GAYS AGAINST GUNS

AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER + SPECIAL JURY MENTION - DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Gays Against Guns takes us to the front lines of the American gun violence epidemic, seen through the eyes of an Irish immigrant, who left Ireland when it was illegal to be gay in search of the ‘Gay American Dream’. But political sands shifted and this dream quickly unraveled. The Pulse nightclub massacre changed everything. With 49 people murdered, it was the worst mass shooting in the U.S. at that time. It was also the catalyst for the formation of an extraordinary new activist group - Gays Against Guns - who have been fighting for gun reform ever since.

We follow our narrator, the filmmaker, from neon splashed street protests into the corridors of power, as he documents GAG’s actions over a ten year period, from that fateful night in Orlando, through the chaos of today’s unhinged, divided America. The film blends the narrator’s personal reflections with fearless, outrageous, often hilarious political theatrics. GAG adopts the tactics of civil disobedience and direct action, forged during the AIDS crisis and fight for Marriage Equality, to give gun toters and puppet politicians a serious run for their money.

Between all the action - wildly colourful protests and glittering drag - we hear survivors’ stories. Kit, who lost her beloved daughter Bailey, a Black transgender teen, to gun violence. Antonius, an Asian American artist who channels the trauma of his shooting into fierce activism. The film takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, combining deeply moving scenes with moments of levity. Legendary filmmaker John Waters even chimes in with his notoriously sharp wit.

An inspiring David and Goliath story for our turbulent times, the film is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of caring for a perfect stranger.

Produced with support from Screen Ireland.