Accessory to Murder: Our Culture's Complicity in the Death of Ryan Skipper will make its Tampa Bay area premiere at American Stage Theatre Company’s mainstage, 211 Third St. S. in St. Petersburg on Sunday, June 1, 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Ryan Skipper, a 25-year old gay man from Polk County, Florida, was brutally murdered on Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Two individuals have been charged and are awaiting trial. According to the movie's producers, the incident received little media attention due to inaccurate and/or inappropriate comments made by a Polk County Sheriff.

This not-for-profit documentary examines endemic homophobia in American religion, education, law enforcement and politics and explores society’s culpability in the murder of Ryan Skipper. Producers Mary Meeks and Vicki Nantz provide analysis from a licensed psychologist and commentary from civil rights activist Brian Winfield of Equality Florida as they demonstrate how invasive enmity and intolerance continues to foster discrimination, belligerence and acts of aggression against those in the LGBT community.

A panel discussion with Ryan’s family will follow the screening.

Admission is free, with donations being accepted to benefit the Ryan Skipper Foundation, which seeks educate and promote the acceptance of diversity.