Visibility Matters! It is the beginning of a conversation. It is the acknowledgment that difference is seen and valued. In our current world, there continues to be much fear expressed with the acceptance of what is deemed “different.” This is apparent in our news media, politics, religion, entertainment, education, etc. This fear becomes a barrier to the steps necessary to find commonalities with those deemed to be “different.” Without the acknowledgment of others’ stories and life experiences it is damn near impossible to understand and therefore care or advocate about the health and safety of the community that is being “othered.”
That is the power of the Mama Bears documentary. MAMA BEARS is an intimate, thought-provoking exploration of the journeys taken by Sara Cunningham and Kimberly Shappley, two “mama bears”—whose profound love for their LGBTQ children has turned them into fierce advocates for the entire queer community—and me, Tammi Terrell Morris, a young African American lesbian whose struggle for self-acceptance perfectly exemplifies why the Mama Bears are so vitally important. The stories of these mothers, who are forced to make a choice at the crossroads of faith and love, are a perfect gateway toward beginning to listen and understand the complexity and immense joy found in choosing LOVE.
I have chosen five documentaries that I believe best represent this new emerging reality. These documentaries focus on the power of storytelling. Voices that are often marginalized are being lifted and the audience is able to hear “truth” from a community that continues to be threatened with the demand to be silent. These documentaries are revolutionary and there are many more stories to be shared. My hope for the world is that the voices of ALL people will be valued and their stories are Sacred. The ability to learn and grow is the gift of humanity. So let’s use this gift to make our world a better (MORE LOVING and ACCEPTING) place.
MAMA BEARS (2022)
Director: Daresha Kyi
Logline: Follows women who reshape almost every aspect of their lives with love.
Watch: Currently on the festival circuit. Check for screenings here.
PRAY AWAY (2021)
Directors: Kristine Stolakis
Logline: Ex-leaders and a survivor of the so-called “conversion therapy” movement speak out about its harm to the LGBTQ+ community and its devastating persistence.
Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
DISCLOSURE (2020)
Director: Sam Feder
Logline: In this documentary, leading trans creatives and thinkers share heartfelt perspectives and analysis about Hollywood’s impact on the trans community.
Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
MUCHO MUCHO AMOR: THE LEGEND OF WALTER MERCADO (2020)
Directors: Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch
Logline: Dazzling and tender-hearted, legendary astrologer Walter Mercado vanished at the peak of his fame. This documentary poignantly explains what happened.
Watch: Streaming on Netflix.
CHAVELA (2017)
Directors: Catherine Gund and Daresha Kyi
Logline: The life of pioneering singer Chavela Vargas, from her birth in Costa Rica in 1919 to her death in Mexico in 2012.
Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
