One + One 2001
Distributed by New Day Films,190 Route 17M, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926; 888-367-9154 or 845-774-7051
Produced by S. Leo Chiang
Directed by S. Leo Chiang
VHS, color, 27 min.
Adult
Gay and Lesbian Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgThe “+” sign in the video titles connotes various meanings: one and one; one plus one; or even, one positive one (negative). This multi-award winning documentary addresses a little discussed topic: sero-discordant couples. In these couples, one is HIV positive, the other is HIV negative. The video focuses on two couples, one composed of two males who, in their eyes, are married, and a male and female couple, married in the eyes of the law. John and Noel are fairly typical of most Castro couples. John is an attorney who is HIV positive. His partner Noel is from an ethnic minority whose family accepted John over time. Joanne and Robert, though straight, are the less traditional. Both are former drug addicts, both are now clean, and Joanne is a counselor who goes to more client funerals than she cares to count. Both couples have much in common, despite their disparate backgrounds. There are very frank and open discussions of sex between the partners and the dangers that occur. Both negative partners, though well educated in safe sex practices, fear not being infected as much as fear the guilt their partners would feel. The important, yet understated, message is that HIV status is not a gay issue. The video’s piano and violin soundtrack is appropriate and nonintrusive. Recommended for all libraries.
Awards: Cable Positive Award, Silverlake Film Festival; San Francisco Int'l Lesbian & Gay Film Festival; New York Lesbian & Gay Film Festival; London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.