![]() In 1988, the AIDS crisis was at its worst and the LGBTQ community was being vilified by religious and political leaders. Arnold, and Fierstein, were what gay audiences had been waiting for. Arnold accepted who he was with a matter-of-fact pride and demanded the same of everyone else. Moviegoers of that era had never before seen a character like Arnold Beckoff, who didn’t care who knew that he was gay or that he made his living dressing in drag and performing in clubs. Viewers watching Torch Song Trilogy today might not understand how ahead of its time the film was upon its initial release in 1988. In the film’s most powerful scene, Arnold tells his mother that he loves her, but he also informs her that if she doesn’t accept his life choices, he will cut her out of his life. Mom has never accepted Arnold’s homosexuality, or his career as a drag queen, and the two have a long-overdue confrontation. Arnold’s mother (Anne Bancroft) visits from Florida. In the final section, Arnold has adopted David (Eddie Castrodad), a gay teenager. Then tragedy strikes Alan is killed in a brutal gay-bashing. ![]() ![]() Their relationship survives, and they make plans to adopt a child together. They move in together, but their relationship is tested when Ed and his girlfriend come into their lives. In the film’s second section, Arnold meets Alan (Matthew Broderick), a handsome model. ![]()
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