Watch No Secret Anymore

No Secret Anymore is a powerful and inspiring documentary about the life and legacy of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, two women who played a critical role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in the United States. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with scholars and activists, and personal testimony from Martin and Lyon themselves, the film celebrates their decades-long partnership and highlights their many achievements in the fight for equality.

The film is structured around the life story of Martin and Lyon, starting with their early years as young women in California in the 1940s and 1950s. At this time, homosexuality was illegal in most states, and there was little public support or understanding for LGBTQ+ people. Martin and Lyon met in 1950 and quickly fell in love, but they lived in secrecy for many years, afraid of the consequences if their relationship was ever discovered.

Despite the challenges they faced, Martin and Lyon continued to build their lives and their activism together. In the 1960s, they became active in the Daughters of Bilitis, one of the first lesbian organizations in the country. They also helped to launch The Ladder, a groundbreaking magazine for lesbians, which provided a space for women to share their stories and form connections with each other.

As the LGBTQ+ movement began to gain momentum in the 1970s, Martin and Lyon became increasingly involved in political activism. They were instrumental in the fight against Proposition 6, a ballot initiative in California that would have banned gay and lesbian teachers from working in public schools. Despite facing intense opposition and hostility, Martin and Lyon and their fellow activists succeeded in defeating the initiative, sending a clear message that discrimination based on sexual orientation would not be tolerated.

Throughout it all, Martin and Lyon remained committed to each other, and their enduring love and partnership is a central theme of the film. They were finally able to legally marry in 2008, after more than 50 years together, and their relationship serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of queer love.

No Secret Anymore is a beautifully crafted film that does justice to the incredible legacy of Martin and Lyon. It features interviews with a range of scholars and activists who provide context and insight into the historical and cultural significance of their work. These include Virginia Apuzzo, a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and friend of Martin and Lyon, and Charlotte Bunch, a feminist scholar and activist who worked with Martin and Lyon on numerous projects.

But the heart of the film is the personal testimony of Martin and Lyon themselves. The two women are both charismatic and engaging storytellers, and their reflections on their lives and their activism are moving and insightful. Watching them reflect on their youth, their struggles, and their victories is a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and equality, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Overall, No Secret Anymore is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, civil rights, or social justice more broadly. It is a testament to the power of love, courage, and community, and a tribute to two remarkable women who changed the world through their tireless activism and their enduring love for each other.

No Secret Anymore is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.