Ep 11. Did Hollywood Whitewash Stonewall?

Decoded is a series that explores the hidden history behind different events, ideas, and cultural phenomena. In season 1 episode 11, titled "Did Hollywood Whitewash Stonewall?" the show takes a closer look at the 1969 Stonewall uprising, one of the most important events in the gay rights movement. The episode specifically examines the recent film adaptation of the event, titled Stonewall, released in 2015.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the events leading up to the Stonewall uprising, including the discrimination and abuse faced by the LGBTQ+ community during that time. It then focuses on the making of the Stonewall film and the controversy surrounding its casting and portrayal of the events.

One of the main criticisms of the film was its lack of diversity, with many arguing that it portrayed the Stonewall uprising as being led by white, cisgender, masculine men, erasing the important contributions of queer people of color, transgender individuals, and drag queens. The show explores this controversy in depth, interviewing activists, historians, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to understand the impact of the film's portrayal.

As the episode delves deeper into the topic, it becomes clear that Hollywood has a long history of whitewashing and erasing marginalized voices from important historical events. The show highlights other examples of this phenomenon, including the portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in films and the whitewashing of Asian and Native American characters in Hollywood.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Stonewall film, the episode ends on a hopeful note. Activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to fight for greater representation and accuracy in Hollywood portrayals, and the legacy of the Stonewall uprising lives on, inspiring future generations to stand up for their rights and fight for equality.

Overall, the "Did Hollywood Whitewash Stonewall?" episode of Decoded is an important and timely exploration of the impact of representation in media and the erasure of marginalized voices in historical events. By examining the specific controversy surrounding the Stonewall film, the show sheds light on a larger issue faced by many marginalized communities and sparks important conversations about the power and responsibility of media representation.