IN THE LIFE: Documentary Stories from the Gay Experience on WTTW Channel 11

This month, IN THE LIFE celebrates Black History Month with our February episode, “Mobilizing Hope.” In it, we look at the thriving sub-cultures, support systems and movement leaders within the African American LGBT community. From the vivacious artistry of ballroom culture, to the tensions between racial and sexual identity for gay men on the down-low, IN THE LIFE documents the struggles that challenge and the spirit that empowers gay and lesbian people of color.

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This month, IN THE LIFE celebrates Black History Month with our February episode, “Mobilizing Hope.” In it, we look at the thriving sub-cultures, support systems and movement leaders within the African American LGBT community. From the vivacious artistry of ballroom culture, to the tensions between racial and sexual identity for gay men on the down-low, IN THE LIFE documents the struggles that challenge and the spirit that empowers gay and lesbian people of color.

BALLROOM 2.0

In its lead-story, IN THE LIFE looks at the state of the gay ballroom scene, a urban phenomena first revealed to the wider culture in the 1990 documentary, “Paris is Burning.” Ball culture continues to thrive in Newark, New Jersey, where community leader Bernie McAlister acts as father-figure to the queer youth who make up this vibrant community. His, “House of Jourdon”  expands its social role as an epicenter of ballroom culture to include AIDS awareness, safe-sex education, and positive role modeling– providing direction and hope for LGBT minority youth.

A Conversation with… Governor David Patterson and Professor George Chauncey

New York Governor David Paterson and Yale professor, gay activist and cultural historian George Chauncey reflect on the continuing struggle for gay civil rights as longtime vanguards, themselves, against bigotry and discrimination.

Reel to Reel: ON THE DOWNLOW

Being gay, “out,” and sexually active is a social conundrum in the black community -- a taboo -- and incompatible with “masculinity.”  When men have sex with other men, it must be hidden, covert, and on the "down-low." Filmmaker, Abigail Child, takes a compassionate look at four men leading these double lives in her documentary, “On the Downlow.”

"Mobilizing Hope" airs in the Chicago area from American Public Television member station WTTW Channel 11 on February 20th at 10:30pm and is available for online viewing now. To find out when it will air in their local areas, to stream or download it, go to

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