Directed by Michelle Handelman
Featuring: Tala Brandeis, Patrick Califia, J.C. Collins, Queen Cougar
MPAA Rating: Unrated 
Runtime: 70 minutes
Original release: 1995
Rerelease on disc and digital from Kino Lorber June 29

by Victoria Potenza, Staff Writer

With Pride Month well underway, I wanted to make sure I explored different films and books by LGBTQ creators. Luckily, Kino Lorber is rereleasing the 1995 documentary BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes and Sadomasochism. The documentary takes viewers into the lives of the leather lesbian and S&M community of San Francisco. It is a fascinating story considering the community was ostricized for being gay, but were also attacked due to the misconceptions about their lifestyle. This pushed them further on the fringes of society. This is a timely film considering that there still seems to be many misconceptions about the BDSM community in general as well as the lesbian community that engaged in these activities. Much of what the women say in the documentary still feels incredibly relevant today. 

Knowing very little about this community myself, it was interesting to dive into this bit of history and learn more about what life is like for these women and how they deal with the harmful public views about their lifestyle. I will say that viewers should be prepared if they are uncomfortable watching certain acts involving pins, needles, and other forms of play because the film does show these acts throughout the film. That being said, this documentary is a great learning experience and an opportunity for viewers to get outside their comfort zone and learn more about a community full of love and support. 

The film interviews many women within the community, many of which are leaders within it. You hear from active members like Tala Brandeis, Patrick Califia, J.C. Collins, and Queen Cougar. Many of them are still active members today. The film goes over some of the terminology typically used, the safety precautions that they take on, and ultimately how this plays an active role in their day to day lives. It really is a great primer for those who do not know much about the ins and outs of the group. It also shows some of the conventions, meetings, and political action that the group is involved in. Including public demonstrations to give folks the opportunity to see what their lifestyle is like. Viewers will certainly come away learning something new and hopefully will have a new mindset in regards to their potential beliefs or prejudices. 

Director Michelle Handelman puts together a fascinating piece that has aged well while also being the perfect 90s time capsule. One of the aspects of the film that was very entertaining was its soundtrack. The film uses music from 90s bands such as Frightwig, Chris + Cosey, Coil, Fred Giannelli, and Typhoon. These amazing tunes play throughout the documentary adding to its punk rock feel. Handleman also selects an interesting group of people to interview. They all have different backgrounds, interests, and levels of engagement. It shows just how varied the scene actually is and helps to have a wider perspective on the subject. It also shows how far reaching, supportive, and inclusive the scene seems to be. 

On top of learning about this scene, it was also interesting to learn about the political issues the group was facing at the time. Even though a Democrat, Bill Clinton, had just been elected it was clear that they were still a ways to go as far as being taken seriously by leaders even with their march on Washington. The group was also the focus of a witch hunt due to the public misconceptions about the group being dangerous and violent. The documentary mentions and shows marches, protests, and Stonewall. It is interesting to see how different scenes within the gay community had their own seperate struggles. It is also a fantastic reminder to embrace all the different forms pride can take on. 

The film mainly lets the women of the group talk about what their lives are like and how this has changed them for the better. It is clear that many of these women feel stronger and more secure with the community they have found. You see many folks who felt like they did not fit in and some who were shunned by their real families. So they found an adoptive community within the lesbian leather scene, making you really empathize with the women who are listening to. Many of them are also a little older and discuss handing the reins off to the next generation and what they will be able to bring to the movement. While viewers might not participate or even totally understand this particular subculture it is still incredibly interesting and important to get a new perspective. Having a better understanding of the many types of groups out there can only strengthen our understanding of our fellow human beings. It is great to see that this film is getting a re-release so that way folks can dig deeper into this often overlooked group. 

So this Pride season wave your black leather flag and show some support for the leather dyke community. This is an essential opportunity to learn about some of the communities we don’t initially think about when we think about pride. Check your prejudices at the door and take a trip to the 90s with BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes and Sadomasochism.