Glamour, Resilience, and the Ultimate Icon: Celebrating Pride Month and Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday

Personal Updates

June is now upon us…and with the school year coming to a close, I’m looking forward to dedicating more time to editing the documentary. It’s evolved into such a bigger project than I could have possibly imagined a decade ago, and there’s still a lot to do.

My work on the film of late has been in fits and starts, as I juggled teaching both a new cinematic arts elective and a helped take over a separate 2D design art conservatory at a nearby high school. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my career (so much so that I got a little misty-eyed saying goodbye to my students), but it’s time for me to shift my focus back on the film for the next few weeks. Summer is a lot shorter than you think!

June Giving Promo

Today is not only the start of Pride Month—a time to honor LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and expression—but it also marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe.

To celebrate, those who donate $30 or more to our project through the end of June will be entered to win a special large print of Richard Amsel’s illustration of Marilyn, done for a home video release of The Seven Year Itch.

 Pride Month and Marilyn

Perhaps it’s a fitting alignment of calendar and culture. For decades, Marilyn has occupied a sacred space in the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community. But looking at her legacy through the lens of our upcoming documentary on Richard Amsel adds an even deeper layer of meaning. Amsel, a brilliant gay artist working at a time when living openly was both scandalous and dangerous, possessed a profound, almost spiritual understanding of Hollywood’s greatest divas. Through his art, Amsel didn't just paint stars; he captured their larger-than-life essence.

Why has Marilyn Monroe remained an enduring, foundational icon for the LGBTQ+ community? The bond goes far deeper than the platinum hair, the red lips, or the hyper-feminine glamour—though the community has always championed and elevated camp and high-glamour aesthetics.

The true connection lies in a shared understanding of the mask.

Marilyn Monroe was a brilliant, meticulous construction engineered by Norma Jeane Mortenson. She understood what it meant to split oneself in two: the private, vulnerable human yearning to be accepted for who she truly was, and the carefully crafted public persona designed to survive in a world that could be deeply hostile.

For many queer people—especially those growing up in the mid-20th century—this duality was an everyday survival mechanism. They recognized her vulnerability. They saw a woman who was often objectified, misunderstood, and forced into a box by a rigid establishment, yet who consistently radiated warmth, joy, and an fierce sense of individuality. In her struggle to claim her own autonomy, I like to think the LGBTQ+ community found a mirror.

As we continue production on our documentary film, AMSEL: Illustrator of the Lost Art, we want to thank you for standing with us. By preserving Richard’s legacy, we aren't just remembering a great artist—we are honoring a vital chapter of queer history, art, and the iconic muses who kept the light burning for all of us.

Happy 100th, Marilyn. And a very happy, proud Pride Month to you all.

Your Support

Independent documentary filmmaking relies entirely on the passion and generosity of the community. If you believe in preserving the history of queer artists and the golden age of Hollywood illustration, please consider making a contribution to our project.

Our film is a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of our documentary are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Thank you for helping us keep Richard Amsel's vibrant legacy alive!

Donate here: https://www.richardamselmovie.com/donate-contribute