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Films on Demand
Assume Nothing (80 mins)
Artistic expression of alternatively gendered people’s lives reveals a captivating world where gender cannot be defined as simply male or female. This program features New Zealand photographer Rebecca Swan and her images for Assume Nothing, a book that explores the beauty and complexity of gender identity. Four of Swan’s subjects speak candidly about their own gender identities and experiences, focusing on their creative expression as artists: Mani, born an intersex child who was raised as a girl by her parents from a very young age; Ema, a Maori woman who identifies strongly with elements of both the female and male genders; Jack, a transgender poet who underwent surgery to transition physically from female to male; and Shigeyuki, an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist who is a Samoan-Japanese Fa’a fafine, who was born in a man’s body but blessed with the spirit of a woman (and a man). Contains explicit language and imagery.
Becoming Me: The Gender Within (40 mins)
What ultimately determines a person’s gender? Is it chromosomes, hormones, genitals, or an innate sense of self? In this Telly Award–winning program, five transgendered individuals between the ages of 20 and 50 speak openly about what it has meant to them to be transgendered—their first experiences of gender confusion, life after coming out, family responses, and more. Advice for others who may be questioning their own gender is provided, and the process of sexual reassignment surgery is addressed. Contains clinically explicit language. An expanded version of Becoming Me: The Gender Within with graphic operating-room footage of male-to-female and female-to-male SRS performed by Dr. Marci Bowers is included on DVD only. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. (40 minutes)
Being Gay: Coming Out in the 21st Century (24 mins)
Today, while gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders are no longer forced to hide their sexual orientation, there is still prejudice and discrimination which can make coming out a difficult decision. And there are always internal pressures as well. This program presents the accounts and stories of people who have recently taken the step of coming out. Interviewees and experts discuss the benefits of this important transition by examining the six stages of coming to terms with one’s sexual identity. They also look at the dangers of running away from sexual self-acceptance—such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide—and how finding support can greatly assist the process. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production.
Homosexuality: A Religious Perspective (37 mins)
Throughout history, homosexuality has been censured by some of the world’s major religions—and often punished to the severest degree. This program studies the scriptures and doctrines of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to understand why, and then contrasts their stances with those of Hinduism, Sikhism, and the Rome of Hadrian. A compassionate and compelling discussion of gay marriage and child adoption by gay couples involving the Reverend Richard Kirker, of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement; Rabbi Chaim Rapoport; and others is featured. Genetic predisposition toward homosexuality is considered, and homosexual acts in the animal world, as they relate to scripture, are addressed. Contains mature themes and explicit language and imagery.
On the Male Side of Middle (12 mins)
“I have never identified as female, and this has been an incredible burden for me over the years.” So wrote Caitlin, now Calvin, in the time leading up to his decision to have gender reassignment surgery. In this program, filmed a year after he began transitioning from a female body and a year after marrying his partner Sharon, Calvin and his family share their thoughts on the change and the ways in which it did—and didn’t—affect their relationships. (12 minutes)
Rocking the Cradle: Gay Parenting (38 mins)
Prior to the 1960s, the idea of same-sex parenting had yet to reach the consciousness of most Americans. The majority of gays and lesbians did not even consider parenting, fearing the stigma their children might face. By 2000, however, the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that a full one-third of lesbian couples and roughly a quarter of gay male couples had opted to become parents. This program captures six gay/lesbian families in their day-to-day lives. Two of these families are families by adoption, two are co-parenting families, and two are lesbian families by insemination. Man-on-the-street interviews as well as emotional testimonials from the 15 adults and 11 children featured in this film provide a range of perspectives on gay parenting. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online.
Tal Como Somos: The Latino GBT Community (34 mins)
Latino culture is celebrated for its rich traditions, close-knit families, and strong faith, but being Latino and gay, bisexual, or transgender is often seen as unforgivable. This documentary examines the lives of six Latino GBT men and women, focusing on their relationships with their families as well as their culture, religion, and professional lives. Subjects include Gus and Marcelo, a driven young Mexican couple; Gabriela, once a boy, now trying to prove she is worthy of acceptance as a woman; Ernesto, a Venezuelan struggling for a way to tell his family he’s bisexual and HIV-positive; and David, a Colombian burying his past in Manhattan life. In addition, the film’s host—a young, gay, Latino man from Chicago named Moises—provides incisive commentary. Includes a viewable/printable discussion and resource guide. (Portions in Spanish with English subtitles,
Ten More Good Years: Senior Citizens in the Battle for LGBT Rights (70 mins)
Staying active is important to America’s elderly, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. This program sheds light on the unique challenges faced by aging members of the LGBT community. Featuring remarkable elders who describe the obstacles, injustices, and victories that have shaped their lives, the film also presents coast-to-coast interviews with gerontologists, social service workers, attorneys, senior strategists from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and a host of other figures. Viewers also learn about the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, yet another window into what it will mean to grow old and gay in America. A viewable/printable educator’s guide is available online.
Transcending Gender: Portraits from the Community (43 mins)
If the challenges and complexities of a transgendered lifestyle are hard for some people to identify with, firsthand accounts of those experiences may be the best means of creating more understanding. This program features real-world portraits of individuals from the transgendered community—men and women describing for the camera what they’ve gone through and, in other scenes, going about their daily lives. Namoli Brennet, a singer-songwriter, talks about audience perceptions and overcoming barriers through music, while a student reflects on awkward school experiences, compassion from a grandparent, and upcoming sexual reassignment surgery. Transgender activists Pauline Park and Mara Keisling also share their insights.
Why Thee Wed? Gay Perspectives on Same-Sex Marriage (51 mins)
As controversy swirls around the issue of same-sex marriage, gay and lesbian couples in North America and abroad are speaking out for the right to marry. Filmed in British Columbia after the legalization of same-sex unions, this program introduces the victorious litigants, who share their views on marriage, religious and political opposition, child adoption, and, most of all, love. Interviews with their families, the lawyer who represented them, and gay rights activist Jane Rule—who takes issue with the institution of marriage—round out the program.
Academic Video Online
Ahead Of The Curve (98 mins)
With a fist full of credit cards, a lucky run at the horse track, and chutzpah for days, Franco Stevens launched Curve, the best-selling lesbian magazine ever published. The film tracks the power of lesbian visibility and community from the early ‘90s to the present day through the story of Franco’s founding of Curve magazine. Decades later, in the wake of a disabling injury, Franco learns that Curve will fold within the year and questions the relevance of the magazine in the face of accelerating threats to LGBTQ+ community. To forge a path forward, Franco reaches out to women working in today’s queer spaces to understand what queer women need and how Curve can continue to serve the community.
Becoming More Visible (71 mins)
Are you Male or Female? For the four fearless young transgender adults featured in the film this is not a simple question. These four defy societal norms to be their true selves and become more visible.
Creating an LGBTQ-Friendly Space (7 mins)
This instructional video, from the 'Reaching Teens: Strength-Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development' series produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a discussion about creating an LGBTQ-friendly space in a medical care setting.
Freedom To Marry (54 mins)
THE FREEDOM TO MARRY is the untold story of the most successful – and perhaps most inspiring – civil rights movement of our time. This is a riveting ride alongside Evan Wolfson, the man known as architect of the movement, and his team as they wage a decades-long battle all the way to the United States Supreme Court, providing fresh perspective on the movement’s history along the way. This is both a primer for social change and a behind-the-scenes look at how regular people can actually make a difference.
Game Face (96 mins)
The award-winning documentary "Game Face" tells the parallel story of Fallon Fox, MMAs first transgender pro fighter, and Terrence Clemens, a young, ambitious and talented college basketball player in Oklahoma, who happens to be gay. Both realize that coming out will be necessary for their own sense of integrity and peace of mind, but the lack of a clear roadmap and the unpredictable consequences instill understandable anxiety and caution. Both Fallon and Terrence generously shed light on the struggles they deal with in their quest of finding their true selves. Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, shines as a supportive mentor to Terrence.
The Lavender Scare (75 mins)
With the United States gripped in the panic of the 1950s Cold War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deems homosexuals to be “security risks” and vows to rid the federal government of all employees discovered to be gay or lesbian. Tens of thousands lose their jobs. But the mass firings have an unintended effect: they stir outrage in the gay community and thrust an unlikely hero into the forefront of the LGBTQ rights movement. In addition to illuminating a little-known chapter of American history, The Lavender Scare is a timely reminder of the value of vigilance and social action when civil liberties are under attack.
Out In The Open (90 mins)
Out in the Open will, once and for all, destroy the misconceptions, fears and myths about the LGBTQ community. This uplifting documentary is geared towards at-risk youth across the world, as well as their families, friends and teachers. Featuring interviews with celebrities, politicians and everyday allies, this feel-good film asserts that all people should be celebrated.
Silent Pioneers: Gay and Lesbian Elders (42 mins)
“Silent Pioneers” is a ground-breaking film about LGBTQ seniors who lived before the Stonewall Riots in 1969, the turning point in gay history that started the lesbian and gay liberation movement. Living in an era when being queer was not tolerated, these pioneers battled for self-esteem and survival in a "straight world,” meeting the usual challenges of aging - the loss of loved ones and their own terminal illnesses - with grace and heart. Among those profiled are: a male couple still in love after 55 years; a former monk turned rancher in Arizona in his 80’s; a leader of the peace movement living with her partner and community in the Florida Keys; and a black great-grandmother who came out to her children and grandchildren.
TransMilitary (92 mins)
round 15,500 transgender people serve in the U.S. military (notably the largest transgender employer in the U.S.), where they must conceal their gender identity because military policies ban their service. TransMilitary chronicles the lives of four individuals (Senior Airman Logan Ireland, Corporal Laila Villanueva, Captain Jennifer Peace & First Lieutenant El Cook) defending their country’s freedom while fighting for their own. They put their careers and their families’ livelihoods on the line by coming out as transgender to top brass officials in the Pentagon in hopes of attaining the equal right to serve. The ban was lifted in 2016, but with President Trump now trying to reinstate it, their futures hang in the balance once again.
What Landmark Supreme Court Ruling Means For LGBTQ Rights (8 mins)
The Supreme Court announced a milestone decision Monday, ruling that job discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or transgender identity is illegal. What is the significance of this decision for LGBTQ rights, even beyond the realm of employment? Judy Woodruff talks to the Human Rights Campaign’s Alphonso David and the ACLU’s Chase Strangio, one of the lawyers who worked on the case.
Kanopy
Benjamin (87 mins)
A charmingly offbeat gay romantic comedy about a mess-of-a-filmmaker juggling the anxieties and excitement of his upcoming film premiere with the fear and awkwardness of a burgeoning romance. Written and directed by British comedian Simon Amstell who peppers this charming, laugh-out-loud funny tale with hilariously deadpan one-liners and a scene-stealing cast of supporting characters.
Born to Be (93 mins)
BORN TO BE follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting (he/him) at the groundbreaking Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery. There, for the first time ever in New York City, transgender and gender non-binary people have access to quality gender-affirming care. With extraordinary access, this remarkable documentary offers an intimate look at how one doctor's work impacts the lives of his patients as well as how his journey from renowned plastic surgeon to pioneering gender-affirming specialist has led to his own transformation.
Desert Hearts (92 mins)
Donna Deitch's swooning and sensual first narrative feature, DESERT HEARTS, was groundbreaking upon its release in 1985: a love story about two women, made entirely independently, on a shoestring budget, by a woman.
In this 1959-set film, adapted from a beloved novel by Jane Rule, straitlaced East Coast professor Vivian Bell arrives in Reno to file for divorce but winds up catching the eye of someone new, the free-spirited young Cay, touching off a slow seduction that unfolds against a breathtaking desert landscape.
The Garden (93 mins)
Half waking dream and half fiery polemic, THE GARDEN was born of director Derek Jarman’s rage over continued anti-gay discrimination and the sluggardly response to the AIDS crisis—he had been diagnosed HIV-positive in 1988. Starring Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), this uniquely kaleidoscopic film shows the filmmaker’s genius at its most coruscating, making space in its breadth of vision for an over-the-top Hollywood-style musical number, nightmare images of tar-and-feather queer persecution, and footage of the particularly menacing-looking nuclear power plant that overlooks Jarman’s own garden, the point from which his film begins, and a cherished spot which he must keep tending to even as his body begins to betray him. Writhing with sorrow and anger, and yet so vividly alive to the loveliness of being, THE GARDEN is a baleful and beautiful epistle from the brink of beyond.
Gen Silent - Discrimination Against LGBT Seniors (64 mins)
The generation that fought hardest to come out of the closet is going back in to survive.
What would you do if you were old, disabled or ill - and the person feeding you put down the spoon and said that you are going to hell unless you change your sexual preference?
Sound absurd? Social workers around the world say it's happening every day.
Gen Silent is the critically acclaimed documentary from filmmaker Stu Maddux that asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their friends, their spouses- their entire lives in order to survive in the care system.
Mala Noche (79 mins)
With its low budget and lush black-and-white imagery, Gus Van Sant's debut feature MALA NOCHE heralded an idiosyncratic, provocative new voice in American independent film. Set in Van Sant's hometown of Portland, Oregon, the film evokes a world of transient workers, dead-end day-shifters, and bars and seedy apartments bathed in a profound nighttime, as it follows a romantic deadbeat with a wayward crush on a handsome Mexican immigrant.
MALA NOCHE was an important prelude to the New Queer Cinema of the nineties and is a fascinating capsule from a time and place that continues to haunt its director's work.
Out in the Night: Criminalization of Race, Gender Identity and Sexuality (77 mins)
Under the neon lights in a gay-friendly neighborhood of New York City, four young African-American lesbians are violently and sexually threatened by a man on the street. They defend themselves against him and are charged and convicted in the courts and in the media as a 'Gang of Killer Lesbians'.
Tom of Finland (117 mins)
The proudly erotic drawings of artist Touko Laaksonen, known to the world as Tom of Finland, shaped the fantasies of a generation of gay men, influencing art and fashion before crossing over into the wider cultural consciousness. But who was the man behind the leather?
Dome Karukoski's stirring biopic follows his life from the trenches of WWII and repressive Finnish society of the 1950s through his struggle to get his work published in California, where he and his art were finally embraced amid the sexual revolution of the 1970s. Tom's story is one of love, courage and perseverance, mirroring the gay liberation movement for which his leather-clad studs served as a defiant emblem.
Violette (139 mins)
A finely nuanced portrait of Violette LeDuc, one of the foremost French writers of the 20th century. VIOLETTE depicts LeDuc's extraordinary life, from her low beginnings as the illegitimate daughter of a servant girl to becoming ensconced in France's literary elite.
In spite of her wretched years as an unwanted child, followed by tense years as a black marketeer during WWII, Violette LeDuc is determined to make something of her life. Writing is her ticket out of misery, and with the encouragement and mentorship of legendary intellectual Simone de Beauvoir, Violette achieves admiration, renown and controversy for her emotionally raw novels and memoirs.
