Out At Work

Running time: N/A

Back East, the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain decided that their ''obviously'' gay employees were ''failing to comply with normal heterosexual values'' and fired them. With no laws to protect gays and lesbians in the workplace, many businesses can, and do, the very same thing everyday. Out at Work shows the growing struggle amongst those who are out in both friendly and dangerously unfriendly work environments. Cheryl Summerville, a cook at an Atlanta Cracker Barrel, decides to educate the public and protests outside the restaurants. In Detroit, Ron Woods, an auto worker joins the protest and finding his picture on the front page of The Detroit News and Free Press, becomes a target amongst his fellow employees. All the while in New York City, Nat Keitt desperately tries to get health benefits for his partner of 12 years. While his work environment is supportive and friendly, there still exists the ''separate but equal'' mentality. This enthralling documentary follows these three individuals over four years of struggles watching them overcome obstacles in search of their primary goal: respect and equality at work. The results are not always what the audience would wish, but they will leave with an intense understanding of what is still needed in this country to advance rights for all individuals. --Chris Lion