Shane Bitney Crone
Documentation and LGBT Advocate
Shane Bitney Crone is an activist, speaker, writer and filmmaker. He grew up in Kalispell, Montana, a conservative, small town near the state’s famous Flathead Lake. At a young age, Shane was a very active member of the tight-knit community; he was even awarded Student of the Year for his leadership qualities. Despite his efforts…
Categories :
Full Bio
Shane Bitney Crone is an activist, speaker, writer and filmmaker. He grew up in Kalispell, Montana, a conservative, small town near the state’s famous Flathead Lake. At a young age, Shane was a very active member of the tight-knit community; he was even awarded Student of the Year for his leadership qualities.
Despite his efforts to fit in, however, Shane fell victim to years of homophobic bullying and severe depression. Determined to escape the close-mindedness of his hometown, he graduated from high school, packed up all of his worldly belongings, and trekked to Los Angeles where he would pursue his dreams of working in the entertainment industry.
In 2005, knee-deep in the world of Hollywood, Shane met a young man who would change his life, and heart, forever: Tom Bridegroom. The two fell quickly in love, and soon collaborated on all aspects of their lives. They founded a social media/public relations company, established a successful music blog, purchased a home, and adopted a dog, JB. Shane and Tom shared the American dream of starting a business, buying a home, and getting married someday. Their dreams came to an end in May 2011, when Tom died in a tragic accident.
A year after the death of his partner, Shane created a YouTube video about his experiences entitled “It Could Happen to You.” The 10 minute video recounted Shane and Tom’s story, including the injustices Shane suffered during the aftermath of Tom’s death. The video went viral: garnered over four million views and was translated into over a dozen languages. This deeply personal insight into Shane’s traumatic, journey was listed as one of GLAAD’s “Most Inspiring Videos that Helped Push Equality Forward in 2012.”
Linda Bloodworth Thomason, creator of Designing Women and director/producer of the critically acclaimed Man from Hope, took interest in Shane and Tom’s story. Together Shane and Linda produced a full-length documentary, Bridegroom: A Love Story, Unequaled, which releases in the fall of 2013. The film showcases the couple’s life together and the fallout from Tom’s untimely death, while exploring the ramifications of marriage bans. The documentary has earned numerous accolades, including audience awards at every film festival at which it’s been screened. Festivals of note include Tribeca Film Festival and Los Angeles’ Outfest Film Festival.
From a young age Shane has channeled his energy to support good causes, hoping to inspire others with his creativity and personal triumphs. Today he lobbies for marriage equality alongside organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign. Shane’s hard work and powerful story have been recognized internationally. In 2012 he was awarded the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Award and was named one of Instinct Magazine’s Leading Men of 2012. He was also honored by Congressman Bob Filner, who named August 26 “Shane Bitney Crone Day” in San Diego, CA.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Shane Bitney Crone
The Power of the Personal Story
Videos
Bridegroom: The Movie
The Power of the Personal Story - Shane Bitney Crone
News
Testimonials
Students were really impacted by your documentary and the discussion with you. You definitely made an impact on this campus.
University of Delaware
Shane was wonderful and the film (obviously) was great…It was truly a pleasure to meet him and talk. He’s something special…Our college president came to the event and was really moved. He really appreciated the opportunity to meet Shane.
Cascadia Community College
Shane was absolutely amazing! The feedback I have gotten about the event has been amazing and every minute with him was great.
Eastern Connecticut State University
Shane Bitney Crone was phenomenal! We had people here that had traveled from 2 and 3 hours away just to see him. And he connected so genuinely, and so humbly with the students – I can’t remember a time when we’ve had that kind of energy in the room. Just amazing!
Clarion University
Everything went great! and Shane was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help. looking forward to the next one.
University of Missouri – Kansas City
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
