Watch Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House - Special Edition

Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House - Special Edition is a 2002 documentary film that tells the incredible story of two women who fell in love and defied societal norms in the 1970s. Directed by Deborah Dickson, the film follows Ruth Berman and Connie Kurtz, a Jewish lesbian couple who became pioneers in the fight for LGBTQ rights in America.

The film begins by introducing Ruth and Connie, who met in a Brooklyn lesbian bar in 1975. They fell in love instantly despite coming from different backgrounds. Ruth was a New York City teacher and a divorced mother of three, while Connie was a Brooklyn-born social worker who had fled an abusive marriage. At the time, same-sex relationships were illegal and considered taboo in the United States, so the two women had to keep their love a secret. However, after four years of being together, they decided to come out and embrace their identity publicly.

Their journey to acceptance was far from easy. Ruth and Connie faced constant discrimination, harassment, and even death threats from both their families and society. They were forced to move numerous times and lost their jobs after being outed in their workplaces. They faced countless legal barriers and were even denied the right to adopt a child together. Despite all the obstacles, they never wavered in their love for each other.

Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House - Special Edition chronicles their remarkable journey and the impact they had on LGBTQ rights in America. The film features interviews with Ruth and Connie, as well as their family members, friends, and advocates who share their experiences and thoughts on the couple's story.

The documentary also provides a glimpse of the political and social climate of the 1970s and 1980s, when the LGBTQ community was marginalized and little represented. We see the rise of AIDS epidemic and the devastating effect it had on the LGBTQ community, including Ruth and Connie. The film highlights the couple's activism and advocacy work, including their involvement in the founding of the first P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter in New York.

Throughout the documentary, we witness Ruth and Connie's enduring love for each other, which is both heartwarming and inspiring. They share their personal stories, including how they navigated their sexuality and coming out to their families. The film also features footage of their wedding, which was one of the first same-sex marriages performed in the United States.

Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House - Special Edition is a powerful and emotional documentary that sheds light on the struggles of the LGBTQ community in America. It is a testament to the courage and resilience of Ruth and Connie, who defied norms and paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ individuals. The film is a reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and equality for everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in LGBTQ history and human rights.

Ruthie & Connie: Every Room in the House - Special Edition is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.