The documentary ‘Reclaim the Flag’ is set to examine the complex relationship between LGBTQ individuals and the American flag, featuring diverse perspectives from celebrities such as Lena Waithe, Mel Ottenberg, and others. The trailer, released on Tuesday, highlights varying reactions to the flag, ranging from hope to cynicism as it explores whether the flag can be reclaimed and its potential significance for the LGBTQ community.
In the trailer, Lena Waithe, an actress and writer, responded to the question of what the American flag symbolizes by stating, “Depending on how the United States feels about you will depend on how you feel about the flag.” This sentiment reflects the broader theme of the documentary, which seeks to address the evolving meaning of the flag for LGBTQ individuals. Other participants in the documentary offered more critical views, with one expressing that the flag represented “trauma” and that they “were not welcome here.”
The documentary’s plot description indicates that the American flag has begun to symbolize fear for citizens whose rights are in an “uncertain flux.” It aims to explore whether the flag can be reclaimed and how LGBTQ individuals can take part in this process. Despite some concerns that their community is under attack by people who wield the American flag, other subjects were more optimistic about what the flag could mean to the LGBTQ community. Mel Ottenberg, the editor-in-chief of Interview magazine, expressed pride in the flag, stating, “The American flag is not their flag. We should be proud of the American flag. We’re Americans.”
The documentary will feature approximately 50 LGBTQ community members, ranging from content creators and writers to political figures such as former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. It is set to premiere on the documentary’s YouTube channel on July 17. Alexis Bittar, who helped produce the short, emphasized the significance of the documentary in helping shape a path for LGBTQ people to reclaim the flag again. She stated, “Over the past decade, the American flag has increasingly become a symbol of division. I wanted to make a documentary about reclaiming it for all Americans — by bringing together 50 leaders from the LGBTQ+ community to share their reflections and hopes.”
The varying perspectives presented in ‘Reclaim the Flag’ underscore the deepening divide between different groups within the LGBTQ community and their interpretations of the American flag. Some see the flag as a powerful symbol of pride and identity, while others view it as a source of fear and oppression. The documentary offers a platform for these diverse voices to engage in a critical discussion about the future of the American flag and its role in the lives of LGBTQ individuals.