4 reviews
A current streaming doc on Netflix. Opening up on a who's who of gay comics working in the industry (like Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes, Eddie Izzard, Sandra Bernhard et al), the film unfolds w/talking head anecdotes about gay comedians & the stakes which had to claimed to make it in an industry which holds jokes against homosexuals sacrosanct. Very funny throughout w/a nice overview of the movement (not unlike the similar themed doc The Celluloid Closet from 1995) which by film's end as the participants take the stage for a group bow you feel hopeful for the future where the humorous word about anything can inspire a cancellation crusade.
This documentary features the largest group of LGBTQ entertainers all in one place. Many who performed decades ago in fear of what may happen to their careers if the public knew they were gay. We see the brave souls who've come out in front of us and those who are already accepted as they walk on the stage because of barriers broken down by the legends that came before them.
I grew up watching Lily Tomlin, who we all loved. From her earliest characters in the 60's-70's, I learned to celebrate my inner child, be myself, be creative and to always find humor in every day life. It's so wonderful to see the positive impact she has had on generations of other comedic actors/comedians as they learned to find their way in a not so accepting world.
Your heart will break listening to the sad, shameful stories of inequality in the past. But your spirit will soar when you see how far the community has come. The obvious joy that's shared by everyone involved in this ground breaking film is beautiful.
Thank God for all of you who have the courage to stand (sing, dance, strut, etc) on stage to make us all laugh and feel like we're part of a big group. Thank you for showing us that it's ok to be your authentic selves.
I grew up watching Lily Tomlin, who we all loved. From her earliest characters in the 60's-70's, I learned to celebrate my inner child, be myself, be creative and to always find humor in every day life. It's so wonderful to see the positive impact she has had on generations of other comedic actors/comedians as they learned to find their way in a not so accepting world.
Your heart will break listening to the sad, shameful stories of inequality in the past. But your spirit will soar when you see how far the community has come. The obvious joy that's shared by everyone involved in this ground breaking film is beautiful.
Thank God for all of you who have the courage to stand (sing, dance, strut, etc) on stage to make us all laugh and feel like we're part of a big group. Thank you for showing us that it's ok to be your authentic selves.
- ArtsyFlyer
- Jun 23, 2024
- Permalink
This is a great documentary. I enjoyed the history and the stories from all the comedians. Lily Tomlin has a long history making us laugh. Yet, she publicly didn't come out for awhile.
Kate Clinton was always out and probably influenced some of the people on the documentary. It was disappointing that she was not included or even mentioned.
Kate was the only "out" woman doing comedy in the late 80s and early 90s. She helped many women feel positive about being lesbian.
I cannot imagine what my coming out in Chicago would have been if I had not seen Kate. Please remember Kate Clinton and her impact on gay comedy!
Kate Clinton was always out and probably influenced some of the people on the documentary. It was disappointing that she was not included or even mentioned.
Kate was the only "out" woman doing comedy in the late 80s and early 90s. She helped many women feel positive about being lesbian.
I cannot imagine what my coming out in Chicago would have been if I had not seen Kate. Please remember Kate Clinton and her impact on gay comedy!