Meet Andy Might

We were lucky to catch up with Andy Might recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose as an assistant professor of film studies has been a transformative journey that took time to fuse my academic interests with my creative passions. My research focused on queer spectatorship and fan practices, culminating in the publication of my book, *The Revolting Child in Horror Cinema*, where I explored how marginalized communities engage with cinema.

However, it wasn’t until I founded Rainbow Cult in 2022, in response to the isolation of the COVID pandemic, that I truly began to integrate my scholarly insights with my love for community engagement. What started as a socially distanced movie night evolved into a thriving media events company. It took time and effort to learn how to shape this venture into a profitable business that not only celebrates queer joy but also serves the community through interactive cinematic experiences.

With over 25 sold-out events, Rainbow Cult has become a platform for dialogue about representation and identity in cinema, blending academic theory with vibrant, immersive events. This journey has taught me the importance of creativity in academia and how to leverage it to create inclusive spaces. Ultimately, I’ve found my purpose in reinvigorating the cinematic experience and uplifting marginalized voices, transforming my academic work into tangible, community-focused initiatives that resonate deeply with audiences.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an assistant professor of film studies, passionate about exploring queer spectatorship and fan practices through my academic work. My recent venture, Rainbow Cult, emerged in 2022 as a response to the isolation of the COVID pandemic, transforming from a simple movie night into a thriving media events company.

What excites me most about Rainbow Cult is its ability to merge film with live performances, creating immersive experiences that celebrate queer joy and foster community engagement. This initiative not only brings people together but also sparks critical dialogue around representation in cinema.

Looking ahead, we are expanding our offerings to include more interactive events and community workshops. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive space that encourages artistic expression and connection, ultimately reinvigorating the cinematic experience and amplifying marginalized voices within our community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been particularly impactful: adaptability, creativity, and a deep understanding of community engagement.

Adaptability has allowed me to navigate the evolving landscape of film studies and media consumption, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic. Embracing change and being open to new ideas can help others pivot successfully in their own paths.

Creativity has been essential in merging my academic interests with my passion for community-building. I encourage those starting out to explore various artistic outlets and think outside the box to find innovative ways to express their ideas.

Lastly, understanding community engagement has been crucial in creating meaningful connections. I advise newcomers to actively seek collaborations and feedback from their communities, fostering relationships that can lead to impactful initiatives. By cultivating these qualities, individuals can enhance their journeys and create a more significant impact in their fields.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am actively seeking community partners who are passionate about supporting and programming for the queer community. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with individuals or organizations that focus on outdoor excursions, crafting social groups, health and wellness activities, board game nights, and workshops that foster a welcoming and inclusive queer third space. This includes community workshops on financial planning, sewing, carpentry, small business skills, and even cooking classes.

Additionally, I’m open to partnering on events related to mental health awareness, art therapy, storytelling sessions, and skill-sharing initiatives. If you resonate with this vision and are interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out through my website or connect with me on social media. Together, we can create enriching experiences that celebrate queer culture and build a supportive community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rainbowcult.org
• Instagram: rainbowcultorg
• Facebook: rainbowcult
• Twitter: rainbowcultdenver
• Youtube: rainbowcult

Image Credits

photos Tyi Reddick