Gaysians

Director Vicky Du's documentary on immigrant culture provides brief vignettes on five queer and trans Asian-Americans as seen against the backdrop of bustling New York City, with scenes including train footage and shots of some traditional food preparation. While the unnamed (until the closing credits) participants are only fleetingly featured face-on—usually in quick glimpses or photos—their stories are interesting. One woman talks about how her children would be a real boon for her parents, but the kids don't feel comfortable with the grandfolks, while an open mic speaker wonders about how eventually living with an infirm elderly mother will affect his queer separatist commune lifestyle. Others touch on not coming out to the family, cultural worries, and a surprising welcome from an overseas family that actually led to more stress from obligations. Unfortunately, Gaysians is too short and scattershot to meaningfully address the large topic of the interviewees' strains between personal life and family ties. Optional. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)