over the past couple of weeks, in addition to investing in relationships with real people, i’ve also made it a point to dedicate some time each day to watching documentaries – on the history of the gay rights movement, the plight of LGBT people and the church, so-called ‘ex-gay’ reparative therapy and others.
here are just a few titles i found challenging, inspiring, informative or helpful (the majority of these can be seen for free on netflix) ::
director daniel g. karslake goes to the bible and individual stories to examine the ways in which conservative christian groups have used — and sometimes exploited — scripture to mistreat gays and lesbians around the world.
the AIDS crisis forever changed gay culture in san francisco, as examined in this absorbing documentary from david weissman, who explores the disease’s impact on five individuals. vintage film clips accompany the sobering stories of those who were there and survived the loss of many, many friends.
Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community
this documentary sheds light on american gay life from the 1920s to the 1960s and the sociopolitical climate that finally led to profound change, erupting in what is now known as the stonewall riots.
this documentary explores the progress and challenges of the lesbian/gay rights movement, chronicling key events from 1970 to end of the 20th century.
This Is What Love in Action Looks Like
this emotional and revealing documentary examines the widespread religious intolerance of homosexuality by following the experience of a gay youth who is sent by his parents to a christian-backed camp in order to be turned straight.
this compelling documentary shines a spotlight on rev. fred phelps and his family followers at westboro baptist, widely condemned as an anti-homosexual hate group.
over two dozen young christians share their feelings and struggles regarding coming to terms with their sexuality in the context of the church with compassion and sensitivity, shining new light on the conversation for people on both sides.
this film documents the historically ineffective and even tragically humorous techniques that “cure” homosexuality, while featuring a number of former ‘ex-gay’ people who recount their journeys in becoming comfortable with their sexuality.
UPDATE ::
here are some other documentaries that were suggested to me by a friend – haven’t seen these yet, but i’m planning to ::
The Times of Harvey Milk (The Criterion Collection)
An Arthur Dong Film: Coming Out Under Fire
American Experience: Stonewall Uprising
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt
have you encountered any challenging, inspiring, informative or helpful resources regarding the LGBT community and the church?
