for a world where every person can live boldly and proudly.
Process and Collaboration:
This project was crafted through a highly collaborative effort, bringing together a diverse team of writers, directors, and producers from NextDayBetter, AARP, and rezonate, many of whom identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their insights and experiences shaped the narrative, ensuring the film was not only visually captivating and historically respectful but also deeply resonant with its intended message—hope, love, and acceptance amidst a history fraught with hate and intolerance.
Impact and Message:
By portraying "A Living History of the LGBT Movement," we honored the elders of the LGBTQIA+ community—those who were once the trailblazers, fighting for rights and recognition. The project calls on the new generation to uphold the hard-won freedoms paid for dearly by those who came before. It serves as a reminder that the fight for acceptance and justice is ongoing, and that the stories of these pioneers must not be forgotten. Through this partnership, AARP, NextDayBetter, and rezonate seek to reinforce the legacy of these heroes and promote continued support and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Outcome:
The project successfully sparked a meaningful dialogue between AARP and the LGBTQIA+ community, laying the groundwork for deeper connections and trust. It provided an entry point for AARP to better understand and support the unique needs of this community, while positioning the organization as a committed ally in the fight for equality. The initiative not only heightened awareness but also aligned AARP with a message of inclusion, advocacy, and recognition.
Learn More: To explore AARP's ongoing initiatives in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, visit aarp.org/pride.
Cast of Queens
Bianca Del Rio
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Laganja Estranja
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Sasha Velour
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Jinkx Monsoon
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Trixie Mattel
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Katya
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Marina Summers
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Xilhouete
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This metaphor underscores the tenacity and bravery displayed by both game characters and the LGBTQIA+ community. It highlights the significance of resisting adversity and persisting, regardless of the hurdles faced. By establishing connections between these two realms, the metaphor serves as a potent reminder of the strength and resolve needed to attain progress and transformation in the enduring fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, equality, and acceptance.
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Our character animations were inspired by the way video games depict character interactions during the selection process. By animating our drag queen characters with over-the-top reactions, we created a perfect blend of Street Fighter and drag culture. Using quick and snappy emotions, the animation maintains its comedic effect, staying true to the essence of the Reading Challenge.
Additionally, understanding each drag queen's shape language helped our team maintain consistency with the design inspiration and model reference. This attention to detail allowed us to capture the unique personalities and styles of each character, further enhancing the immersive experience of the animation and its connection to the world of drag.
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