Gay Documentaries: PBS
Yet another post from Philip Clark.
In 1991, when the filmmaker Marlon Riggs had his film about black gay life in America, Tongues Untied, accepted for airing on PBS’s documentary series P.O.V., it ignited a firestorm, with senators like the loathsome Jesse Helms denouncing the film (while misstating its name) on the floor of Congress. Many PBS affiliates, running scared, refused to show the film or moved it back from P.O.V.’s usual primetime slot the hinterlands of late night public television.
We’re still on late at night and ghettoized into Gay Pride Month, but at least PBS continues to air gay and lesbian documentaries. The films cover a wide range of GLBT life and history, and they continue throughout the month of June. For a schedule and descriptions of the films, check out this posting on the DC Center’s website.
3 comments:
Programmers like themes and June is Pride month. Nothing wrong with that. The Late Night thing is more indicative of shunting the Gays off so the kids aren't exposed. American culture has such a problem with sexuality in general that its trouble with being P.C. with gay sexuality is just to be expected.
"Why We Sing" was rather boring by the way. Not exactly a fine example of a gay documentary. I will try and check out some of the other ones.
the billy strayhorn doc is supposed to be good, and "Brother to Brother" is excellent. Thanks, phillip!
Glad to help, Anonymous!
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