Gay USA, a classic documentary directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr., provides a compelling glimpse into the early days of the American gay rights movement. Through footage meticulously captured at various gay pride events across the United States in 1977, the film immerses viewers in a crucial moment when the movement encountered its first significant opposition, led by Anita Bryant. As she waged a campaign to repeal anti-discrimination protection in Dade County, the documentary captures the thoughts and activities of the LGBTQ+ community during a pivotal period.
Filmed on a single day by 25 different cameramen across the nation under Bressan's coordination, Gay USA serves as a historical artifact, documenting the vibrancy and activism of Gay Pride parades in the late '70s. Viewed nearly 40 years later, the documentary emerges as a radical and important record. Gay USA sheds light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community at a time when their rights were under obvious threat, making it a valuable contribution to the history of the gay rights movement and informing modern queer activism.
This classic documentary utilizes almost a flow of consciousness style as it jumps from Pride celebration to Pride celebration across the USA. People of all stripes are asked simple questions about homosexuality and the political climate around queer rights in the late 70s. These ‘man in the street’ stylings make for a surprisingly dense yet accessible documentary, showing just how much -and how little- has changed through the decades: It’s intriguing and maddening to hear the same arguments I heard just a couple of Thanksgivings ago echo back at me from across time.
Anyone seeking an exemplary example of documentary filmmaking will be enthralled by Gay USA. It’s a perfect time capsule of the late 70s, giving viewers an incredibly well-preserved glimpse into both queer communities and politics. The film also gives us a taste of public opinion straight from the mouths of several protesters, unsupportive onlookers, and straight allies. Gay USA would be perfect for use in any queer studies classroom. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Gay USA deserves a prominent place among LGBTQ+ documentary titles.
What sort of college classroom could utilize this title?
Anyone teaching the early Gay Rights movement, the 1970s, or Queer History will want to use this title in the classroom.
Director's Bio
One of the pioneers of independent gay cinema in the 1970s and ‘80s, Arthur J. Bressan, Jr. is best known for his devastating 1985 drama, Buddies (the first feature film about AIDS). Working across multiple genres including documentary, narrative, adult and short-form filmmaking,
Bressan’s boldness and artistry as a writer-director earned him both acclaim and controversy over the course of his decade-long filmmaking career. In addition to Buddies, Bressan’s best-known films include:
Gay USA (1977):
- An ambitious documentary showcasing LGBT Pride celebrations nationwide during Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade.
Passing Strangers (1974):
- A Lyrical hard-core coming-out drama, earning Bressan the Best Director Prize at the 1974 San Francisco Erotic Film Festival.
Forbidden Letters (1979):
- Acclaimed gay adult drama, representing Bressan's second notable work in the genre.
Abuse (1983):
- Hailed by Rex Reed as "a film of astonishing power and emotional impact."
Other Films:
- Family Affair (1982)
- Thank You, Mr. President (1983)
- Pleasure Beach (1983)
- Juice (1984)
- Daddy Dearest (1984)
Short Documentary:
- Coming Out (1972): A poignant short documentary reflecting Bressan's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes.
A prominent figure in LGBTQ+ cinema, Bressan succumbed to AIDS in 1987, leaving behind a significant contribution to the exploration and representation of queer narratives in film. The majority of his films have long been unavailable. The Bressan Project is currently undertaking efforts to preserve and make them available once again.
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