Raid of the Rainbow Lounge

3.0

Synopsis:

A full length documentary film recounting the events surrounding the widely publicized and controversial raid of a Fort Worth, Texas gay bar in 2009. Following a sordid aftermath, Fort Worth would become a leader in LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) equality. However, that journey was not smooth and without controversies. Witness history unfold as this film documents that journey from the perspective of eyewitnesses, activists and politicians who helped change the city. Narrated by television icon and Emmy nominated actress, Meredith Baxter.

Quick Thoughts:

On June 28, 2009 (the exact 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots) Fort Worth, Texas’ only gay bar was raided by a joint task force of Fort Worth Police and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). By the end of the evening, five people were arrested, one man was rushed to the hospital with serious head injuries – and the entire Fort Worth community’s trust in the police was shattered. “Raid Of The Rainbow Lounge” attempts to document the terror of that night and the aftermath. Utilizing over 30 interviews from witnesses, bar patrons, activists, and even officers, Writer/Director Robert L. Camina successful weaves together how the Fort Worth LGBT community took on a tragic night, banded together, and fought to secure changes that would ensure that something like this would not occur again.

We cannot forget the atrocities and foundation that helped get us to where we are today. “Raid Of The Rainbow Lounge” helps to keep that history alive lest we forget. I highly encourage everyone to watch this Queer documentary. Not only is it well pieced together, but we cannot forget this events else they’ll be repeated.