Out in the Open

Matthew Smith's documentary opens with an hysteria-level parody of a vintage classroom-paranoia film warning against homosexuals. They come from hell! They convert normal people using magic! They are on a mission to cover the world in AIDS! Countering the you-can't-insult-me-because-I'll-say-it-first tone of the intro, Out in the Open ultimately argues for the inclusion of open gays and lesbians in society. "Who can imagine a world in which gay people and straight people get along?" asks the satirical narrator, cueing at-home visits and talks with un-closeted members of the LGBT community, along with their friends and families. Most subjects affirm that they only want to be accepted into the mainstream and, in fact, tend to shun militant politics and extreme antics. Interviewees, skewing towards the arts and West Coast showbiz, include Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley, Olympic medalist Greg Louganis, pro poker players Jason Somerville and Vanessa Selbst, and actor Eric Roberts and his wife Eliza (who praise Eliza's daughter's "coming out" and marriage plans). Also on hand is a Methodist minister who favors LGBT inclusion under Christian principles. Although this is essentially a standard talking-head documentary with production values that are slightly YouTube-ish, the verbal recounting here of heartache, workplace discrimination, domestic violence, childhood molestation, and the yearning to belong is often powerful. DVD extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, extended interviews, bloopers, and a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)