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The State of Marriage

The State of Marriage

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

2015

Not Rated

Director

Jeffrey Kaufman

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary showcases the active resistance of underrepresented groups, particularly focusing on the legal pioneers who fought against systemic barriers. It moves beyond simple inclusion to highlight the efforts of those challenging traditional expectations. While the film excels in portraying LGBTQ+ and female leadership, it narrows its focus on a specific group of legal professionals, limiting the diversity of perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does The State of Marriage have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the lived experiences and legal victories of LGBTQ+ individuals, providing them with significant roles in driving the story of the twenty-year struggle for marriage equality.

How does The State of Marriage portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles by centering a female-led legal movement. Characters like Bonauto, Robinson, and Murray are shown as the main intellectual drivers of this historic change.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The State of Marriage?

Fair

The inclusion of Rep. John Lewis provides a connection to racial justice, but the core legal narrative remains centered on a specific group of legal professionals.

How does The State of Marriage represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary presents legal systems as places where traditional structures are disrupted. It highlights the deconstruction of traditional marriage definitions as necessary for social justice.

Does The State of Marriage include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Highlights the significant roles of LGBTQ+ individuals in achieving legal victories.
  • Challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing female-led intellectual and strategic leadership.
  • Connects the fight for marriage equality to broader civil rights struggles.

Limited or Absent

  • Expands the racial diversity within the primary plot arc to include a wider range of perspectives.

Official Synopsis

The untold story of how legal pioneer Mary Bonauto partnered with small town Vermont lawyers Beth Robinson and Susan Murray in a 2-decade long struggle that built the foundation for the entire marriage equality movement. Despite fierce opposition, Vermont became the first state to grant same sex couples legal recognition through a groundbreaking 1999 State Supreme Court decision, and the first to legalize marriage equality by legislative vote in 2009. HRC's Marty Rouse said, "They really changed the course of American history." Featuring Freedom to Marry founder Evan Wolfson, civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis, and Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally.

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