Thanks to Hank

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About the film:

DIRECTOR: Bob Ostertag
2019 | 81m | USA

Thanks to Hank is the inspirational story of a true unsung hero of the gay liberation movement and the AIDS epidemic that followed—Hank Wilson. Unknown to many, but beloved by those whose lives he touched, Hank was the ultimate behind-the-scenes activist who, with uncompromising zeal and pathos, radically altered LGBTQ+ life and rights in the Bay Area—most notably for queer youth in the early days of AIDS.

Brought to life with archival footage, animation, and interviews with collaborators and friends—Tom Ammiano, Lea DeLaria, Donna Lisa Stewart, Gerry Kirby, and Blackberri to name only a few—this sweeping documentary uncovers the stunning impacts of Hank’s efforts that can still be felt today in AIDS service and queer youth organizations, cultural outlets, and local politics.

Capturing four decades of Hank’s work centering on the most marginalized in the community, director Bob Ostertag has created a touching homage that ensures audiences will not only come to know Hank’s legacy but also come to love the warm and relentless nature of a man who ignited immeasurable change.

About  Coalition on Homeslessness SF:

For decades, the Coalition on Homelessness has developed the leadership skills of homeless San Franciscans to forge true solutions to the housing crisis and beat back mean-spirited attacks against them.

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