Freeheld

USA 2007 / 38min.
Director Cynthia Wade

Lieutenant Laurel Hester and her life-partner Stacie

Lieutenant Laurel Hester spent twenty five years of her life fighting for justice and serving the people of Ocean County. Forced to leave her job after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, all she wants to do is leave her pension benefits to her life partner. So what is the problem?

Well, her life partner is a woman and in Ocean County, New Jersey, the elected country officials only recognize heterosexual partnerships and refused to recognize the legitimacy of her relationship with Stacie. In 2005, with less than six months to live, Laurel refuses to back down and launches a final battle for justice to provide for the love of her life and ensure that Stacie can keep the family home. The case spurs national media frenzy and a passionate advocacy campaign.

Acclaimed director Wade masterfully weaves together a nail-biting, gripping and tender documentary about one courageous woman’s titanic struggle and one loving couple on the verge of losing each other. As Laurel’s plight worsens, you can literally feel the minutes tick away.

By simply presenting the facts without hype or spin, Wade presents perhaps the single best, most coherent argument for gay rights in years but it is more than a gay rights film. It is a journey that few of us will forget or want to forget, filled with courage and hope for everyone who believes in equality and the power of love.

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