ACCIDENTAL ACTIVIST
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Becoming an advocate for LGBT equality was totally unexpected and completely life-changing. I never imagined that I would travel the world, sharing my story, mostly because I never thought I had anything worth saying. Finally speaking up for myself and fighting for equality have brought so much joy and meaning to my life. I truly believe that I have found my purpose in life; I owe it to myself, to my late partner Tom, and to anyone who is afraid to or can't speak up for themselves, never to give up.
A few years ago, I joined the roster of Wolfman Productions. I was hesitant to partner with a speaking agency because I was afraid of what others might think; I worried that people would accuse me of exploiting my relationship with Tom, and what happened to him, for money. And you know what? People HAVE said that--numerous times. But I have realized that I cannot live my life worrying about what a few cynical strangers think of me when there is so much good work to be done and so many more lives to impact.
For whatever reason, I've been given a precious platform to raise awareness and to help others, and I refuse to sit idly by and do nothing with it. I am proud that I've been able to transform my pain into a powerful tool of positivity and it's been wonderful working with an agency that focuses on promoting equality and starting conversations about important human rights issues.
I have had the honor of screening my documentary and speaking at nearly 100 universities. My favorite part is getting to meet the students and faculty who are working to make their campus more accepting. I want to continue traveling and speaking for as long as it helps people so if you are interested in starting a conversation about equality at your school or business, I would be honored to take part. Go here for more info: wolfmanproducti...
I am not sure what is in store for me in the future but one thing I do know is that I'll forever be grateful to all of you for supporting me and for helping me forge new meaning in my life.
OTHER PLACES TO FIND ME:
Twitter: / shanebitney
Instagram: / shanebitneycrone
Facebook: / shanebitneycrone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS INQUIRIES, PUBLIC APPEARANCES, AND PR: Info@WolfmanProductions.com. Agent: Scott Wolfman.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 654
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Shane for sharing your story with the world. I still cry every time I watch the documentary.
Thank YOU for being so supportive!
Yes me too cry like a baby .....
Thanks for everything you've done for all of us Shane. You are loved by so many people, keep up the great work🌈🌈
Your story has touched me for a long time! Just wanna thank you for standing for what you believe in and being a positive role model for at lot of us. You've done so much good and it's definitely appreciated! It's never easy but having the courage that you have, shines a like to show us anything is possible.
a simple thumbs up is so inadequate to convey what I'm feeling
Shane is a very strong & brave person. Rest in peace, Tom.
Love is love! The world needs to accept that! Thanks for being brave and sharing your story! It paves the way for many people globally!
Shane. Your deeply moving and heartfelt videos have helped me to cry....and to let out SO much pain and SO many tears that I've held back for way too many years. Thank you.
Thank you for the work that you have done. Wonderful and emotional film. May Tom rest in peace.
My partner have been together for 40 years. When my partner's heart doctor (very good doctor and always kept me in the loop) said we somehow toke steps to prevent others from doing exactly what happened to you 30 years ago, we went to lawyer friend to seek advice. He suggested for each of us to set up a durable power of attorney which we did. A last will and testament which we did. A document that names executor of the estate which we did. A living will which we did. We have only had to change it twice as what is know as the alternate died which we needed to have an alternate in case something happened to the primary.
Take care hope and pray you are alright.
Rev George
I cannot imagine what you went through. I´m just so grateful to you for sharing your story because it changed hearts and minds for love.
Bridegroom is truly a powerful movie. I think you're so brave, Shane. I want to thank you again for sharing your story with everyone at my campus, and the opportunity to interview you regarding equality.
Thanks to you and others, like you, my husband and I were able to be married 2 years ago after being together for 33 years! You helped make 2 old men VERY HAPPY!
Wish you guys the best life!!!
I continue to recommend Bridegroom to people all the time. That movie, your story, still hurts my heart when I think about it. I wonder what Tom's family thinks about it all now. It's not possible that they don't know what's happened in your life now as an advocate and I wonder what they think. I would hope that they are truly remorseful and ashamed. I think some may be truly remorseful but others, likely not. #TapTapTap
Shane, I can not express too you and Tom enough of how you both changed my life forever. You helped me become the person GOD created me to be. I am a gay man over 50 now and finally have accepted myself. I truly know now how it feels to be happy and in LOVE. It is the most incredible feeling. After almost 50 years of hurt, pain, loneliness, helplessness and struggling to find reason to live, your story changed my life. I am so happy to have received an email from you and now watched this video. I can say a thousand thank you's and still it will be not enough. But THANK YOU FROM MY HEART.
As with everything you do, this was beautifully put together, Shane. You speak so eloquently. Thank you for all you have done for this movement. No matter how many times I hear it, your story still moves me.
It is true, Shane, and you are proof of it: "Out of adversity comes the call to greatness!" Thank you so much, bro...........Ray
😢😢
Thank you for sharing your story and your journey. You are truly an inspiration!!! You have helped me become a better parent because I always want my kids to feel the love I have for them and for me to accept them no matter who they love! So Thank You!!💙💙
you rock! That's the role that the universe provided for you - and that's that. You answered the call like a boss. Big love from us in Montreal (that's in Canada - north of you..)
Just watched the documentary. I already thought that 2016 was such a great year but now I feel even more happy - thanks for transforming your own tragedy into something so immensely inspirational and positive. It really proves what the great Alice Herz-Sommer once said: "everything is a present" Even if we do not see it at once. Thanks Shane, love fr Germany, Thomas
Dear Shane,
What a strong character you have! Moving out to California on your own and then surviving this tragedy. God bless you, your suppotive friends, and your loving family. Your story is beautiful told here, I'm glad that Linda Joyce Bloodworth-Thomason decided to create this documentary. I think that you summed up life when you said that the most important thing is to love and to be loved, and to that I would like to add, never counting the cost.
Thank you, Shane. I wish the best for you as you move forward in life.
I found your story so touching, making me always cry and sadden by your loss. I think despite everything you are making a huge difference for all of us! CHEERS!
Shane,
I met you on the film circuit and have viewed your film several times.
You are a great man and a wonderful film producer.
Keep on doing the great things that you have done.
Keep on making more films and more content.
While the haters kept you away from the funeral, they can not take the love and relationship that Tom and you shared.
The haters can not take away the truth and light you have shined in this world!
From an Indiana boy,
Allen
I cannot say anything more than Thank You - you have been an wonderful activist for our cause.
I have been very fortunate to be with my partner for over 13 years - and in a way the story of you and Tom has inspired us to live our lives more fully and to enjoy every day, hour and minute that we share.
Thank you!
John & Marty
I can't believe I haven't seen this before...I've watched it three times in 4 hours and cry every time although I'm 41 yrs old and still stuck in a small town still clawing to get out and never experienced love yet. I hope that if and when I do it's could be only half of what tom and shames was...there life especially shames is exactly what mine was like. may god be with both of you...and thanks you have me hope....William marshall,
Hi Shane. I am a 18 boy,who from China. And I was touched by the movie since then on I was depressed for about half of year. So glad that u find your lover and continue loving again. Bless
9 years on I still find this a heartbreaking story .
As a parent I would never condemn any child of mine for their choice of partner .
RIP Tom xxxx
Shane you have done so well . God bless x
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING SHANE ❤ PS: LOVE FROM SPAIN
Sending love right back to you!
Shane i would love to meet you in person. It would be so awesome!!
always so proud of you shane, I've been following you for over 3 years now and I'm just beyond proud of how far you've come. you really are such an inspiration to so many people. sending you all my love❤️
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING FROM PERÚ!! WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU, REALLY!.. There is so many things we could do and your courage is all we need. I know you have been abble to overcome the past a little bit, but I'm sure things would be so diferrents with a little more of love in this world and recognition about us... Sorry, my english is so terrible... but really THANK YOU SO MUCH TO BE A VOICE FOR US. LOT OF HUGS!
That fact that you became an accidental activist" and I ended up watching your story online was the cause for me to gain enough courage to accept who I am and be ok with that now I can say I'm proud and happy of myself and learned that no matter what will always have great people next to me ... thanks Shane for accidentally becoming an activist and a great inspiration
Thanks for sharing this Shane. Seeing this video made me cry but I'm also so proud of you! Because YOU matter, we ALL matter and thanks to you many, many people are able to see that they matter. X
I'm a senior in high school and I plan on studying political science. I saw bridegroom when I was 13. It sickens me that it takes a tragedy for people to listen. Your activism is one of the many factors which have ultimately formed into the person I am...
Ultimately I just want to say thank you, for using your voice and standing up for those who aren't able to.
Shane, I cry every time I hear yours and Tom's story. Thank you for sharing something so very personal with all of us.
I JUST WATCH YOUR STORY OVER AT NETFLIX. IT MADE ME CRY ALL THROUGHOUT THE DOCUMENTARY.. SHANE MY SUPPORT FOR YOU IN EVERYTHING YOU DO..
Thanks for sharing you're story Tom will be so proud of you love from Australia please come back for a visit
tom would be so proud of you . i never knew tom but i now pray for him and others like him. this movie broke my heart but it also mended it and helped me believe in love again thank you
Thank you for fighting for us. I wish I could share my story. Taptaptap
Shane,
I've just watched Bridegroom and I cried with you. My partner and I have been together and loved each for 16 years and the thought of losing him is horrific. I watched some of your more recent videos and it is wonderful to see that you appear happy and your wonderful smile, so apparent in your videos with Tom, has resurfaced. Shane I think you are an AMAZING man and I know Tom would be ... no ....Tom is so proud of you. May your life go from strength to strength and as it does I have no doubt Tom is near you every step of the way. I send you love and warm wishes from downunder in Melbourne, Australia.
Best regards, John.
I watched the documentary and had to cry; How can parents be so crual. Thanks for sharing your tragedy which you turned into something positive. I am glad i live in a more tolerant country. I wish you stay strong Shane! Big hug from Peter, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Shane you are an amazing man, Your story broke my heart. You and Tom had the most incredible
Bond and Love for one another and it will forever live in your heat,
Such an amazing treasure. Thank
You Shane for sharing such a personal part of your life. Love,
This world needs so much more
of it. God Bless You always, you will be with Tom again..
Ive watched your movie and purchased it also and from time to time I continue to watch it. Your story is so beautiful and bittersweet. You can see / feel how much you loved each other ❤ What you are doing for the LGBTQ community reinforces that Toms passing was not in vain. TG that you were both fortunate to have each other in this life for the time you did and look forward to seeing each other again on the other side 💖😇
we will always accompany you in your fight. I send you much strength and love from Argentina ❤
Thank you Shane for all you do for us. I really appreciate it.
Greetings from Poland :)
I NEW YOUR STORY SHANE WITH TOM. I'M SO PROUD WITH YOU. THANKS FOR EVERY WORK THAT YOU HAD DOING. GOD BLESS YOU. LOVE FORM PORTUGAL
STAY STRONG SHANE AND EVERYONE
Thanks for such courage and inspiration. I'm sure that your story helps a lot of people. LOVE FROM BRAZIL!!!
Shane..... I cannot even watch your video, without. Tears falling down my face. Because, what happened to you, has happened to so many of us... I had a double whammy, I was in the Navy and hide to hide both my relationship, but also that my partner had died. RIP in Peace Michael, because things have changed, Because, people like Shane have brought it forward....
thank you for sharing you're story and finding the strength to push forward. I think it is truly great what you are doing. being someone who didn't fight against his peers but his own family for being different. I completely understand the frustration and depression. but hearing you're story and knowing how far you have come makes me very hopeful for better days God bless you
It was the story that helped me come out to myself and my family, for 32 years I hated myself and tried to change. So thank you Shane, you literally saved not just my Life but I'm willing to bet Millions of others.
Nice video. Keep speaking and informing others of your story for you are surely increasing the number of minds who accept equality for all. There is genuine sincerity in your voice, and a pleading kindness in your eyes.
Reminded me again of an amazing story. Wishing you love and joy.
Love You so much Shane
i always cry when i see the documentary
Shane, you are a wonderful man! And you deserve a lot more than our thanks.All the beauty of your face reflects that one of your heart and your feelings!!
Hello, I am Bruno and I live in Brazil and I do not know if you will see this comment, I hope so, because I knew the story of you and Sam through the documentary Bridegroom and I was very sad with it, but at the same time happy to have made public the Story of you. It's really beautiful and inspiring! Unfortunately I could not access your page on facebbok and neither did your instagran. I wish very much to follow you more and power is closer to you, Shane, to know how you are today! A big hug and stay in peace! The fight is great and you are in it in order to make a better world for whomever you want it! Hug!!
I am so happy and proud of all your success. You deserve all of these things going for you and more.
#PositiveOutcomesOnly
Thank you Shane for speaking up for the ones that cannot ❤️❤️❤️
Shane, your story opened my eyes and my husbands, we both have complicated estates and out attorney spent 3 months making up our Trusts and exactly how we wanted it. What your doing now is helping so many others, shows your beautiful soul. Regan D
After knowing his story with tone, I was very thoughtful and the only thing that happened was to be able to talk to you and to know how you live. I'm Brazilian and I have the greatest pleasure of knowing Indian, where you live, leaving Brazil.
Hold your head high Shane. I have gone through a very similar situation and you are an inspiration. Keep up the good work. You don't need Tom's family to validate the love you guys had for each other. Always remember, nobody can take away the memories and be assured that Tom knew he found his true love and soulmate.
I had scene your video several years ago It Could Happen To You and it was heartbreaking to say the least. I don't know why I took so long to watch #BRIDEGROOM. But I finally have. I have no real words to say or express on the true deep sadness I felt for you losing Tom the way you did. You both felt a love for each other that so many of us wish to have and feel. Tom gave you that love that you always wanted and you in turn gave him that same love. But I will tell you this much Shane. Your documentary #BRIDEGROOM had such a deep and profound affect me on me like I have never ever felt or experienced in my life.
Thank You.
#TAPTAPTAP
I am 80 yrs. old, a grandfather to 8 and I am in tears. Shane........."bigger than me and Tom...." Not so, Son. There is NOTHING bigger than you and Tom. True love only comes from God and is meant to teach the rest of humanity to be still and let it find them.........from a Roman Catholic who still fights his church on gay issues.
What you're doing is an inspiration ... Love from Beirut, Lebanon.
My fave!!! Shane you're such an inspiration, I support you all the way!!! 😍😍🙌🏽🙌🏽
Thank you Shane. Just thank you.
Huge hug from Israel :* Thank you for sharing you beautiful love story
I watched the film bridegroom and omg I cried so much I don't know what I would do if I was in your shoes! I am gay also and know how hard it is with society and the hate about us gays. It is changing though and Shane buddy YOU are helping with that change. I pray for your boyfriend often and ask him to guide you from heaven and I am sure he does guide you. Keep doing what your doing Shane your an amazing guy. Sending love and peace to you 🙏❤️
I loved the movie. You are an inspiration. Please keep speaking. Your love transcends time ❤️
Thank you so much for everything Shane! Huge fan and supporter since your RUclips video went viral. Amazing documentary it helped me come out! So much better to live openly and proudly so thank you! Sending love from Richmond, VA! Come to VCU!
...with all my heart, my deepest support to your work, dear Shane... ...brave young people, like you, is all what this beautiful Planet Earth needs to become more and more humane... ..we, guys who are over 50's, wanted to make some changes in our younger days, but honestly speaking, we could't... ...how could we???... ...dictatorships in Latin America made impossible to reach those goals!!! :( :( :(
Congratulations! I am so proud of you watching this video and know you in this site keep it up.
Thank you Shane for having the courage to share your story with the world. You are truly a beacon of hope for us all.
Peace in your heart, do not give up, love from France.
Thx Shane. It seems that your life has taken as course unexpected but to many the right one. Thx for being the humble, intelligent guy that has a voice that speaks for so many. Thx for being you. I wish you the very best. Phil
thank you for fighting for all of us and not giving up!
Hugging Shane was one of the highlights of my life. taptaptap
Strength and love to you Shane -God bless
me tocaste el corazon shane ......ojala todos seamos bendecido con su mismo amor ....
I love you. Thank you for everything that you're doing. ❤️
Out of a horrible tragedy came hope and inspiration from sharing your story of love and loss, and as we know, now love again.. Thank you Shane for your tireless dedication to spreading words of enlightenment and love all over the world.. #LoveIsLove
this is amazing! keep up the great work, Shane! I love you and I'm proud of you! ☺❤💛💚💙💜
Thank you Shane for all that you've done for not only those of us who are LGBT but also those who fight to freely love whomever they want. Sending you my love and support.
Thank You Shane. Much Love To You.
Great Video Buddy...
I totally forgot who you were but I remember now. I love you!!
Thank you Shane. Your story helped me begin my journey towards accepting myself. I cannot thank you enough Bridegroom changed my life.
Shane and Tom the first two names that change my life entirely.
continuously proud of everything you do
Hi Shane, I hope you're doing well! And I hope you keep being a positive and loving person as you are! I love you!
You and Tom are my saviours. thank you. x
I can't believe the way Tom's family acted towards you. But It was your love for him that the world knows what a beautiful person he was. 2019, a lot has changed since 2011 for the better but there's still a lot of humans who don't understand that love between two living beings don't need to be labeled.
Tap Tap Tap
Lisa Gallo nooooooo D':
Omg it’s the guy from the documentary!!!!!
Thank you Shane for your story. I will never forget watching Bridegroom, I was in the living room with my grandmother and I sobbed and my heart absolutely broke. You are such an inspiration to so many people xx
You Shane are one amazing guy.
All possible support from Serbia.
this made me smile ❤️
tom is certainly looking down from heaven at you, shane. smiling, and feeling very proud of you. as we all do.
And everyone who never knew Tom now will never forget him
I was so filled with emotion when writing this I mispelled a lot. forgive me...lol...william
I have the pleasure of meeting you. And be able to keep track of how you live.
I'd like to watch the documentary. Could someone tell me which platform can I access it?
May you transcend your pain and teach the world to love without fear, tap, tap, tap