Few milestones are as profound for a gay adult as coming out to his or her parents, family, and friends. This experience and its aftermath are the subject of “De Colores” and “Out in the Cold,” two short films the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) will screen on Tuesday, Jan. 15, in association with OutYouth and The National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization (LLEGÓ).
“De Colores” begins by celebrating the strength of family in Latino culture. Once this superficial cultural shorthand is discarded, “De Colores” offers a multifaceted discussion on how religion, familial expectations, homophobia, and sexism (i.e. “machismo”) — elements that occur in all families, in all cultures — impact the coming-out process. “De Colores” is presented in English and Spanish.
In comparison, “Out in the Cold” is a detached, sometimes-rambling documentary about how family intolerance forces many homosexual youths into homelessness. Comments from Judy Shepard, mother of slain gay student Matthew Shepard, punctuate the first-person narratives. While many of the stories are compelling, the most passionate voice comes from Rick Koca, founder and CEO of StandUp for Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping kids off the streets: “Most people don’t care, they figure it’s one more kid who ‘fell through the crack.’ Well, 1.3 million kids fall through that crack … Are we going to fix it?”
“De Colores” and “Out in the Cold” screen on a double bill on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7:30pm, at the Arbor Theatre (10000 Research Blvd.). Tickets are $5; $4 for aGLIFF members. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes prior to showtime.
This article appears in January 11 • 2002.