New Film on Homophobia in the Black Church Makes NYC Debut

'The New Black' may be coming to a theater near you.

By Jamilah King Jun 20, 2013

When voters in Maryland narrowly upheld the state’s law allowing same-sex marriage last November, the move was considered a historic win for the country’s gay rights movement. But the journey toward that victory wasn’t easy. In her new film "The New Black", filmmaker Yoruba Richen details the hard-fought battle as it played out in Maryland’s black communities. At the heart of the film is the tension within black faith communities over same-sex marriage and gay rights, and the often fraught saying that gay rights are the new civil rights issue of our time — a comparison that rankles many civil rights veterans in the black community.

The film made its debut at IFC Center in Manhattan’s West Village and was followed by a lively Q&A with the film’s leading characters. More than 100 people packed the small theater. To see if there’s a screening near you, check out the film’s website.