Watch Out in the Line-Up

Out in the Line-Up is a documentary film that explores the taboo issue of homosexuality in the world of surfing. The movie, released in 2014, is directed by Ian W. Thomson and narrated by Barney Frank, an American politician from Massachusetts who is openly gay. The film takes its name from the term 'line-up' that refers to the surfers waiting for waves with their boards, and 'out' is a term for a person who is publicly gay. The documentary raises significant questions about the homophobic attitudes that persist in the surfing world and what it means to be a gay surfer in today's society.

The movie features interviews with several gay and straight pro surfers, including two-time world champion Tom Carroll, Brazilian champion Felipe Toledo, and Barton Lynch, an Australian surfer who won a world championship in 1988. There are also interviews with LGBTQ surfers, such as David Wakefield, who founded the Gay Surfers Network, and Brad Farmer, who is known as the world's first openly gay lifeguard.

The director takes the viewer on a global journey, exploring surfing communities and cultures throughout the world. In California, the film looks at the experiences of a surfer named Cori Schumacher, who was a three-time longboard champion and openly gay. In Hawaii, the film examines the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, a surfing legend and LGBTQ pioneer who is celebrated as the father of modern surfing.

The director also highlights the personal stories of several LGBTQ surfers who have experienced discrimination and alienation in the surfing world. For example, the viewer learns about a surfer named Thomas Castets, who created a website called 'GaySurfers.net' in response to his own experiences of isolation as a gay surfer. The website has now grown into a global online community with over 3,000 members.

The film delves deeper into the subject by looking at the history of surfing and the societal expectations that come with it. Surfing is often seen as a sport that embodies masculine ideals, such as strength, bravery, and control. The filmmakers explore how these expectations have contributed to a culture of homophobia and marginalization within the surfing community.

Out in the Line-Up is not just a movie about surfing. It's also a story about identity, acceptance, and the struggle for equality. It raises questions about why there are so few openly gay professional surfers and what can be done to create a more inclusive and accepting surfing culture.

The documentary is beautifully shot and features stunning footage of waves and surfers from around the world. The film's soundtrack, which includes music from artists like Arcade Fire and Beach House, adds to the film's emotional power.

In conclusion, Out in the Line-Up is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the intersection of sport and identity. It highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ surfers and the importance of creating a more inclusive and accepting surfing culture. The film is essential viewing for anyone interested in surfing, LGBTQ issues, or the fight for equality.

Out in the Line-Up is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.