In the early 1980s, when the quest for a supportive community was an arduous journey, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals in socially conservative rural pockets, a remarkable narrative of camaraderie emerged. Nestled within Roanoke, Virginia, a circle of lesbians initiated a transformative movement. Initially, a modest gathering of strangers in private homes, this initiative burgeoned into profound friendships, indelible gatherings, and a legacy that resonates with a new generation of queer women.
The documentary “The Unlikely Story of the Lesbians of First Friday,” helmed by filmmaker Kathryn L Beranich, known for works like “After the 2nd Date” and the “Lesbian Centennial Project,” is a captivating portrayal of the journey. Beranich, a member of First Fridays, embarked on a nationwide odyssey to capture her compatriots’ narratives, chronicling their experiences within the group and the profound kinship cultivated during its decade-long tenure. Through a tapestry of interviews, archival footage, and event snapshots, the documentary grants viewers a poignant glimpse into a bygone era that profoundly touched the lives of countless queer women within the community.
Operational without a designated leader, First Fridays orchestrated grand events and retreats, inviting iconic lesbian artists such as Tret Fure, Cris Williamson, and Kate Clinton to grace their gatherings. Although the group’s influence gradually waned in the early 1990s, the reasons behind its dissolution remain multifaceted. Some attribute it to the relocation of active members, shifting tides of LGBTQ+ acceptance, and even the aspiration for sobriety.
“First Friday” initially debuted in the film festival circuit in 2020. However, the contagion shadow cast by the COVID-19 pandemic impeded traditional in-person screenings, hindering the documentary’s potential to generate the buzz it rightfully deserves. Despite this setback, Beranich and the First Fridays collective embarked on a nationwide tour, personally presenting the film to audiences across the country. The live screenings, like the one witnessed by News is Out at Portland’s Doc Marie’s, were accompanied by insightful Q&A sessions led by Beranich and other First Friday members. Beranich underscored the significance of this interactive audience experience, a platform to share the group’s narrative.
Beranich reflected, “Taking the documentary on this journey has been an extraordinary experience. Individuals who were part of the LGBTQ+ landscape in the 80s have been profoundly moved by the documentary, recounting their own tales of community. Simultaneously, young queer individuals, previously unaware of the historical backdrop, have drawn inspiration from our story, prompting them to initiate similar groups. Equally intriguing are the responses from heterosexual individuals, for whom our existence was a revelation, hidden lives lived fully, albeit behind closed doors.”
While “First Friday” primarily focuses on a specific cohort of women in Roanoke, Beranich contends that the tale is not unique solely to this locale. She emphasized, “It mirrors the emergence of similar collectives across the nation, providing a haven and affirmation beyond the confines of bars. It’s an honor to share this fragment of lesbian history.”
The documentary is poised to be a bridge across generations, connecting the struggles and triumphs of an earlier era with the aspirations of today’s LGBTQ+ youth. As “The Unlikely Story of the Lesbians of First Friday” continues to resonate, it embodies the resilient spirit that has come to define the LGBTQ+ community’s legacy.