A New Documentary: Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride

This past evening, I sat down to watch a new documentary the Showtime network that opened my eyes to many things I hadn’t yet learned.

“Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride” by Ken Coolen

Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride

History has proven that people fight hard for basic civil liberties, and we still do and must continue this battle.

On Saturday, June 28 1969, members of the LGBT community resisted arrest at the Stonewall Inn.This unassuming gay bar in the West Village of Manhattan became the centerpiece for the The Stonewall Riots, and are considered to be the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a charming man by the name of Doric Wilson who was at The Stonewall Riots. He was an amazing man who had some fascinating yet harrowing stories to tell. Sadly, Mr. Wilson passed away this year. His stories touched me deeply and he will be very greatly missed. Rest in peace Doric.

Stonewall Riot

I learned the history behind the LGBT Rainbow Pride Flag. Before the flag, LGBT members had to wear Pink Triangles on their chests in the Nazi Concentration Camps. By the end of the 1970′s the Pink Triangle was used by gay rights protesters. Gilbert Baker, a friend of the late Harvey Milk, designed the first Rainbow Flag in 1978 (the year I was born), which flew at the San Francisco Day Parade on June 25, 1978. It has been said that Baker was inspired by Judy Garlands singing “Over the Rainbow”. The flag consisted of eight stripes.

The original flag had eight stripes from top to bottom: pink (sexuality), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic), indigo/blue (serenity), and violet (spirit). Within a year, the flag had lost two stripes—pink and violet. According to Gilbert, they “ran out of pink dye.” The violet stripe was later taken out to create an even number of stripes on the flag.

“Beyond Gay” explored the worlds Pride Parades and in many cases lack thereof.

Lesbian and Gay Rights in the World

Many countries have made progress in the advancement for basic civil rights to be given back to those who have been held hostage by religious fanatics or people who can’t understand those who are different from them.

However, there are many other Countries who still criminalize homosexuality. The quest for equal rights is a long and arduous journey. In order to progress as a society we need to keep our minds and hearts open, and GET INVOLVED!

So, please watch this film that Ken Coolen bravely and valiantly made for the world. It is a gift, and I would like to share it with you.

Thank you Ken!