'Raising Zay' wins at Dayton film festival

A short documentary produced by an Enquirer photojournalist was awarded the Dayton LGBT Film Festival's "Audience Award - Best Short Film" this weekend.

Raising Zay: A family's journey with a transgender child was published on Cincinnati.com in February to launch an ongoing series about the issues facing transgender Cincinnatians.

Enquirer photojournalist Meg Vogel produced a documentary following Jason and Chasilee Crawford of Yellow Springs and their 12-year-old daughter, Zay.

"I am honored that my short film on the Crawford family was recognized at the Dayton LGBT Film Festival," Vogel said. "Zay's courage to share her story is a true testament to her family's acceptance and love."

The film festival took place this weekend at THE NEON movie theater in downtown Dayton, Ohio. It featured documentaries, comedies and dramas over the course of three days.

"It means so much to me that the Crawford's strong message has been an inspiration to so many people around the world," Vogel said. "I believe Zay said it best, 'we are all just human beings.'"