Coming out under fire

Duration: 71

Year Published: 1994

Creator: Zeitgeist Films

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: sound

Description: This documentary explores the issue of civil rights for lesbians and gays through an examination of homosexuals who served in numerous units of the U.S. Armed Services during World War II. It focuses on the testimony of nine gay and lesbian veterans who joined the war effort. Warm reminiscences of first loves and deep friendships are contrasted with bitter memories of the persecution and humiliation meted out to gay people by military officials. Interview sequences are combined with an array of declassified documents, photographs, rare archival footage, and Armed Forces films. The film is framed by scenes from the 1993 Senate hearing addressing the presence of gays in the military.