Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land
Documentary
Filmmakers: Michael Lucas & Yariv Mozer

Michael Lucas teams with Israeli director Yariv Mozer (The Invisible Men) to examine a side of the Holy Land that is too often overlooked: its thriving gay community. When many people think of Israel, it is often in terms of modern war or ancient religion. But there is much more to the Jewish state than missiles and prayers.

Undressing Israel features interviews with a diverse range of local men, including a gay member of Israel’s parliament, a trainer who served openly in the army, a young Arab-Israeli journalist, and a pair of fathers raising their kids. Lucas also visits Tel Aviv’s vibrant nightlife scene—and even attends a same-sex wedding—in this guided tour of a country that has emerged as a pioneer for gay integration and equality.

Undressing Israel impressively offers honest reviews of what life is like for gay men, as documented by the gays who live there. Before watching this very well filmed documentary, I am among those who would have stereotyped the land and the people of Israel.  Yes, I thought they still rode on camels.  After watching the insightful 45 minute film, I am happy to report that Israel has been put on my bucket list.  

My favorite quote from the film: “The best thing about Tel Aviv is that you don’t need to have the gay bars and gay places, because everything is gay friendly.  We don’t need the labels.”

Watch the trailer here --> http://www.undressingisrael-themovie.com/

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 13.

Living Adoption
Documentary

Photosynthesis Productions, in association with the Human Rights Campaign, have created this inspirational, moving and honest documentary of gay and lesbian individuals who chose to become adoptive parents.

The 21-minute video gives insight into all facets of the adoption process, from the beginning thoughts of being a parent to the struggles of raising a teenager, as well as societal issues and racial concerns. Each of the parents, with their honest and well spoken feelings, share their challenges as well as the joys of their journey. This documentary is informative and educational and comes highly recommended for ALL parents. Our 14 year old Assistant ‘Editor-in-Training’ enjoyed the feature so much, that she chose to watch the bonus scenes as well. When I asked her what she learned from this video, she said "It’s a great reminder of how racism, in all forms, affects so many families." 

DVD available at: www.photosynthesisproductions.com  www.hrc.org  www.amazon.com

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

Training Rules: No Drinking, No Drugs, No Lesbians
Documentary
Released: 2009

SYNOPSIS:
Training Rules is a 63-minute award-winning documentary, co-produced and co-directed by Dee Mosbacher and Fawn Yacker.  The film examines the degree of homophobia in women's collegiate sports, and focuses on the women's basketball program at Pennsylvania State University under head coach Rene Portland and her policy of discrimination (or lack there-of).

REVIEW:
I've had this film in my play-list on Netflix for a few weeks.  Since I'm not a sports fan, I wasn't driven by desire to watch a film about basketball.  My interest quickly turned to intrigue and undivided attention, about 30 seconds into this documentary.  I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the destruction that one head coach was able to cause to some of America's most talented athletes.  Jennifer Harris will simply be regarded as a hero in the community fighting for equality.  The courage she displayed by telling her story will no-doubt pave the way for others to live a life of their dreams!

Have you seen this film?  Let us know your thoughts.

Outrage
Released: 2009
Documentary

Official Synopsis, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures:
Academy Award nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick delivers a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who actively campaign against the LGBT community they covertly belong to. OUTRAGE boldly reveals the hidden lives of some of our nation’s most powerful policymakers, details the harm they've inflicted on millions of Americans, and examines the media's complicity in keeping their secrets.

Even for the American citizens who have little or no understanding into the world of politics, you will be shocked by the factual information in this film on the number of clearly gay politicians who continually vote AGAINST equality and/or even the human right to AIDS treatment.  For a 'crystal clear' example of the word hypocrite, this is a must-see movie!

Note: Although this picture is not yet rated, we do not suggest the showing of this movie to anyone under the age of 18.

Rent on Netflix or click to the official website to watch the trailer: http://outragethemovie.com/ 

If you've seen this movie, feel free to add your review below and let others know what you thought of it.

for my wife...
Documentary
Released: 2008

This is a heartfelt documentary, starring Charlene Strong, who tells the story of how she was treated by hospital and funeral staff during the tragic loss of her wife.  Anyone who has ever loved, (no matter gay or straight) will relate to the struggles she endured.

Through perseverance and passion, Charlene changes laws to include domestic partnership benefits in the state of Washington, by sharing her story.  Her journey continues, as she becomes a representative of GLAAD, and travels America to advocate for same-sex partnership benefits and marriage equality.

I was moved, saddened, and enlightened by not only Charlene's story of love and dedication, but also by the path she has been led down to become an activist for moral justice.  If not for her tragedy, the equality movement may not have progressed as it has.  While watching a film of this magnitutude, you can't help but think... "what if that were me?"

Rent on Netflix or click to the website for more information: http://www.formywife.info/

If you've seen this movie, feel free to add your review below and let others know what you thought of it.

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP
Documentary

Director: Jim Hubbard
Producer: Sarah Schulman
Screenwriters: Ali Cotterill, Jim Hubbard
Director of photography: James Wentzy
Editor: Ali Cotterill
 
This incredible documentary, using period footage from the activist group ACTUP, gives viewers a clear understanding of the battle that was fought when the AIDS crisis first surfaced in 1987.  

Produced in chronological order, the movie documents how individuals began gathering to discuss the common goal of injustice and what actions were taken to fight for the equality of individuals with AIDS.  The movie depicts how the organization began, what the initial goals were, and how over a long span of time and quick growth of the group, it struggled internally with an ever growing agenda.  And although not the focus of the movie, it also portrays how at this time period in American history, these meetings were the ‘hip’ place to be.  All the gays attended and it was a safe haven to become a popular pick-up joint.
 
If you are of the younger queer generation, this movie is a must-see to gain an understanding of the heroic individuals who give us our freedom today.  If you lived through this era, I would also recommend making this a must-see movie! Refresh, renew,  rejuvenate, re-live and remember the experience!
 
The 92-minute movie will bring you to the edge of your seat with rage, tears, and excitement.
 
We highly recommend that all community centers, LGBT groups, pride groups, etc. should host movie-night and offer a showing of United in Anger: A History of ACT UP.

For more information or to find a showing in your area, click to: 

https://www.facebook.com/UnitedinAnger 

http://www.unitedinanger.com 
 
Here is the official press released description of the movie:

UNITED IN ANGER: A HISTORY OF ACT UP is the first feature-length documentary about how ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a small group of men and women of all races and classes, came together to change the world and save each other’s lives. The film takes the viewer through the planning and execution of a dozen exhilarating major actions including Seize Control of the FDA, Stop the Church, and Day of Desperation, with a timeline of many of the other zaps and actions that forced the U.S.  government and mainstream media to deal with the AIDS crisis. UNITED IN ANGER  reveals the group's complex culture – meetings, affinity groups, and approaches to civil disobedience mingle with profound grief, sexiness, and the incredible  energy of ACT UP.

Released: 2007
Documentary

An exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how the religious right has used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community.

The abuse, the shame, the killings, the hate...most will say it is because the Bible tells us so.  In this captivating documentary, researchers, biblical scholars and phsychiatrists examine the roots of popular misunderstandings and teachings of homosexuality and the Bible.  Both informative and enlightening, not only for those who have suffered the emotional and mental struggles of suppression from our families, but also for those who were taught to believe the Bible is a tool for hatred.  Emotional, heart-wrenching, eye-opening and hand-tossed with some laughter makes for the BIBLE tells me so a successful communication tool and touches viewers with glimpses into our own personal lives.

Quoted byDavid Poteat: "I had good kids. We had one of each sex. When my kids were growing up I said God, please don't let my son grow up to be a faggot and my daughter, a slut. And he did not. He did not do that. He reversed it."

Have you seen this movie?  Feel free to express your thoughts!

Written by:  Classified

A timely and historical look at the legacy of gays and lesbians in the military.

This emotional journey affects those who have served, are serving and everyone in our Nation who values the Freedom that Military men and women, homosexual and heterosexual lay their lives down for everyday.  As a newly enlisted soldier, wanting nothing more than to serve my Country for Honor, Duty, Integrity, Loyalty, Personal Courage and Selfless-Service,  I was not fully aware of the shadowed life I was facing during the implimentation of DADT.  I suffered the loneliness of hiding something that did NOT define me as a soldier, but could also crush my Military aspirations, as well as that of my family's.  A constant veil across my life to protect me, always keeping me distant from those who I stood side by side, my family away from family, that could destroy me if that veil was ever removed.  This historic account of events as documented by HBO Films  has enlightened me that throughout all of this, I was NEVER as alone as I thought.  
      
Another incredible documentary by HBO Films.

Click below for the full synopsis:
http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/the-strange-history-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/synopsis.html

For more information on the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network:  http://www.sldn.org/