Coming Out Documentary

In this brave and candid documentary, young filmmaker Alden Peters documents his own coming out story by filming his family members, friends and contacts as he tells them, with his characteristic reserved thoughtfulness, but quite firmly, that he is gay.

Mr. Peters initially struggled with his sexual identity for many years.  He was quite happy to keep up the façade of a handsome young man interested in sports, girls — all the typical interests of a young white dude.  Yet inside, he questioned himself every day.  “If I like this, am I gay?”  He struggled for years with it, and eventually decided to film his friends and family’s reactions to his coming out.

Fortunately, most of his friends and family are just fine with it.  One particularly sensitive and supportive friend tells him as they look at each other in front of a mirror before going out, “As long as you like yourself, that’s all that matters.”

One year after his initial tentative steps into accepting his identity, he is proud and happy to be a member of the gay community.  It doesn’t mean he is a typical cliché of a young gay man.  It’s just Alden, a quietly handsome, serious, thoughtful and focused individual being himself, but now honest and authentic with his feelings and personality.

We should all be so brave in working through to self-acceptance and finally appreciating who we really are.  There are still many young gay men and women who are abused, bullied, and suffer terribly just for being who they are.  The rate of suicide among gay youth is still unacceptably high.  So let Mr. Peters’ story provide the inspiration and clarity on just how important it is to be yourself in this world, with honesty, candor and courage.

No matter if you are gay or straight, black or white, a Lutheran or a card-carrying atheist, we could all use more of Mr. Peters’ courage in being our true selves, and thereby living more realistic and happier lives.  Bravo!

The film Coming Out is being released today, October 4, 2016 by the outstanding group Wolfe Video on DVD and VOD.  In operation since 1985, Wolfe is the largest exclusive distributor of LGBT films.  They also happen to offer some of the finest, most thought-provoking films anywhere.

Many thanks to Wolfe Videos for the opportunity to screen this fascinating, quietly moving documentary.  Another excellent offering from Wolfe!  For more information about the film, visit comingoutdoc.com.  For more on Wolfe Video, visit wolfevideo.com.