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Thank God I'm A Lesbian is both the vigorous affirmation of lesbian sexuality that its title promises, and a remarkably honest and entertaining examination of the diversity of lesbian identity.
Pacy and intelligent, this mix of interviews, contemporary and archival footage (which won best Documentary at Films des Femmes, Creteil, France) allows traditionally marginalised women to speak from their own experience on a minefield of topics. From various ethnic, cultural and class backgrounds, these women - writers, academics, musicians etc. including Chris Bearchell, Dionne Brand, Nicole Brossard, Sarah Schulman, LaVerne Monette, Lee Pui Ning - independently pronounce on subjects such as fidelity, the legitimacy of bisexuality, the butch/femme dynamic, outing, body modification, S & M and in greater depth, lesbianism's link to the women's movement. The wealth of shared, overlapping and often wholly opposing views, makes for illuminating and engaging viewing. The film is a testament to an alternative vision of self and community that too often is misconstrued as a single identity.