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A Very Good Ride: Profile on Entrepreneur Andrea Meyerson

by Dr. Betty Sullivan

She personifies the word “passion” and the phrase “love of life.” She’s a role model, friend, filmmaker, party planner, event producer and founder of three companies. For many, she is nothing short of an inspiration.

Andrea Meyerson, who decided back in 1995 to form Women on a Roll (WOAR), a bicycle group for women as an alternative to the lesbian bar scene, is probably the single most well-known member of the lesbian scene in Los Angeles. But she doesn’t stop there. Hers is rapidly becoming a familiar name in the LGBT community nationwide.

After more than ten years as a full-time entrepreneur, Meyerson has realized many achievements. To help fund WOAR (www.womenonaroll.com), and help other LGBT organizations, Meyerson created StandOut Productions, an event production company offering diverse events for lesbians – from active outdoor sports to cultural and social occasions to overnight travel adventures.

Award-winning Film Production
Producing lesbian comedy events, in particular, spawned the idea of moving into film. In 2002, Meyerson founded All Out Films (www.alloutfilms.com), and since then, has produced award-winning documentaries, each having premiered at LGBT film festivals.

Her first film, “Laughing Matters” (2004), is a documentary celebration of comediennes Kate Clinton, Marga Gomez, Suzanne Westenhoefer and Karen Williams. The sequel, “Laughing Matters ... More” (2006), profiles Rene Hicks, Elivra Kurt, Sabrina Matthews and Vickie Shaw. Both are now airing on Logo TV (www.logoonline.com) as is another feature by Meyerson, “L.A. Women’s Fest”.

The 2007 LGBT film festival circuit finds Meyerson introducing additional projects, which were scheduled to have been screened this past June during Frameline’s San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. “Laughing Matters … The Men”, featuring six well-known gay male comedians, is at the Victoria Theater at 11:00 a.m.; and the world premiere of “Kate Clinton 25th Anniversary Tour” is scheduled at The Castro Theater for that afternoon. Betty’s List is planning a brunch in honor of Meyerson during the break between the two screenings.

Advice for Jane and Jane Readers
When asked for her thoughts about being an entrepreneur, Meyerson says, “It’s the easiest road and the most challenging road one can take. It’s easy because I love it, and it’s challenging because I have to pay the bills.”

Living one’s dream, fulfilling one’s vision and making a difference for others through that vision, she says, are what she wishes for herself and others.

In Andrea Meyerson’s words, “If you have an idea and a vision and passion, that’s all you need. Hang on to your vision and it will unfold. Your life is your work and your work is your life. Always follow your heart. It will not lie to you. Your heart will guide you.”

Dr. Betty L. Sullivan is the founder of Betty’s List (www.bettyslist.com) and the director of special projects for Good Vibrations.