Ep 9. Tongues Untied

Tongues Untied is an episode of the fourth season of POV. It is a documentary-style film directed by Marlon Riggs which presents the complexities of being gay and African-American. The episode provides a platform to explore the intersectionality of these two stigmatized identities.

Riggs speaks about his own experiences and that of others, around the world in the community of 'Black Gays'. This is captured through documentary footage, music, and poetry, evoking a raw and emotional essence. The film delves into the history of black gay identity, as well as the current social climate for the LGBTQ+ community. Tongues Untied focuses on issues such as racism, homophobia, and the journey towards self-acceptance.

The episode begins by introducing us to the director, Marlon Riggs, himself a gay, black man. He uses footage of himself and friends experiencing depression while living with HIV, juxtaposed with footage of a Black church sermon that condemns homosexuality. This drives home the point that black gay people face hatred from their own community, leaving them grappling with feelings of isolation and confusion.

The documentary then explores the history of the intersectionality of being black and gay, tracing it back to the Harlem Renaissance. The film hones in on the concept of the "drag ball" - where black gay men and trans women could gather and express themselves fully. The film uses vintage footage from such balls, juxtaposed with interviews from people of the LGBTQ+ community, giving the viewer an insight into what it means to be both black and gay.

Tongues Untied exposes the challenges that black gay people experience finding acceptance from their families and friends. Riggs uses interviews to show how families struggled with the concept that their son or daughter is gay. The interviews display the pain of black gay men being disowned or ostracized from their families. They explain how finding acceptance and self-love is an uphill battle, one that requires bravery and strength.

Throughout the film, there is a focus on the hypersexualization of black gay men. The documentary shows how black gay men are often seen as "predators", and frequently experience harassment and violence. The interviews of black gay men describing their vulnerability and fear are powerfully moving, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

Tongues Untied drives home the idea that black gay men's problems are heavily influenced by the power structures entrenched in society. These power structures are shown to be constructed in such a way that morality cannot comfortably accommodate the intersections of race and homosexuality. This is reinforced by a scene of Riggs's visit to a white gay man's house, where he is begrudgingly acknowledged as an equal until he must leave.

The documentary concludes with a moving poem, read out by Riggs himself, which exalts black gay men, challenging the derogatory tropes that are attached to their identity. The poem emphasizes the need for black gay men to love themselves fully and reject any negative perceptions or judgment from others.

Tongues Untied is a beautifully directed, emotionally charged documentary that will leave viewers moved and inspired. It is a telling exploration of the intersectionality of race and queer identity, highlighting the difficult journey towards self-acceptance and the societal challenges that black gay people face today. The film is a poignant celebration of black gay men, offering hope for a future where their identity is fully recognized and celebrated.