“Tell: More Than Soldiers, Fighters & Patriots…”–looking at the military

“Tell: More Than Soldiers, Fighters & Patriots…”

Looking at the Military

Amos Lassen

It seems that the topic of gays in the military is always in the news. Just as newsworthy is the role of the military in the world today. Being at war with Iraq brings this even closer to home. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is again a hot topic and it seems to be that there is an ongoing debate.
“Tell” is director T Joe Murray’s documentary is a series of fourteen plus interviews with gay military veterans and their allies. “Tell” gives a face on the military controversy of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and shows how it affects each GLBT person who wants to serve his country.
This is an award winning film as it shows the struggles that dedicated Americans (who happen to be part of the GLBT community) face. The gays, lesbians and Trans people are forced to lie in order to serve the country that they love.

Murray shows us a cross section by interviewing people of different ages and he gives us a deep and fascinating look at the entire issue. This candid and honest look at the situation will open eyes and fosters understanding of this issue which will not go away. This timely film is important because it says so much that has not been verbalized before.