WNET, PBS Digital Studio Debut Web Series To Explore LGBTQ Issues

PBS Digital Studios is branching out from its usual educational programming of literary, science, and philosophy content to take on an important social issue. The YouTube network has teamed up with the Interactive Engagement Group of WNET, a New York-based PBS station, to release a new web series called First Person, featuring personal stories related to the LGBTQ community.

First Person episodes will include interviews, host commentary, and viewer comments and prompts via the series’ social media accounts, all of which will generate discussion around different sets of issues the LGBTQ community faces. Some of the initial topics PBS and WNET’s new series will address are transgender transitions on YouTube, queer fashion, and coming out in the world of sports.

Kristin Russo, LGBTQ YouTube vlogger and founder of youth organization Everyone Is Gay, will host the new PBS Digital Studios series. Featured guests include trans artist and YouTuber Skylar Kergil, ESPN correspondent Kate Fagan, and author Vivek Shraya

, among others. The debut episode of First Person premieres on February 26, 2015. New five- to eight-minute episodes will be released every other week.

“First Person gives us the exciting opportunity to start a meaningful and respectful dialogue about LGBTQ issues,” said Dan Greenberg, WNET’s Chief Digital Officer, in a release.

“Together with WNET, PBS is committed to exploring diverse viewpoints and we look forward to fostering thoughtful conversations through First Person,” explained Don Wilcox, Vice President of Digital Marketing and Services at PBS.

First Person is produced by Russo and Meredith Heil. WNET Interactive Engagement Group’s Daniel B. Greenberg and Joe Harrell serve as executive producers, while Casey du Pont is associate producer and art director.

You can watch the first episode of First Person on its dedicated YouTube channel starting February 26. Until then, check out the series’ trailer below: