Silent Pioneers

Our Rating: L Factor: Lesbian Film Short Take: Early documentary about the lives of elderly lesbians and gays. Alternate Titles:
Year: 1985 Duration: 42 min Language: USA/English MPAA: Not Rated	Director: Lucy Winer Writer: Patricia Snyder Starring: Patricia Snyder

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‘I never dreamt that we would have this kind of freedom. I never dreamt that it would be so easy,’ says one of the interviewees in this early documentary about the lives of elderly lesbians and gays. Men and women in New York, Chicago, Key West, Miami and Tucson talk about early struggles before the recent more accepting atmosphere, contorting their lives before being able to come out.

Merle lived with her partner for 58 years before she passed away. A male New York couple has been together for 54 years, and Brother Paul left the monastery where he had spent most of his life, coming out at age 72.

In addition to the challenges of growing older, many rely on younger gay and lesbian friends to step in to help, since they do not have children to take them to doctors appointments and the like. Organizations like SAGE (Senior Action in a Gay Environment) have been formed to provide social services in several communities. On the flip side, many younger lgbt people have found substitute grandmothers and grandfathers in older lesbians and gays when their blood families have rejected them.

Also of note is the interview with the late Barbara Deming, lesbian feminist, peace activist and nonviolent change theorist. (AB)