SYNOPSIS

“Many gay Middle Easterners have extremely close relationships with their parents,” said Barbosa. “Even if some of the subjects in the film were born and raised in the US, their cultural identity as Arabs or Persians is stronger than words could describe. Their journey in coming out involves many aspects of this cultural identity and the way they emerged from each of their personal journey is nothing but admirable, inspiring and magical.”

Even when the love of the parents is not in question, most families do not realize how damaging it is for their children to be forced into silence about their homosexuality. As stated by one of the interviewees, this pressure can drive youth to drugs, alcohol or even suicide. I Exist attempts to break this silence by showing examples of people overcoming cultural barriers.

The true heart and soul of I Exist is based on the personal stories of transformation. Bita, a lesbian living in San Francisco, brings the audience to tears describing her mother's transition. Marola, an Arab mother of a gay man, shares her powerful story of transformation, growth and love, and her words and tears are of magical inspiration. The essence of the personal stories is powerful and it touches the basic foundation of love that underlies any culture.