Tongues Untied is a documentary film that explores the experiences and voices of gay Black men in America. Created by filmmaker Marlon Riggs, the film is a personal exploration of Riggs' own struggles as a Black gay man and features poetry by his close friend, Essex Hemphill.
The film intercuts interviews with gay Black men, footage of social gatherings and dance performances, and humorous sketches to explore themes of identity, community, and the struggles faced by gay Black men in America. Riggs and Hemphill's poetry is woven throughout the film, providing a deeply personal and emotional narrative.
Tongues Untied is a groundbreaking film in terms of its exploration and celebration of Black gay identity, and its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by Black gay men in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film quickly became a seminal work in the LGBTQ community and was widely praised for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking.
Despite praise from the LGBTQ community, Tongues Untied also faced significant backlash from conservative groups who deemed the film "immoral" and attempted to have it banned from public view. Despite this adversity, the film has continued to be celebrated for its honesty, artistry, and powerful depiction of the experiences of Black gay men.