Watch Are You Proud?

Are You Proud? is a powerful documentary film released in 2019 that takes a reflective and celebratory approach to the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the United Kingdom. The movie brings together a strong cast of individuals who have played significant roles in the liberation struggle, including Michael Cashman and Lisa Power, founders of Stonewall, and George Montague, a gay rights activist.

Throughout the film, viewers are taken on an emotive journey through the events and people that have shaped the LGBTQ+ history of the UK. The narrative is told through archival footage of key moments such as the founding of Stonewall, Pride marches, and acts of activism across different decades. The film also features interviews with people who shared their personal stories and experiences, highlighting the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and its resistance and resilience.

One of the most powerful aspects of the documentary is its raw and unapologetic portrayal of the struggles the community faced before achieving the relatively stable social and legal position it enjoys today. The film touches on the social, legal, and cultural challenges the LGBTQ+ community has faced, including discriminatory laws and police brutality, leading to unjust criminalization and widespread social stigma.

Are You Proud? also highlights the pivotal role that grassroots activism and advocacy played in achieving LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. The documentary shows how the community banded together, using their collective strength to create change in society, fighting for recognition and representation. The film pays homage to the pivotal figures who are often forgotten, as well as the wider community’s contributions, in paving the way for the progress that has been made.

The film’s use of archival footage immerses the audience in the time periods and contexts of the events it covers. From early footage of riots and protests to present-day clips of Pride marches and celebrations, the movie’s editing effectively weaves these various sources of footage together to create a strong narrative. The quality of the footage also enhances the film’s cinematics, capturing moments of high emotional intensity that are sure to evoke powerful reactions from viewers.

Are You Proud? covers the UK’s LGBTQ+ history up to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014, offering audiences a glimpse into the struggles that have been overcome in the past few decades. However, the documentary also emphasizes that there is still much work to be done, spotlighting the ongoing fight for trans rights, especially amid an increase in hate crimes, highlighting the importance of solidarity and allyship.

The personal testimonies and reflections of activists and other members of the LGBTQ+ community provide Are You Proud? with a human touch, creating an emotional connection with the audience. The documentary shows how challenging it has been, and still is, for many in the community to come out and be open about their identities. The candid interviews also reveal the difficult paths the activists had to tread, including facing hostility and backlash from both society and within the community.

Despite these challenges, the documentary presents a story of resilience, determination, and survival. The film’s title alone, “Are You Proud?” is a call to action, asking the community of queer people and allies to come together and celebrate what has been achieved so far, as well as to continue fighting for greater acceptance, equality, and human rights.

In conclusion, Are You Proud? is an essential documentary for anyone who values social justice and equality. This film provides a vital history lesson and a powerful testimony to the continuous struggles of the LGBTQ+ community for social acceptance, legal recognition, and human rights. It is a highly recommended watch for anyone who wants to know more about LGBTQ+ politics and for those who may not fully understand the journey that has led to the current moment of growing social acceptance. Overall, this emotionally resonant film is both a celebration of the progress that has been made and a reminder of the work that remains to be done to achieve full equality.

Are You Proud? is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.