Cheryl Washington takes us Beyond The Story with Shane Engstrom, Co-Director of Out Film, Connecticut, a non-profit organization that presents LGBTQ films. He says In and Out was progressive for its era when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and AIDS were at the forefront of gay issues. The film was produced as a Rom-Com to lighten things up, starring big name actors which made it accessible to everyone. While there’s more tolerance toward the LGBTQ community today, issues still exist and the message of In and Out holds up 26 years after its original release.

Upon winning an Academy Award, actor Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon) honors his high school teacher, Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline), who he announces, before millions of viewers, is gay. This comes as news to Brackett’s parents (Wilford Brimley, Debbie Reynolds), his principal (Bob Newhart) and especially his fiancée (Joan Cusack). As a media blitz descends upon on his small Indiana town, Brackett attempts to convince everyone that he’s your average straight American male.

ABOUT THE HOST: CHERYL WASHINGTON

Cheryl Washington’s career spans over thirty years and across a variety of media. She’s best known for her trademark perky personality on FOX5’s award winning “Good Day New York,” as the entertainment and lifestyle anchor. Prior to working at FOX5, Washington spent a decade-long stint at CNN as a news and features executive producer, and entertainment correspondent on “Showbiz Today.” As one of the network’s original employees, Washington holds the distinction of being the first African-American celebrity interviewer on network television.