Fri, January 2 2009
Media ContactCathy Renna, 917-757-6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2009
NEW YORK'S LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS "REAL WORLD: BROOKLYN" SEASON 21 ROOMATES AS VOLUNTEER INTERNS
January 2, 2009… The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Community Center in New York City opened its doors to three roommates of the upcoming "Real World: Brooklyn." A focus of "Real World's" twenty-first installment was to encourage the cast members to go after their dreams while living in New York City. Three out of eight roommates chose to pursue their passions with three-month long volunteer internships at the Center, the nation's leading and most comprehensive LGBT community center for over a quarter century. The wildly popular MTV program has been a pioneer in both reality television as well as LGBT visibility in the media, and this season premieres on January 7, 2009. The three roommates who dedicated their time to the Center were Sarah, JD and Katelynn.
"We were thrilled to host these terrific young people who found themselves in our city to participate in this groundbreaking show," said Richard Burns, Executive Director of the Center. "The Real World has a long and rich history of including LGBT people and people with HIV as cast members, and we are proud to be part of "Real World: Brooklyn's" success," continued Burns. "However, the best part for us was having three terrific people, who care about the LGBT community; bring their enthusiasm and spirit to the Center. We were so moved to see each of them leave the Center with the knowledge that they had made a profound contribution to our programs and services," concluded Burns.
Below are brief summaries of each cast member's life changing internship while at the Center, as well as MTV's official press release for "Real World: Brooklyn."
If you would like to speak with someone about the Center's involvement in the show, please contact cathy@rennacommunications.com. For additional information, photos or other materials about the series, please contact the MTV media relations staff listed at the bottom of the release.
http://www.gaycenter.org/realworld
Getting Real at the Center
Braking the Cycle
Sarah, JD, and Katelynn all volunteered for Braking the Cycle, the Center's largest annual fundraiser. For the past six years participants of Braking the Cycle have each ridden approximately 275 miles and raised an overall total of 1.8 million dollars which directly funds the Center's battle against HIV/AIDS. Along with their roommates, they participated in Braking the Cycle's opening and closing ceremonies, as well as helped to support the riders at a pit stop along the way. In addition, each intern became involved in a Center program that most inspired them.
Sarah: Artistic Programs Internship
Sarah created and ran a free weekly art class called "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...Self-Image Awareness through Art," that welcomed 10 students each week. "Mirror, Mirror" was dedicated to the creativity of the human spirit and the process of healing by exploring the experiences and expectations of self-image in today's culture. Sarah tackled the issue that image has always been a hot topic in the LGBT community, and the perception of what is "perfect" or "ideal." The course gave students the artistic license to explore, find, and define the beauty within them. "Mirror, Mirror" also featured an introduction to art and art therapy, color theory/emotions of colors, expressing yourself through art and exploring the artist within. The Center held an opening reception for the students to exhibit their work this past November. Sarah also acted as the red carpet host for the Center's eleventh annual "Women's Event," this year saluting the "The L Word" with cast members from the iconic series in attendance including Jennifer Beals and Pam Grier.
Katelynn: Gender Identity Project Web Internship
Katelynn's internship allowed her to conceptualize and design a new website for the Center's Gender Identity Project (GIP) at genderidentityproject.org. She began the project by attending the Center's GIP Trans Coffee House, speaking with and surveying over 60 attendees about what resources and services would be most crucial to address on the new site. She then presented her findings to and brainstormed with the GIP staff. Based upon her research, Katelynn designed the new site by developing content, creating a "trans events calendar," adding a page dedicated to providing resources for the trans community and introducing "Trans Basics" which serves as an online educational tool for anyone interested in learning more about trans issues. She also reached out to members of the trans community, interviewed and photographed them, and ultimately profiled them on the site. The Center unveiled the revamped Gender Identity Project website with a launch party celebration in November.
JD: Advocacy Internship
JD focused on the Center's voting initiative, "Promote the Vote." He reached out to the New York City community by registering new voters and getting the word out about the importance of voting and making your voice heard. He followed up by developing and throwing the Center's Election Night Party on November 4. He also participated in organizing several of the Center's recreational events, such as the Center's "Dance 208," a bi-monthly dance party fundraiser. JD also wrote and presented an empowering and inspirational speech at the "Braking the Cycle" closing ceremony on September 28.
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"THE REAL WORLD" GOES BACK TO ITS ROOTS
MTV WELCOMES EIGHT ROOMMATES ON "THE REAL WORLD"
WHEN SEASON 21 SETS UP RESIDENCE IN BROOKLYN TO DISCOVER THEIR TRUE SELVES BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 AT 10:00 P.M. ET/PT
Fans Have Unprecedented Access to the Roommates with Uncensored Footage at RealWorldDailies.com, Live Video Chats at IamOnMTV.com and
Exclusive Footage and Photos on MTV.com
For the First Time, "The Real World: Brooklyn" Will Broadcast in HD
And will Be Available on iTunes for HD Download
Santa Monica, CA, December 4, 2008 – MTV takes "The Real World" back to the New York and its roots when the series turns 21 in Brooklyn beginning Wednesday, January 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. After successfully expanding the series to one-hour episodes last season, "The Real World: Brooklyn" welcomes eight roommates into the house as they discover who they really are and how false first impressions may be. As the cameras track their every movement, viewers also will have the opportunity to learn how the roommates continue to behave when the episode ends and hear first-hand accounts from the roommates themselves of what transpired through various sources, including RealWorldDailies.com and MTV.com. A tell-all special on the evolution of the landmark series, entitled "The Real World: Secrets Revealed," airs Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. ET/PT. "The Real World: Brooklyn" is from reality powerhouse, Bunim-Murray Productions.
This is the true story of eight strangers... For the first time, "The Real World: Brooklyn" brings together eight (not seven) complex individuals from different cultural backgrounds under one roof. An Iraq war veteran, a former beauty queen, a hip hop dancing hippie, a punk rock Mormon, a dolphin trainer, a computer geek, an abs model and an advocate for victims of abuse all pursue their goals and dreams while debating issues facing today's society. As they live with seven other people, the roommates will discover other cultures and lifestyles plus what kind of person they are - and want to become. Rather than band together for a job or activity like in recent seasons of "The Real World," the roommates spend time exploring the city, pursuing career dreams and volunteering in the community, which is very reminiscent of the first season in New York. In addition, inside the house, there is the usual drama MTV viewers have come to expect: romances, misunderstandings, fights and assorted pranks on one another.
While 13 one-hour episodes will air on MTV, the action and drama will continue off-screen and exclusively online at The Real World Dailies site (www.realworlddailies.com). Beginning January 2, fans will have unprecedented access to uncensored and unedited clips from the filming of this season that will give viewers a front-row seat into the lives of eight strangers living together under one roof. Fans also can put on an editor's hat and mash-up their own scenes, cutting together the footage to create their own favorite "Real World" action. Users then may submit their created scenes to be showcased on the site and entered into various contests. Executive Producer Jim Johnston will offer insight into what the producers were thinking with an exclusive behind-the-scenes blog each week.
Online at MTV.com, "The Real World: Brooklyn" website will offer exclusive cast and house photos, cast video profiles, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the eight roommates. Sneak peeks of upcoming episodes and two-minute episode recaps will be available plus previously aired episodes to view online. Fans will have the chance to chat in real-time with the roommates via MTV's social network site, IamOnMTV.com. Plus, people can chat with other viewers while checking out posted videos and photos from the show. In addition, music featured in each episode will be available to listen to at soundtrack.MTV.com.
As with season 20 in Hollywood, fans of the series will have the chance to choose who will live in the house for season 22. Casting for the next season is currently underway at RealWorldCasting.MTV.com with videos, blogs and photos of prospective roommates. Vote now through December 10 and be a part of "The Real World" casting process.
The first MTV series to broadcast in HD, "The Real World: Brooklyn" will be available for HD download on iTunes, beginning January 8. Plus, viewers may revisit previous seasons 18-20 (Denver, Sydney and Hollywood) for a reduced price. "The Real World: Brooklyn" also will be available for SD download on the XBox Live Marketplace and Amazon.com.
Meet the new Brooklyn cast:
Baya, 21 – Salt Lake City, UT
Raised by hippie parents, Baya's laid-back granola vibe hides a deep passion for the hip-hop culture, especially when it comes to dancing. A very friendly and positive person, she continually feels like a fish out of water, which stems from growing up as a non-Mormon in a predominately Mormon Salt Lake City society. Baya, who is a DJ, aspires to be a professional hip-hop dancer and is determined not to allow her severe panic attacks to stand in her way as she searches for the best place to develop her craft. When she is not sweating to funky grooves or spinning music, Baya is dedicating her time and energy to social and environmental causes.
Chet, 23 – Salt Lake City, UT
Chet is not the typical punk rock party boy. Despite his tight jeans and affinity for neon clothing, this University of Utah frat boy is one of ten children in a devoted Mormon family. Recently single, Chet's flamboyant style and energetic personality always make him the life of the party. However, this doesn't mean that he will compromise his firm beliefs – no alcohol and no premarital sex. Chet may not chug beer with his fraternity brothers, but he will take care of them when they get drunk – and sometimes play a prank or two. A strong conservative Republican, he is not one to shy away from voicing his opinions or standing up for what he believes. Chet's goal is to become a television host.
Devyn, 20 – Kansas City, MO
A winner of Miss Missouri Teen and Miss America Teen pageants, this beauty queen is the epitome of a "Diva." Devyn may be easy on the eyes, but she's tough on anyone who stands in her way. She lives for the lime light, whether it's center stage or at the center of the club. Her flirtatious behavior allows her to get what she wants without having to give up anything – especially sex. Known as a tease, she lives by the quote: "It is easier to get into Heaven than into Devyn." A theatre and music studies major at the University of South Florida, Devyn hopes to one day be a part of the entertainment industry. Devyn has no problem juggling multiple suitors at any given time; however, her mother and late grandmother, who taught her to be the moral woman she is today, hold the special place in her heart.
J.D., 22 – Miami Beach, FL
Life wasn't always smooth sailing for JD, who grew up in an abusive home in Orlando, FL. At the young age of five, JD was inspired to become a dolphin trainer after a trip to SeaWorld where a passion for animal training and marine mammals instantly developed. JD knew he had to work hard to achieve his dreams, which motivated him to swim competitively in high school. Despite his rough childhood, JD found the courage to move to South Florida and attend the University of Miami – and became one of the youngest dolphin trainers at Miami Seaquarium at the tender age of 19. He continues to live wholeheartedly by the motto "work hard, to play hard."
Katelynn, 24 – West Palm Beach, FL
Katelynn is a native of West Palm Beach and was raised in a religious Italian household, where she dreamed of being as good of a mother to her children as her own mom has been to her. Yet, this goal seemed unattainable since Katelynn was born male. In high school, she realized that something was missing in her life, and she began the slow transgender process by starting to dress in more feminine clothing. By age 17, she began living as a woman. This past July, Katelynn traveled to Thailand to undergo surgery to complete her transformation. She is a self-proclaimed computer geek and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. After a string of bad relationships, she hopes to one day marry her current boyfriend, Mike.
Ryan, 23 – Gettysburg, PA
Ryan may be considered a small town guy but he has had his fair share of adventure. After enlisting in the Army at age 17, Ryan completed a tour in Iraq where he guarded Saddam Hussein during his trial and lived through many near-death experiences. He found an outlet to express his feelings through writing and music and returned from duty with a newfound appreciation for life and a better perspective on the world around him. A class clown who juggles his time between amateur filmmaking, guitar playing and devising his next prank, Ryan is currently in his first relationship ever.
Sarah, 22 – San Francisco, CA
Sarah may look like another tattooed punk but under her ink is a passionate woman with an intense past. Rising above a traumatic upbringing where she was the victim of sexual abuse, Sarah has dedicated herself to educating and advocating for sexually-abused men and women through art and creative therapy. An artist at heart, Sarah hopes to have her art shown in a gallery. She has recently fallen in love with a guy she met on a set-up through her mother – until now, most of Sarah's relationships have been with women.
Scott, 23 – Salem, NH
Often perceived to be a "muscle head," it is hard to believe that this well-built personal trainer used to be thin as a rail. Still, Scott has more to show off than his award-winning abs, which were featured in Men's Health, he is the first in his family to graduate from college. However, Scott's ambition doesn't stop there. Now an accomplished personal trainer, he has created his own fitness website to educate the public on health and fitness while pursuing his new passions – acting and modeling.
"The Real World" launched the modern reality television genre and is the longest-running reality series in history. Past seasons have taken place in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris, San Diego, Philadelphia, Austin, Key West, Denver, Sydney and Hollywood. The first season, set in New York City, debuted in 1992. Each season, the show brings seven, and now eight, young strangers to live together in a new city and rolls the cameras 24-7, witnessing as their lives intersect, their ideas are challenged and their passions emerge.
"The Real World" was created for MTV by Jon Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim-Murray Productions. Jon Murray and Jim Johnston serve as Executive Producers of "The Real World: Brooklyn." Jacquelyn French is the MTV executive overseeing the project.
About MTV
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24-hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched 15 dynamic online communities and eight new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space – delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Tamika Young Lameka Lucas
MTV Communications MTV Communications
212.846.7625 212.846.4835
Tamika.young@mtvstaff.com lameak.lucas@mtvstaff.com
Mariah O'Hara
B|W|R Public Relations (for Bunim-Murray Productions)
310.268.6177
About the Center
A beacon of hope for 29 years, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center builds and supports our community through arts and culture, wellness and recovery, family services and life-saving youth programs designed to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming environment. The Center envisions a world where LGBT people will no longer face discrimination or isolation because of who we are or who we love. We offer a welcoming home to 300,000 visitors each year and we are committed to serving all LGBT people through a variety of programs, services and activities that are designed to meet existing and emerging needs.The Center is many things to many people. We invite you to experience our home at 208 West 13th Street in person and online at gaycenter.org
