Documentary
United States of America
A Secret Love is a 2020 documentary film directed by Chris Bolan. The film follows the lives of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, two women who fell in love in 1947 and kept their relationship secret for over six decades.
Donahue was a professional baseball player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which inspired the movie A League of Their Own. Henschel was a talented artist who put her own aspirations on hold to support Donahue's baseball career. The couple lived together in Chicago for many years, telling their families and friends that they were simply good friends.
As they approached their 90s, Donahue and Henschel made the decision to come out to their families and the world. The documentary chronicles their journey as they navigate the challenges of aging and being LGBTQ+ in a society that has only recently begun to accept and celebrate such identities.
A Secret Love is a moving tribute to a couple who defied societal norms and lived a life of love and commitment. The film offers a poignant reflection on the enduring power of love and the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.
