Radical Inconvenient Love

On May 20, 2015 Oregon became the third state to ban the practice of "conversion therapy," the attempt to change LGBTQ individuals' orientation based on disproven theory. Radical Inconvenient Love focuses on one man's involvement in the effort to pass the ban, experience with the exempted Portland Fellowship, and perspective on how he lives with the practice's deleterious repercussions.

“An artful, delicately revealing portrait of a gay man’s journey from religious self-loathing into self acceptance and pride.”
David Weissman, filmmaker (The Cockettes, We Were Here)

“Radical Inconvenient Love is a moving and important film.”
Eric Slade, director (Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton, Hope Along the Wind)

"Inspiring! Sheds vital light on a soulful transformation ~ beyond shame to liberation, activism and community."
Stephen Silha, Journalist and filmmaker (Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton)

Closed-Caption version available at: https://goo.gl/abknqc

  • Erik Schmitz
    Director
  • Jason Roper
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Religion, Psychology, Love, Spirituality, Politics
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 20, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    350 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Homegrown Film Festival
    Clinton Street Theater, Portland, OR
    May 22, 2015
    World Premiere
  • Breitenbush Radical Faerie Summer Gathering
    Detroit, OR
    August 15, 2015
  • California Community of Men Short Film Festival
    Los Angeles, CA
    September 5, 2015
  • Breitenbush Radical Faerie Winter Gathering
    Detroit, OR
    February 13, 2016
  • Shorty Shorts 6 Queer Film Festival
    Portland, OR
    United States
    November 3, 2016
Director Biography - Erik Schmitz

Erik created this short through a workshop at NW Documentary. It is his debut film.

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Director Statement

Filmmaking is the creation of modern myths. Myths shape our minds to change epistemology. I strive for mine to cultivate a sense of acceptance, pride, and celebration.