Educational Media Reviews Online

Both these documentary styled videos are Canadian based and deal with the issue of ‘coming out’. A process in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community where an individual develops a sense of self identity of their sexual orientation and then communicates that identity to a larger group such as family, friends or the public at large.

Class Queers tells the story of three adolescents [Adina, Adam and Richard] who have gone through the coming out process. Because of it, they have been ostracized at their individual schools and have chosen to attend a school supported by the church. The school is called Triangle – symbolic of the pink triangle. The school provides a supportive environment, positive role modeling for gay/lesbian youth and offers a credible curriculum. The video also allows us to follow them as they interact with family and friends and we see the complexity of family issues that evolve out of loving someone, but hating what they are. For a short period, we are privy to the lives of three youth as they grow up; make decisions about life and at the same time deal with the sizeable issues confronting a gay/lesbian adolescent.

Coming Out is much lengthier video and tells the story of nine individuals and their process for coming out. These individuals span a variety of ages, ethnic backgrounds and occupations. For each the process is different and incredibly personal and is told with detail to provide viewers with a more meaningful understanding of the issues surrounding coming out to family, friends and others.

Both videos succeed in documenting the reality of coming out in today’s society. They provide us with insight into the struggle of coming to grips with ‘who am I’, overcoming the pain and moving forward in life with a more positive self-identity.