What was it like to be an openly gay, black woman in the 20th century? This documentary shares a slice of life via the extraordinary Ruth Ellis. In 1919, Ellis was 20 years old and newly out. She ran her own print shop and retired at age 65, she then joined the newly emerging civil rights movement and became a key figure in the Detroit women’s movement. Ellis shares her 100-year story with honesty and humor.

Living With Pride: Ruth Ellis @ 100
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Movie Description
In this charming documentary, Ruth Ellis, a 100-year-old African American lesbian, recounts her life. As a lesbian academic interviewed in the documentary puts it, "Ruth is a gift to us" as she is able to tell what it was like to suffer "triple oppression, being a woman, being black, and being a lesbian." Ellis tells about discovering her sexuality some 80 years ago, and when discussing her romantic involvements (which included one relationship lasting 35 years), she is utterly honest. At one point she is even asked about the last time she had sex, and she replies it was when she was 95, adding with a laugh, "that was a one-night stand." A businesswoman, Ellis lived openly as a lesbian and often played host for an active social circle of gays and lesbians in Detroit at a time when mainstream America scarcely acknowledged the existence of the community. The film is illustrated with vintage photographs of Ellis, her family, lovers, and friends, and footage shot in the present day shows her at dance class, having fun at her favorite bowling alley, and shooting pool with friends. This is an engaging look at a special character, a woman who was always true to herself. --Robert J. McNamara
Video Clips
GLBT History Month 2009 - Ruth Ellis
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