Out Laws and the Politics of Queer Existence with James Lewis

“The best response to hatred is solidarity.”
– James Lewis

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IIn 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 the enduring impact of colonial law. Through the stories of activists challenging these laws in court, the film traces how power, history, and narrative continue to shape queer lives around the world.

James reflects on the colonial origins of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, from England’s 1533 Buggery Act to its spread across the British Empire. Today, many countries that criminalize homosexuality do so under laws inherited from colonial rule, even as narratives have flipped to portray queerness as foreign. Out Laws challenges these myths while highlighting the courage of individuals who take on their own governments in pursuit of justice.

The conversation also turns to communication, storytelling, and the politics of division. As co-founder of The Good Side, James explores how narratives are shaped—and weaponized—and why effective advocacy requires not only clarity, but empathy. In a moment marked by polarization, he calls for a more invitational approach rooted in shared values, connection, and solidarity.

TL;DR

• James Lewis is director of the documentary Outlaws

• The film explores the global criminalization of homosexuality and its colonial roots

• Many anti-LGBTQ+ laws today originate from British colonial legislation

• Activists across countries are using strategic litigation to challenge these laws

• The episode examines how narratives are shaped and weaponized in politics

• James emphasizes solidarity, shared values, and invitational communication as paths forward