Put This on the Map is a documentary featuring 26 different LGBTQ youth living in East King County. In the film the youth speak about what it means to be LGBTQ and discuss both gender expression and sexual orientation. One of the things I enjoyed most about the film was that youth from across the LGBTQ spectrum were included. We get to hear from youth that identify as trans, gender queer, bisexual, lesbian and gay. They talk about their experiences with bullying, their families, coming out, school, friends, their relationships, and their hopes for the future.
The film offers good basic information but is a little too after school special-esque. It doesn’t really delve into any specific topic as the experiences of so many youth are touched on.
I think if the film would have had more of a focus it would have been more interesting. I also think it would have been better if there were less people interviewed and we could have had a more in depth view of the lives of just a few youth. And while it was interesting to hear their stories, I think that for a teenager who is relating to these youth it would have been nice if some information were given about resources for queer youth.
I think it could have used some editing to perk up some boring areas. The word graphics in the movie could have also been done better and seemed a bit elementary. My other complaint is that I was never really sure why the title was “Put This on the Map.” I’m still not quite sure what they were trying to put on the map. All in all, I thought it was decent and it kept my interest for its 34 minute duration but was not one of the most dynamic films.
Trailer:
PUT THIS ON THE {MAP} trailer from PUT THIS ON THE MAP on Vimeo.
