If this documentary was about a heterosexual couple I might be complaining it was predictable, sugary and unremarkable, a potential film to be shown on the Lifetime channel.
But it's not: The couple are two lesbians in their 50s - and that itself is what makes this film remarkable.
The movie's title captures it perfectly - it is indeed a story of love in the face of hate.
The hate because of their sexual orientation goes unspoken at first as the two women tell of how they grew up, how they met and of their relationship together.
I don't think anyone watching this documentary can deny Barbara and Tibby's love for each other. So why must they be discriminated against? When you realize how frank the couple are about their lives, their problems, the problems and prejudice they face - your mind reels.
You don't know whether to applaud their honesty and openness in this close-minded world or to be afraid on their behalf of the repercussions and danger of what they have done.
And just what is it that they have done? They did what two adults are supposed to do - they found a partner and love that partner, grew old together and now worry about what will happen when one day that partner dies.
But because they are lesbians, they are discriminated against.
And while there are a variety of anti-gay laws that have been passed, the one passed in their home state of Virginia is worse than most. Under a law passed in that state, they would be denied rights because of their sexual orientation.
So they moved to Maryland.
As a Maryland resident I react to this movie and news with three thoughts:
1) Any case about the stupidity of anti-gay, anti-same sex marriage legislation should have this as exhibit A.
2) Virginia's loss is Maryland's gain
and 3) If you are undecided about whether same sex couples should have the rights of heterosexuals, if you have trouble grappling with that question as an abstract notion, then go see this movie.
You will be glad you did.
For information about the movie, or to order it (since it is not available on Amazon), this website can help.
Oh, and Barbara and Tibby, welcome to Maryland and thanks for sharing your story. Theirs is not a story just of gay rights, but of human rights.
This film puts a face on the issue of civil rights and that's an important development that should be applauded.
ed: JH
Article comments
1 - NancyGail
Why is it worse (the law) being in Virginia?
2 - Scott Butki
It just is. The state law in Virginia is more restrictive about same sex couples having limited if any rights than laws targeting same sex couples passed by other state government.
3 - Scott Butki
The couple are the cover story in the Washington Post magazine today.
I knew this story had legs but wow.
Here is the story
4 - Scott Butki
Has anyone else seen this movie? It's very powerful.
5 - Scott Butki
An update: Now Maryland's legislature is considering legislation similar to Virginia's - banning same sex marriages - while Virginia is taking the matter to the voters via a referendum.
These are dark days for those supporting gay rights.
6 - Steve S
Scott, I'll have to keep you posted, but some same sex families and I are currently tracking and trying to write an article about the flight of gay families in this country.
More than a few gay families have had to pack up their children, their careers and all that they've known and flee states for the protection of their families. Not necessarily physical protection, but you know what I mean.
Many gay families are moving as these two lesbians did, moving to blue states. As someone living in a blue state, I feel that I live in a red country so it's not much better on the psyche and I'm trying to move to a more tolerant, democratic country, one more interested in equality and justice for all.
It is a sad time indeed for this country, for so many families to face legislative persecution like we do. Too many children are being harmed, too many faithful, committed partners are being harmed, it's just too tragic.
7 - Scott Butki
It's a pretty disturbing trend, I agree.