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Indianapolis-- The Gill Foundation's TurnOut campaign is seeking LGBT people to come out at work the week after National Coming Out Day (October 11th) for a documentary, tv ad and web campaign.

This is the final week of casting for the TurnOut project, which is searching for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people to come out at work and be interviewed for at TV ad and documentary spot. Crews will be filming in the Midwest the week following National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2003, interviewing people who are coming out to their colleagues, boss, clientele, or staff.

"We're looking for all kinds of people in all classes, ages, races - women of color, people over 30, factory workers, white collar, service, etc. We're especially looking for individuals who have reservations about coming out, but are willing to finally take this step-for their self respect" says lead researcher Larin Sullivan.

The final product - a documentary, TV ads and a web campaign - will be comprised of powerful and personal interviews from the people coming out. "It's about the reality of your decision to come out at work, and should not be confused with reality TV!" says renowned filmmaker Doug Pray. "The company that you work for, your colleagues, your boss are not the target of an expose campaign, they will not be identified. We are interested in your story and why you've chosen to come out at work."

The TurnOut campaign is funded by the Gill Foundation, the mission of which is to secure equal opportunity for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. With an endowment of approximately $200 million and a 10 year long track record, The Gill Foundation is the country's largest funder of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations. The TurnOut documentary, ads and web campaign will run along side a grassroots advocacy campaign to raise awareness that GLBT employees are STILL not protected from discrimination in 36 states nationwide. The ads will run in Detroit and Tampa, kicking off the campaign early in 2004.

People interested in participating should call our toll free number 866-588-8660. You can also visit the foundation's website for more information and to fill out an online application at www.gillfoundation.org/turnout .