Equal rights advocacy by unicycle? Straight ally, ordained minister, and Washington state resident Lars Clausen pedaled 1,000 miles over five weeks, from Vermont to Washington D.C., talking with a variety of people about their feelings towards LGBT people and their rights. Seattle director Jenny Ting (whose NOT STRAIGHT FORWARD played 2004 SLGFF) captured Clausen’s journey in this unique and moving road movie. Clausen’s passion for the power of stories to change our world is apparent as he speaks with everyday people, interviews heads of churches and non-profit organizations, and even comes face to face with Jerry Falwell. Just as the vulnerability of a unicyclist on the open road elicits hospitality and kindness, he hopes to advance equal rights by making it safe for LGBT people to be themselves. Peppered with stats on each state’s significant LGBT-related laws and protections (or lack thereof), the film shows the philosophy of “the personal is political” in action.

STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA; Jennifer Ting, director; 2006; US; 58 minutes; video