Before You Know It

Are the most terrifying words in the gay universe “Everyone gets old?” PJ Raval's wonderful documentary BEFORE YOU KNOW IT offers a heart-warming and heart-tugging look at the aging challenges unique to the gay community. Meet our three gay elder statesmen. First is Dennis, ex-military, wife deceased, family estranged. Dennis is just now, in his 70s, coming out as a cross-dresser publicly. At the Rainbow Vista Retirement Community, he finds acceptance and the courage to be himself. Next is Ty, an African-American living in Harlem who is setting up the very first gay booth at a Harlem street fair. Ty celebrates New York's gay marriage legislation by helping a friend marry his longtime partner. Finally there is Robert, owner of a drag bar in New Orleans. Robert is a legend and still struts the stage at his club. With courage, humor, and a lifetime of accrued attitude, these men offer us all a lesson in how to stare Father Time right in his ugly mug and still be fabulous doing it. Grey is beautiful. —C.R.