Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2008

What does it take to be both religious and queer? Local filmmaker Kimberly Brandom explores this hot-topic issue in TESTIMONY, a documentary featuring numerous queer folks offering their views on faith in an age of vocal religious intolerance. From Jews to Catholics to Jehovah’s Witnesses, subjects reflect on their own upbringings in religious communities and their struggles as adults to reconcile their faith with their sexuality. Despite the variety of backgrounds and religions, common stories emerge from the testimonials: the fear of coming out, attempts to pray away their gayness, and the very real possibility that they may be rejected by their religious communities for their sexuality. But despite their struggles, most steadfastly hold on to their faith even if it means they have to leave their religious affiliations or reinvent their traditions of worship. There is a common feeling of hope among the testimonials—this faithful flock will not be dissuaded.