Educational Media Reviews Online

An important figure in the LGBTQ rights movement, Carlos Jáuregui is considered the father of that movement in Argentina. This documentary is filled with recorded television appearances and interviews with the activists that surrounded Jáuregui.  Voices from those that knew him personally and worked side by side with him provide essential context to the time period.  Jáuregui is featured in much of the archival footage and this film serves as excellent primary source material. 

In 1984, Jáuregui found the La Comunidad Homosexual Argentina and lead the group from meager beginnings to a force that addressed police and church inequities regarding the LGBTQ community.  Jáuregui was unabashedly outspoken and embraced being featured in news outlets.  Bringing the homosexual out of the darkness and not being afraid of speaking up, earned him admiration from everyone in the community.  He earned deep respect from all of his associates, even after his untimely death in 1996. We hear from his associates as they sat beside him as he succumbed to AIDS.  Hearing their voices is not only powerful, but hopeful as they discuss what will become of the movement without their leader.  Because of Jáuregui, antidiscrimation laws were passed with the social momentum he buoyed in the 80's. 

This documentary also covers how the Homosexual Community of Argentina evolved to include lesbians in their ranks, when at first, it was only men that started to fight for equal rights.  Jáuregui understood that gays and lesbians needed to stand beside one another in order to keep the movement going.  The documentary does an excellent job of showing the history of activism in Argentina as Carlos Jáuregui spearheaded the movement.  It also features the rise of HIV/AIDS in the gay community in Argentina.  

Similar is scope and focus to the documentary, Lemebel, Carlos Jáuregui: The Unforgettable Fag, can help provide a good picture of LGBTQ rights in South American counties in the 80's and 90's.  Essential viewing in understanding gay activism in South America and the impact HIV/AIDS had when it started to spread.  This documentary is valuable when looking at LGBTQ rights around the world, especially in overlooked countries.  

Awards:

Best Documentary, Audience award, LesGaiCineMad; Best Documentary Director, Jury’s award, LesGaiCineMad; Opening Festival Film, AMOR, Festival Internacional LGBT+, Santiago, Chile

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