Artists’ Vision For A Positive Lgbt World Comes To Life

SALT LAKE CITY - June 23, 2015 - PRLog -- After a successful showing at the 2015 Utah Pride Festival, local artist Gary Hansen hopes to comfort, educate, and inspire even more of the gay community with his new illustrated story Sam & Aaron, which can be viewed online in full and at no cost at http://www.garydoesthings.com/sam-and-aaron/one/.

Created over the course of two years, Sam & Aaron follows the story of two grade-school-aged boys whose close friendship quickly blossoms into young love. The short, illustrated story diverts from the more conventional themes commonly found in gay literature (inner conflict or antagonism) and highlights the innocence and excitement of first love, regardless of sexual orientation.

“I took experiences from my childhood and reimagined them being lived by two boys who weren’t limited by the fears and misunderstandings I had growing up—that they could feel love and embrace it without restriction,” says Hansen. “In this way, I was able to show myself, and others, a better world.”

After seeing reactions of love and support at this year’s Pride Festival, Hansen is more determined than ever to reach his goal of printing 250 copies of Sam & Aaron to distribute to pride centers and local libraries throughout Salt Lake City. Supporters of Sam & Aaron can back the project’s Kickstarter fund and receive exclusive memorabilia, depending on the amount pledged.

“My goal with this project has nothing to do with making a profit,” says Hansen. “It’s to make Sam & Aaron available to as many people as possible—especially those who need it.”

As a first-time Kickstarter user, Hansen knows his goal is ambitious, but he’s confident the message of Sam & Aaron is worth taking the leap. With a fundraising deadline of Monday, July 6, 2015, he’s making every effort to ensure his short story makes a meaningful impact.


About Gary

Gary Hansen is a multi-media artist and video blogger. He studied film at Utah-based media school Spy Hop as well as animation at Salt Lake Community College. His previous work includes internships and employment with various art organizations and creative agencies based in New Orleans. Sam & Aaron is the first illustrated project he has released publicly. Currently residing in Salt Lake City, Gary documents his work online through his YouTube channel and personal website.