Reeling 2010: Gen Silent

Young gays today don’t know how good they have it. In the McCarthy era, homosexuals were blacklisted, ostracized and outed in local newspapers, and were involuntarily hospitalized for their “mental disorder.” Many were forced to assimilate for their own protection. Director Stu Maddux brings us a heartbreaking look at how LGBT seniors—the very ones who bravely fought, pre-Stonewall, for our rights—are going back into the closet in fear of discrimination. Transgender Krysanne has children and grandchildren who refuse to acknowledge her presence, even though she is terminally ill. Lawrence and his partner have been together for 38 years. As his partner’s primary caregiver, he’s had a hard time finding an assisted living facility that will accept even the small intimations that go along with being long-time partners. These seniors lived their lives in a different time, automatically distrusting mainstream institutions and living in fear. Very often estranged from their families, many are aging alone, especially after a life partner has already passed. Facing judgment and “conversion” tactics from nursing home staff and other residents, and feeling more at risk at an age where they often can’t defend themselves, some of the elderly choose to stay isolated until it is too late. —Angelique Smith for Reeling Gen Silent, Stu Maddux (USA, 2010, 70 min.) Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, the second oldest film festival of its kind in the US, is presenting 54 programs over 10 days from November 4-13, 2010. Advance sales are available until the day before the show. After that, tickets must be purchased at the theater box office on the day of the screening. Regular Screenings: $10 ($8 members), Matinee Screenings (before 5:00 pm): $8 ($6 members).

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