JD Disalvatore, a prolific LGBTQ film and television producer and director and gay rights activist, died on Thursday, August 24 after a long battle with cancer. She was 51.
As a filmmaker credits include Eating Out 2, A Marine Story, Gay Propaganda, Elena Undone and the multi award-winning Shelter, which won a GLAAD Media Award for best feature film in limited release and in 2012 topped the list of The 100 Greatest Gay Movies Of All Time from newnownext.com.
JD was, by habit, a facilitator, linking her peers to collaborate and her mentees with mentors. Through the Point Foundation JD worked as a mentor to contribute to their mission to empower promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full potential. Always a passionate lover of animals, in the last few years, when cancer slowed her down in other ways, JD amped up her dedication and commitment of time and fundraising skills for her favorite cause of all – animals.
JD leaves behind a large family of friends, her brother and sister Roanne and Carl DiSalvtore, and a grateful LBGTQ community.
A Memorial party will be planned for the near future.
If you would like to honor JD she has asked the community to donate money to Outfest, Point Foundation and/or the East Valley Animal Shelter.
