Out Laws and the Politics of Queer Existence with James Lewis

In this episode of Living Queer, Erwin de Leon speaks with James Lewis, director and screenwriter of the documentary Out Laws, about the global criminalization of homosexuality and its roots in colonialism. Through the stories of activists challenging these laws in court, James explores how history continues to shape the present.The conversation examines the politics of queer existence, the weaponization of division, and the role of storytelling in shifting public narratives. James also reflects on his work at The Good Side and why communication—how we invite people into conversation—matters as much as the message itself.At the heart of the episode is a question about how change happens: not only through confrontation, but through connection, shared values, and the difficult work of engaging across difference.