Library Journal Review

Filmmaker Seckinger returned to her hometown of Laramie, WY, to document how its residents were affected by the murder of gay student Matthew Shepard. Seckinger, a closeted lesbian in high school, found a thriving, visible gay community that includes "out" GLBT persons, both young and old. Shepard's murder forced residents to examine their own attitudes toward gays. The result was an acceptance-or, at least, a tolerance-of gay citizens that was not present before. Jarringly out of place are hate-filled, antigay demonstrations by Topeka, KS, minister the Rev. Fred Phelps, at the trial of the murderers. A more accurate reflection of the spirit of the town is displayed by a group of quietly demonstrating local young adults wearing angel costumes. This beautifully structured and tightly edited release is an excellent purchase for college, university, and school libraries as well as large public libraries.-Charles Timberlake, Northeast Lib., Bakersfield, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.