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# Reclaim the Flag? LGBTQ+ leaders and luminaries share divided views on the American flag in new documentary
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/reclaim-the-flag-lgbtq-leaders-and-luminaries-share-divided-views-on-the-american-flag-in-new-documentary/
- Published: 2025-07-22T13:52:44.000Z
- Updated: 2025-07-22T13:52:44.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: North America, News

A new short documentary, ***Reclaim the Flag***, has ignited conversation as LGBTQ+ leaders and luminaries offer candid, and at times conflicting, reflections on the symbolism of the American flag.

The 30-minute film, which premiered on YouTube on 17 July, features over 50 voices from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum - including actors, designers, journalists, and political figures - who explore what the Stars and Stripes mean in a time of cultural division and political uncertainty.

Actress and writer **Lena Waithe** sets the tone early in the film: “Depending on how the United States feels about you will depend on how you feel about the flag.”

**Matt Bernstein**, a content creator known for his political commentary, adds a more sardonic take: “If I’m on Grindr and I see an American flag emoji in somebody’s bio, I think that is a Republican.”

Others express a sense of alienation. One unnamed participant describes the flag as a symbol of “trauma,” while another says plainly, “I don’t feel welcome here.”

Yet not all voices are critical. **Mel Ottenberg**, editor-in-chief of *Interview* magazine, offers a more hopeful perspective: “The American flag is not their flag. We should be proud of the American flag. We're Americans.”

The documentary also features high-profile figures such as **Jim Parsons**, **George Takei**, **Gottmik**, **Gigi Goode**, **Cheyenne Jackson**, **Brandon Flynn**, **Marc Jacobs**, and **Karine Jean-Pierre**. Each brings a unique lens to the discussion, shaped by personal experience and public life.

Fashion designer **Isaac Mizrahi** and journalist **Jonathan Capehart** reflect on the flag’s evolving meaning, while activist **Raquel Willis** and writer **Harper Steele** speak to the tension between patriotism and marginalisation.

Producer **Alexis Bittar**, who created the film alongside Oscar-winner Bruce Cohen, explains the motivation behind the project: “Over the past decade, the American flag has increasingly become a symbol of division. 

"I wanted to make a documentary about reclaiming it for all Americans - by bringing together 50 leaders from the LGBTQ+ community to share their reflections and hopes”.