Gay USA

Gay USA is a unique documentary film released in 1977 that aptly captures the spirit and struggle of the LGBT community in America during a transformative period in their fight for rights and acceptance. Directed by Arthur J. Bressan Jr., the film stars Stuart Loomis, Pat Parker, and many others who share their perspectives and experiences as part of this vibrant and brave community.

From the outset, Gay USA provides audiences with a raw, authentic look into the diversity and richness within the American LGBT milieu. The film extensively documents the celebrations surrounding the 1977 Gay Pride parades held in various US cities on the East and West coasts. It showcases the parades not just as demonstrations for the equal rights of gay people, but also as vibrant celebrations of identity and an emphatic declaration of the community's existence and presence in societal landscape.

Stuart Loomis features prominently throughout, offering his honest and heart-rending account as one individual amongst a multifaceted community. Pat Parker, a renowned African American lesbian feminist poet and political activist, adds a further intersectional dimension to the portrayal of the LGBT community. The film captures her charisma and passion as she delivers captivating poetry and speeches throughout the movie, driving home the need for inclusivity, diversity, and social justice.

Bressan's filmmaking prowess shines through in the way he weaves together personal narratives, candid interviews, and footage from the various parades. All these elements work together to form a cohesive and powerful examination of what it meant to be LGBT in the USA during the late 70s. Intimate and authentic, it allows audiences to connect with the individuals who formed part of this community, understanding their hopes, fears, struggles, and gains on a personal level.

The film utilizes the pride parades as a backdrop to delve into the various issues faced by the LGBT community at the time. It depicts individuals sporting colorful costumes, waving rainbow flags, and cruising on meticulously decorated floats, all the while exploring themes of civil rights, discrimination, public perception, and self-acceptance. The film also has its lighter moments, interspersing the hard-hitting realities with humor, joy, and moments of pure celebration that encapsulate the resilience and spirit of the community.

One effective storytelling device employed in Gay USA is the use of vox-pop interviews with a cross-section of Americans. The interviews serve to contrast the reality of the LGBT community's experiences with the perceptions and attitudes of wider American society. The dissenting views, born of prejudice and ignorance, presented by some interviewees are juxtaposed against the openness, honesty, and pride of the LGBT individuals, highlighting the stark disconnect and society's need for greater understanding and acceptance.

The cinematography brilliantly compliments the narrative arc. The camera takes the viewers right in the midst of the parades, making them a part of the revelry, and at the same time, providing an intimate look at the community. The rawness and immediacy of the handheld footage further amplify the authenticity and relevance of the featured narratives.

The movie contains scenes where the community comes together in solidarity, showing strength in numbers and unity despite adversity. These sequences are powerful and emblematic, speaking to the sense of community and connectedness that helped them to withstand societal pressures and prejudices.

For anyone interested in LGBT history, activism, or sociology, Gay USA serves as an insightful and significant historical record. It highlights the plight, resilience, and vibrancy of the community in 1970s America and helps to understand the genesis of the modern LGBT rights movement. Following in the path of the Stonewall uprising, the movie deftly portrays the persistent spirit and tireless efforts of the LGBT community to fight for their rights and recognition.

Gay USA is not just a film, but a testament to the power of pride, unity, and resilience that emboldened a community to stand up against discrimination. Striving for a more tolerant, diverse and inclusive society, it remains a relevant and evocative piece of American history.