Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives

“Quite possibly as relevant today as it was on its debut more than 30 years ago, Word Is Out: Stories Of Some Of Our Lives is widely considered the first feature-length documentary on gay and lesbian identity. Offering a vastly different perspective on gay and lesbian identity in America than was common view at the time, the film presents 26 diverse gay and lesbian individuals who, with profundity, honesty and humour, describe their struggle to live a decent life in America despite prejudice, discriminatory laws and society’s unwillingness to treat them with respect and equality. Interviewees include such noteworthy individuals as poet Elsa Gidlow, professor and political activist Sally Gearhart, inventor John Burnside, civil rights leader Harry Hay, and avant-garde filmmaker Nathaniel Dorsky. Peter Adair conceived the project and shared the producing, directing, editing, and photography efforts with five other filmmakers, dubbed the Mariposa Film Group. Among them were Adair’s sister Nancy Adair, who later wrote a companion book for the film, and Rob Epstein, who would go on to direct the Oscar-winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk” (Andres Garza). Colour, 35mm. 135 mins.