Diversity Collective Ventura County is hosting a free in-person screening on Friday, December 1 of the award-winning documentary “Yes, I Am: The Ric Weiland Story.” The film celebrates the life of Microsoft co-founder Ric Weiland, an influential queer pioneer, activist and philanthropist.
The performance at 8 p.m. at 2471 Portola Road, Ventura, will be preceded by a resource fair and reception at 19.00, and followed by a panel discussion with the film’s director Aaron Bear at 21.15. Bear will join the conversation virtually.
Narrated by Zachary Quinto, starring Bill Gates, and executive produced by “World of Wonder” filmmakers Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the film tells Weiland’s life story.
Weiland helped orchestrate Microsoft’s early successes, making him a considerably wealthy and influential person at an early age. Since the 70s, Weiland was also a champion of gay rights.
During his lifetime, Weiland donated more than $200 million to fund more than 60 nonprofit organizations. He also lived through the AIDS epidemic. Like so many of his friends, he was eventually diagnosed with HIV.
Note: the film deals with the subject of suicide.
Diversity Collective Ventura County is a community-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to provide advocacy, visibility, safety and well-being for the LGBTQ+ community.