BY BTL STAFF
NEW YORK – WNET, the flagship PBS station, and PBS Digital Studios have announced the launch of "First Person," an original digital series exploring sexuality and gender identity.
The story will be told through short, candid personal narratives, examining many issues facing the LGBT community, using interviews and host commentary to illustrate intimate experiences that speak to larger conversations on gender, sexuality, social norms and identity.
"'First Person' gives us the exciting opportunity to start a meaningful and respectful dialogue about LGBTQ issues," Dan Greenberg, WNET's chief digital officer said.
The web series will be hosted by Kristin Russo, co-founder of LGBT youth organization "Everyone Is Gay," who will take audiences through topics such as bisexual erasure, transitioning for the trans community, queer fashion and coming out in sports. Some featured conversations include those with trans artist Skylar Kergil, author Vivek Shraya, fashion icons Nicolette Mason, Arabelle Sicardi and Rae Tutera and ESPN correspondent Kate Fagan; these will also incorporate comments from viewers and discussion prompts.
"Together with WNET, PBS is committed to exploring diverse viewpoints and we look forward to fostering thoughtful conversations through 'First Person,'" said Don Wilcox, vice president of digital marketing and services at PBS.
In a strategic partnership between WNET's Interactive Engagement Group and PBS Digital Studios, "First Person" will debut on a new channel within the PBS Digital Studios YouTube network Feb. 26 and will release new episodes every other week.
The show is a collaboration between executive producers Daniel B. Greenberg and Joe Harrell; Meredith Heil, producer, camera and editor; Kristin Russo, producer and host; and associate producer and art director, Casey de Pont.
Check out the trailer for "First Person" at First Person PBS.
WNET is the parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV and brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 30 online original series with over 4 million subscribers and has generated over 320 million views.
