The trials and tribulations of the LGBTQ community have been documented in film for decades. Films like Moonlight and Milk have met critical acclaim, yet the real stories are in nonfiction films. Carlos Jauregui: The Unforgettable Fag tells the story of one of South America’s most acclaimed LGBTQ figures. It belongs on public or academic library shelves with a focus on international queer legislation.
Hailing from Argentina, Carlos spent significant time abroad in the US and Paris. It was during this time he learned about the progression of gay rights activism and was inspired to lead the charge in his native land. In 1982, Carlos became the founder of the country’s first LGBTQ organization Argentina Homosexual Community (Comunidad Homosexual Argentina).
Carlos and his lover participated in a magazine spread, costing Carlos his job. In 1992, Carlos led the first Gay Pride March in the country, which, although sparsely attended, was deemed a landmark event.
A pivotal moment in the documentary comes when Carlos discusses the “four legs” of the LGBTQ movement. “Gays, lesbians, transvestites, and transexuals” had to unite, and if any of the legs were missing, “the table would fall down.” Carlos, although an inspired figure throughout, is also tragic, as many of his actions fall on deaf ears. However, prior to his death, he penned legislation known as Article 11. Article 11 would make it illegal in the country to discriminate someone based on sexual preference or gender identity.
The film is brutal at points (the death of Carlos’s lover due to HIV is heartbreaking), yet it highlights the struggles many people have had, and, unfortunately, continue to have. The educational documentary should be required viewing for LGBTQ youth, as well as queer studies professors.