Executive Produced by Kevin Smith, this groundbreaking documentary centers on the struggle for community and expression in the face of ignorance, hypocrisy and oppression for the denizens of two small town Mississippi gay bars. Directed by Malcolm Ingram.

After the screening: An extended panel conversation moderated by Peaches Christ with Director Malcolm Ingram.

Small Town Gay Bar is a tribute to the resiliency of gays living in rural areas throughout America. A moving portrait of men and women fighting to create and maintain community for themselves in the face of great opposition, hypocrisy and prejudice in a largely ignored subculture of discreet backdoor entrances and hushed sexual expression in small town Mississippi.

Deep in the heart of the Bible Belt, attacked on all sides by the Christian Coalition, several spirited bar owners have created an oasis for gays to call home. Rumors in Shannon, Mississippi (population 1,657) and Different Seasons in Meridien, Mississippi (population 39,968) have both survived decades of torment and persecution from authorities and citizens.

“If there wasn’t a gay bar, there would be no community.”

Despite overwhelming odds against their survival, the rural gay community has become even more empowered from hatred following devastating attacks including vandalism, organized protests and the recent brutal murder of 18 year-old Scotty Weaver who was tortured and mutilated in a neighboring state by three assailants, simply because of his sexual orientation.

“Politics are against us. Society is against us. All we have is each other.”

The characters that populate these low profile bars are a colorful and loving bunch, grateful to have a place where they can be themselves. Jim Bishop (aka Alicia Stone) is the glamorous show director at Rumors by night and a veterinarian receptionist by day. His partner Geoff is the DJ at the club. Lori and her lover Ruby purchased the dilapidated and abandoned Crossroads Bar and converted it into the popular bar Different Seasons. Their dedication and creative spirit have helped the club survive as the only gay destination for the local population.

“I realized I wasn’t the only one in the world.”

The fight for equal rights is far from over, but at these small town gay bars, a “family” has been created for a hardy group of strangers who have quickly become life long friends. While urban life has made strong advances in the hard fought journey from the underground to primetime, these small pockets of community throughout America continue to struggle for basic rights of life and love.