Jack Feria: a champion for queer cinema

Born on August 31, 1995, Jack (he/they) hails from Madison, Wisconsin.

A childhood of constant learning

"Madison was a phenomenal place to grow up," said Jack. "Our teachers encouraged us to learn about the cultures, customs and traditions of our fellow students. Madison really cares about their public libraries and the performing arts.  I was able to find my groover and support system a bit faster in that environment."

Jack's parents cut the cord early, and his newfound freedom sparked an obsession with exploration.  His journey into the queer community started with a simple, yet profound, love for movies.

"I grew up near an extraordinary second-run movie theater, where tickets were $2 for matiness and $2.50 for evenings," said Jack. "I could bike over there in the summer, pay in quarters... it was everything!" 

Growing up, he frequented the local library, drawn to the DVD covers that sparked his imagination. The cover of Hedwig and the Angry Inch particularly stood out, evoking a sense of intrigue and belonging even before he fully understood its impact.

"My local library, the Alicia Ashman branch, was the most magical place to me," he said. "It sparked a desire to try new things, just for the sake of adventure. I love being able to grab a title or walk into a movie I know absolutely nothing about, and just go along for the ride."

"It’s bizarre that anyone would want to eliminate funding from libraries. They are one of the only free shared spaces where we can all access new information and new perspectives."

Recognizing the power of visibility

Jack was in grade school when he first saw queer representation in cinema.

"I still remember stumbling upon my older cousins watching Independence Day at a family holiday party, maybe Christmas 2000 or 2001," said Jacke. "Harvey Fierstein has a bit part in that movie, and there's something about his on-screen presence -- the way the other characters react to him, the unforgettable way he speaks -- you instantly recognize that he doesn't act the same way other men in the movie act."

"This special extended DVD edition added a moment where Fierstein's character kisses Jeff Goldblum on the mouth in a moment of excitement. There's nothing sexual or romantic about it, and it lasts maybe a second, but my cousins' reactions (shuddering, fake retching) told me that what I just saw was bad.

"Fierstein's character is also one of the first to die, so I had an early introduction to the 'Bury Your Gays' trope," said Jack.  "But it made me fall in love with characters and people who say, 'I'm going to be my full authentic self no matter where I go."

"Over the years, I've realized seeing someone like yourself on-screen gives you permission to keep going. By the end of a film, it can also give you a new perspective, a new clarity on who you are, and who you can be in the world."

"By the way, most of my older cousins, now in their 30s and 40s, have grown into wonderful allies for the LGBTQ communities."

Carl’s deep knowledge of film and his ability to engage audiences left a lasting impression on Jack, fueling his passion for queer cinema.

This mentorship was pivotal during Jack’s time at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he took a transformative film class with Carl.

This class would eventually inspire Jack to apply for an internship at Milwaukee Film, something that blossomed into his role as a programmer.

Creating space for creatives

Among his many accomplishments, Jack is particularly proud of launching GenreQueer in 2018. This program, dedicated to LGBTQ films, provides a platform for queer stories that might otherwise be overlooked. While queer films had a presence at the festival before, GenreQueer created a dedicated space for these narratives, offering visibility and recognition.

"Fawzia Mirza and Andrew Ahn are my favorite queer filmmakers working today," said Jack.  "To any film producers reading, give Andrew and Fawzia any resources and money they need to make as many films as they can. Incredible storytellers. They both take so much care in creating characters that feel grounded, real, and like reflections of people they love."

"Nyala Moon has directed two phenomenal short films and is the filmmaker I’m most anticipating to see make a feature."

"Nyala, Fawzia, and Andrew are storytellers that make film – and specifically queer film – feel so exciting and so full of potential. Queer film is evolving for the better because of them."

Jack also shared a rapid fire list of his favorite queer films, including Stranger By the Lake (slow-burn French thriller at a nude beach,) Moonlight, Henry Gamble's Birthday Party (if you grew up queer in some proximity to a church, buckle up!) The Celluloid Closet (the most eye-opening, fun film course you could ever take, condensed to 11 minutes,) North by Current (trust me, seek it out,) But I'm a Cheerleader (another one I  maybe saw too young, shout out to the staff at the Alicia Ashman Library for letting me check out so many formative films,) The Queen (essential 1968 documentary, RIP Crystal LaBeija,) and Rotting in the Sun (I wish every film could feel this exciting and fresh.)  

Lessons learned

Jack has witnessed significant changes in the LGBTQ scene over the years. One of the most notable shifts is the move away from bars being the primary queer spaces. This change is reflected in the Chamber’s networking events, which offer inclusive and sober spaces for the community to connect.

Looking to the future, Jack’s advice to the next generation of LGBTQ individuals is simple yet impactful: “Be yourself and avoid trying to fit into someone else’s expectations.” This mantra underscores his journey and the inclusive spaces he continues to build for the community.

Jack Feria’s contributions to Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community and his unwavering support for queer cinema have left an indelible mark. As he continues to champion these causes, his work ensures that future generations will have spaces where they can be themselves and see their stories reflected on the big screen.