L.A. A Queer History

The Stonewall rebellion is internationally known as a seminal event in LGBT history but L. A. A Queer History posits that Los Angeles is equally important in the struggle for LGBT equality and recognition.

The director Gregorio Davila and the producers have rewarded us with an entertaining and interesting survey of LA's LGBT history, a vital part of the history of Los Angeles. Hollywood and its stars are given a nod but this film is more about the grass roots people and their stories.

Using interviews from the past interwoven with contemporary commentary from activists and community spokespersons, the film gives us a sense of the courage and creativity of those who make a difference. Well known figures Harry Hay, Ivy Bottini, Pat Rocco, Morris Kight, Jewel Thais-Williams, Troy Perry and many more are delved into. Harry Hay founded the Mattachine Society in 1950 which grew into chapters all over the US. Morris Kight and Don Kilhefner founded the Gay Community Services Center in 1971, now the world's largest LGBT center and now known as the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Troy Perry founded the Metropolitan Community Church in 1968 and is seen in this film at the first pride parade on Hollywood Blvd. In 1970. Stories of raids, entrapment, violence and discrimination are blended with those of joy, courage, determination, fun and victory. So many stories, incidents and people in this film deserve their own books and movies.

The quality of the editing using found footage and talking heads keeps this film moving. Narration by Steve Buscemi sets just the right tone.

I have seen clips from this movie in progress, the truncated version shown recently on PBS, and the final version in a theater. This film deserves to be seen in a theater. If you have only seen the PBS version, you owe in to yourself to search for a theater screening.

This film shows us the importance of learning from the past in order to improve the future.

This film is recommended and appropriate for all ages.