'Milk' Screenwriter and LGBT Activist Creates a Powerful Anti-Bullying Campaign for Coke

The Oscar winner's ads will run in Latin America. Raul Romo

In his inspiring Oscar acceptance speech for Milk, the 2008 film about the assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and openly gay city official Harvey Milk, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black tossed down the gauntlet for LGBT rights—and he's been a tireless fighter for the cause ever since. Along with crusading for marriage equality, Black has chosen writing and directing projects that reflect his commitment to social justice. "I'm drawn to making films that in some way move the social conversation," he said. "I want them to entertain, but for me, I can't really get up in the morning and do all the hard work and keep pushing if I don't feel like in some way it moves the needle."

Black was recently tapped by Pereira & O'Dell to direct three short films for Coca-Cola in Latin America, challenging young people to choose compassion over bullying. One of the films, "The Text," revolves around gay teens. Another series of ads, from JWT New York for Tylenol, examines the makeup of the modern family. Next up for Black: When We Rise, an ABC miniseries about the gay-rights movement.

Read his interview with Adweek here