Free streaming for ‘Gen Silent’ film

Production still from ‘Gen Silent.’ (Photo courtesy of MAD STU Media, LLC)

The producers of the critically acclaimed 2011 documentary “Gen Silent,” are offering the film to be viewed via free online streaming through Jan. 1. The film focuses on the aging LGBT community and how so many die prior to their straight counterparts because they feel isolated and do not ask for help.

Many of those who are living fought the first battles for LGBT rights and now face fear of discrimination, bullying and abuse in the health and nursing care system, forcing many to return to the closet rather than confront their health care choices. Filmmaker Stu Maddux followed the lives of six LGBT elders living in Boston for a year to tell their story.

The title of the film is a reference to the generations of older LGBT people who remain in the closet or re-enter the closet out of concern for their safety or quality of life. As a result of the documentary, the term “Gen Silent” has increased in use as a way to refer to this group.

Recent screenings included Fortune 500 companies, the world’s leading colleges and universities, LGBT advocacy groups as well as government agencies and healthcare organizations,

“Gen Silent is highly recommended,” said June Horner, a PFLAG mom in Carroll County. “Take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to watch an important one-hour film in its entirety.”

Visit stumaddux.com/FILMS.html to view “Gen Silent.”