TRIP

Year: 2002
USA: TLA Releasing
Cast: Larry Sullivan, Steve Braun, Alexis Arquette, Sirena Irwin, Phillips Ray Baker, Jill St John, Rosemary Alexander, Dennis Bailey, Julie Brown, Christina Cameron Mitchell, Cy Carter, Alfred Dennis, James Handy, John Harnagel, Art Hindle, Brian Leckner, Doug Lee, Zoe 'Joshua Tree' Logan, David Mixner, Alejandro Patino, Geoffrey Rivas, Al Rondon, Faith Salie, Connie Sawyer, Miles Swain
Director: Miles Swain
Country: USA
USA: 95 mins
USA Release Date: 9 May 2003 (Limited Release)

Synopsis

In 1973, Alan Oakley (Larry Sullivan), a 24 year-old Republican journalist working for the Los Angeles Chronicle, has a promising future sure to make his military father proud. At the other end of the spectrum, certain to strike shame into conservatives everywhere, is Tommy Ballenger (Steve Braun), a 19 year-old Texas native relocated to California to form Out Loud, a gay civil rights group. A chance meeting brings the two opposites together and the attraction is obvious to everyone except Alan. However stumbling all the way, the neurotic Alan falls in love and the two form a loving relationship.

During Anita Bryant's 1977 nationwide homophobic 'Save Our Children' campaign Peter Baxter (Ray Baker), a jealous, older lawyer, orchestrates the publication of The Straight Truth, an anti-gay book Alan wrote before he met Tommy. The book becomes a bestseller, destroys Tommy's credibility and causes their break-up. Alan seeks solace from Peter, not knowing Peter is responsible for his heartbreak.

By 1984 Alan has settled down with Peter, but has never forgotten Tommy. When he hears that Tommy wishes to see him, Alan's fey friend Michael, ex-girlfriend Beverly and understanding ex-Vegas showgirl mother Mary persuade him to go after his true love.

Reunited in Mexico, Alan and Tommy take the road trip Tommy always wanted. However when a series of unfortunate incidents have them running from the law, Alan finally finds the strength to be himself.