Gerry Rogers facts for kids

Gerry Rogers, born in 1956, is a Canadian documentary filmmaker and politician. She was the leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party from 2018 to 2019. Before that, she served in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. She represented the area of St. John’s Centre as a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2011 to 2019.

Early Life and Career

Gerry Rogers was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Her family moved around a lot, living in places like Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Germany. They returned to St. John's in 1979. There, Gerry studied social work at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

After her studies, she worked at the St. John’s Women’s Centre. She helped create the first safe house for women needing support. This showed her dedication to helping others in her community.

Filmmaking Journey

In 1982, Gerry moved to Montreal to make documentary films. She worked at the National Film Board's Studio D. This was a special unit that supported women filmmakers. Gerry made films there for 10 years.

In 1992, she came back to St. John’s and started her own company, Augusta Productions. Her company makes documentaries that tell the stories of people from all walks of life. These films often show the strength and happiness of people facing tough times. They help share important voices with a wider audience.

Gerry became a marriage commissioner in 2005. She took on this role to ensure that all couples could have their marriages recognized. This was her way of supporting fairness and equality for everyone.

Political Career

Gerry Rogers was elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly in 2011. She represented the district of St. John’s Centre for the New Democratic Party. She was a pioneer, being one of the first politicians from the LGBTQ+ community elected to the provincial legislature. She was re-elected in 2015.

Leading the NDP

In 2017, Gerry decided to run for the leader of the provincial NDP. She won the leadership election on April 8, 2018. This made her the first person from the LGBTQ+ community to lead a political party in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On February 12, 2019, Gerry announced she would step down as leader. She also decided not to run for re-election in the next provincial election. On March 5, 2019, Alison Coffin became the new NDP leader. Gerry retired from the House of Assembly before the 2019 provincial election.

Films and Achievements

Gerry Rogers has directed many documentary films throughout her career. Her films often explore important social issues and highlight the experiences of different communities.

Filmography

• 2009 Ferron: Girl on a Road
• 2000 ...
• 1997 Kathleen Shannon: On Film, Feminism and Other Dreams
• 1994 The Vienna Tribunal
• 1991 Safer for Women, Safer for Everyone
• 1990 After the Montreal Massacre
• 1988 Faithful Women Assistant
• 1987 To a Safer Place
• 1986-87 Children of War
• 1987 The Impossible Takes A Little Longer
• 1987 Le vent dans les voiles
• 1987 Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief
• 1987 L’Avenir entre nos mains
• 1986 Sylvie’s Story
• 1986 A Safe Distance
• 1986 Si jamais tu pars
• 1986 J’Osais pas rien dire
• 1986 Fallait que ca change
• 1984 Head Start: Meeting the Computer Challenge
• 1984 L’Ordinateur en tete
• 1983 Attention Women At Work
• 1983 Femmes au travail
• 1983 Moving On

Awards and Recognition

Gerry Rogers has received several awards for her filmmaking. She won a Gemini Award in 2001 for one of her documentaries. She also received an 'Audience Award' and 'Best Documentary' at the Dallas OUT TAKES Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in 2001. In 2002, she won an Audience Award at the Boulder Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Her portrait was added to the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives' National Portrait Collection in 2003. This honored her important role in building LGBTQ+ culture and history in Canada.