Independent Lens Season 14 Episode 2 Love Free or Die

The Independent Lens season 14 episode 2, titled Love Free or Die, presents a touching and inspiring story of Bishop Gene Robinson, an openly gay man who is elected as the first gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. The episode revolves around the challenges and triumphs of Bishop Robinson's journey as a religious leader striving to reconcile his faith and identity in the face of fierce opposition and discrimination.

The episode begins with Bishop Robinson reflecting on his childhood and his early years as a religious leader. He shares the story of how he came to realize his sexual orientation and how he struggled to reconcile it with his faith. Despite facing objections and challenges from the church hierarchy and the conservative congregations, Bishop Robinson remains steadfast in his belief that God accepts and loves everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.

As the episode progresses, Bishop Robinson's journey takes him from the small town of Manchester, New Hampshire, where he served as a bishop for 28 years, to the national stage, where he becomes a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. He shares his experiences of attending various church conferences and meetings, where he faced protests, death threats, and even physical assault.

Despite the obstacles, Bishop Robinson remains committed to his cause, using his position as a bishop to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within and outside the church. He becomes a vocal supporter of the Civil Union Bill, which aimed to provide legal recognition and protections for same-sex couples, and works closely with activists and lawmakers to drive the agenda forward.

In one of the most memorable scenes of the episode, Bishop Robinson presides over the wedding of two gay men, the first such ceremony to take place in the Episcopal Church. The scene captures the joy and emotion of the newlyweds and the attendees, as well as the significance of the moment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Throughout the episode, Bishop Robinson's personal life is also explored, including his relationship with his partner, Mark, whom he met in 1986 and married in 2008. The couple's love and devotion to each other are a testament to the power of love, despite the challenges they faced as a queer couple in the religious community.

The episode ends with Bishop Robinson's retirement from the Episcopal Church in 2013, and his reflection on the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. He acknowledges that while there is still a long way to go, he is grateful for the strides that have been made.

In summary, Love Free or Die is a powerful and moving episode that celebrates the resilience, courage, and faith of a trailblazing religious leader. It shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of love and inclusion.