About Outliers and Outlaws: A Story of Lesbian World Builders in Oregon
Outliers and Outlaws uncovers the vibrant history of lesbian world-builders who forged an alternative community in Eugene, Oregon that ultimately transformed mainstream culture, regional politics, and LGBTQ+ history. Through intimate, candid portraits, the film shares stories of resilience, creativity, and social change - capturing lesbian lives, both past and present, with hope and humor.
Narrated by queercore musician Jody Bleyle (Team Dresch, Hazel), Outliers and Outlaws showcases a rich archive of images documenting this visionary community. Featured songs include "Song of the Soul" by Cris Williamson, "Ode to a Gym Teacher" by Meg Christian, and a little-known tribute, "Eugene, Oregon" by Dolly Parton.
As Oregon-based artist Tee Corinne noted, "The lack of a publicly accessible history is a devastating form of oppression; lesbians face it constantly." This film works to address the erasure of LGBTQ history, fostering intergenerational conversations about marginalized identities and cultural heritage. It offers visibility for LGBTQ elders who often feel isolated and unseen, as well as for younger generations unaware of their community's rich history beyond tragic narratives.
Director and cinematographer Courtney Hermann (she/they) is a documentary filmmaker with decades of experience making short and feature-length documentary films. They are co-author of Directing the Documentary and associate professor of film at Portland State University. Hermann's feature documentaries include Standing Silent Nation, Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival, Crying Earth Rise Up, and Outliers and Outlaws. Their short films include There's Heart Here and Burton Before and After. Hermann co-created The Eugene Lesbian History Project's interactive exhibit, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the lesbian community in Eugene, Oregon from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
