Gay Cinema Going Mainstream?
Rialto Owner To Speak at PFLAG Meeting

June 2007

The day of mainstream acceptance of gay and lesbian cinema is at hand with the successful run this year of Brokeback Mountain in mainstream theaters across the United States. Is this acceptance creditable or an aberration?

Ky J. Boyd, owner of the Rialto Theater in Santa Rosa, will discuss historical roots and modern trends in movies with "From Queer Cinema to Brokeback Mountain: Gay and Lesbian Cinema Going Mainstream?" at the monthly meeting of the Santa Rosa chapter of PFLAG-North Bay on May 22. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. 4930 Newanga Avenue and is open to the public.

Boyd has owned Rialto Cinemas Lakeside at Summerfield Road for the past six years and in that time has seen his establishment earn five yearly "Sonoma County's Favorite Theater" awards by readers of the North Bay Bohemian. In 2201, the Rialto won an Indy Award for bringing diversity in arts and culture to Sonoma County. In 2005 Boyd distributed 180 free tickets to disabled people to view the documentary Murderball, which features wheelchair athletes successfully projecting their skills to Olympics glory. After that act, an award from the Sonoma County Mayor's Council in association with Community Resources for Independence was given to the Rialto for innovative use of media and technology.

Boyd holds a business degree and a master of arts degree in arts administration. He lives in Santa Rosa and Emeryville with his partner of 15 years and their "always-hungry" cat Alia.