Educational Media Reviews Online

This fascinating documentary by Tori Foster brings to the screen important discussions on the issues of sexuality and identity through fresh testimonials of young Canadian lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals. A travelogue accompanied by a lesbian-friendly soundtrack captures Foster’s journey through all ten Canadian provinces, beginning in Newfoundland and ending in British Columbia capturing interviews in urban settings and rural enclaves. The candid interviews reveal that queer identity is nuanced and diverse and despite expansive geography, there are common ideals including friendship, love, and stability in life.

The young Canadians interviewed provide unique perspectives and speak about their queer identity and reluctance to fit into labels created by society. Even within lesbian communities, expectation to fit into prescribed norms and stereotypes exist and the failure to do so results in ostracism. The interviewees talk about coming out and their parents reactions, feelings of isolation, and gay bashing in general, but Foster structures her interviews on mundane but significant issues such as the reason for hair length choice, gender assumption by others when using a public restroom, preferred toys during childhood, and favorite TV shows. These exchanges reveal a sophisticated group of young people who assert their sexuality and make choices for life despite the hostility surrounding them.

The camera captures the filmmaker behind the wheel, using fast-forward motion for these segments portraying a sense of speed and physical distance covered. This road trip seems both a journey of self discovery and an exploration of queer female communities. Although the subjects interviewed are not as diverse as they could have been, the documentary offers a fresh and insightful perspective that queer populations are diversely constituted by people with heterogeneous backgrounds, sensibilities, and expectations in life.

Highly recommended for debates and discussions on sexuality, gay and lesbian issues, and human rights, gender studies and women’s studies.