Lena Waithe at The Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala held at Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall on May 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images)
Lena Waithe and Brandon Flynn are among the prominent figures featured in the upcoming documentary “Reclaim the Flag”, a 30-minute film exploring the American flag’s potential as a unifying symbol for all Americans, particularly within the LGBTQ community. Directed by designer Alexis Bittar and produced by Oscar-winner Bruce Cohen, the film is set to premiere on July 17.
The trailer, released Tuesday, opens with a poignant question:
“What does the American flag symbolize to you?”
Waithe responds,
“Depending on how the United States feels about you, will depend on how you feel about the flag.”
This sentiment is echoed by songwriter and producer Justin Tranter, who muses,
“She’s messy, she’s scary, she’s beautiful.”
Exploring Symbolism and Identity
The documentary features interviews with a diverse array of voices from Hollywood, politics, media, and fashion, including Gus Kenworthy, Jonathan Capehart, Marc Jacobs, Bill T. Jones, Jim Parsons, George Takei, Gottmik, Gigi Goode, Cheyenne Jackson, Harper Steele, Isaac Mizrahi, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Tazewell, Raquel Willis, Josh Wood, Jenna Lyons, and Justin Tranter. Each participant offers a unique perspective on the flag’s symbolism and the broader cultural implications.
Brandon Flynn expresses concern over the
“erasure of a lot of queer progress [happening] right before our eyes.”
Meanwhile, Harper Steele, known for her role in “Will & Harper,” voices a feeling of vulnerability, stating,
“I feel like we’re under attack right now.”
A Historical and Cultural Context
The American flag has long been a powerful symbol, representing both unity and division throughout the nation’s history. In recent years, its image has been co-opted by various political movements, often sparking debate over its meaning and representation. “Reclaim the Flag” seeks to address these issues by providing a platform for marginalized voices.
Director Alexis Bittar explains,
“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 Power of Storytelling and Activism
Producer Bruce Cohen highlights the film’s potential impact, stating,
“We’re deeply grateful to the extraordinary group of artists and activists who took part in this film. The ideas they brought to light — both visionary and practical, provocative and heartfelt — have the power to spark real conversations and, hopefully, help us begin healing as a community and country.”
Executive producers Jason Weinberg and Mickalene Thomas, along with co-producers Arianne Phillips, Frank Godchaux, and Steve Madden, have collaborated to bring this project to fruition. Their collective efforts aim to inspire dialogue and action, encouraging viewers to reconsider the flag’s role in contemporary society.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
The film will debut on the “Reclaim the Flag” YouTube channel on July 17 at 12 p.m. ET, inviting audiences to engage with its message and participate in the ongoing conversation about identity, patriotism, and inclusivity.
As the documentary makes its way to the public, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and change. By amplifying the voices of those often marginalized, “Reclaim the Flag” challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and the potential for a more inclusive future.
