Sylvia Rhue

Sylvia Rhue (born 1947) is an African-American writer, filmmaker, producer, and LGBT activist.

Early life and education

Rhue was born in Pasadena, California in 1947. Her parents, a railroad worker and a secretary, were Canadian immigrants. Rhue grew up attending a traditional black church.

Rhue came out as a lesbian in the early 1970s. She had little support at that time, other than one book, Lesbian/Woman.

Rhue earned a degree in Psychology/Sociology from Oakwood College (now University), and a Master of Social Work from UCLA. In 1986, Rhue graduated from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, becoming the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality.

In 1996, Rhue co-produced and co-directed (with Oscar-nominated directors Frances Reid and Dee Mosbacher) the documentary All God's Children, which dealt with African American family and religious values, civil rights, and homophobia. Other films produced by Rhue include Women in Love, "We Have a Legacy, and Women and Children: AIDS and HIV. In 2006, she helped organize the Black Church Summit in Atlanta, to promote acceptance of gays and lesbians in black churches.

Rhue has also worked for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights and as Director of Equal Partners in Faith. She has contributed articles to The Huffington Post and other publications.

Publications

Chapter: Reducing Homophobia in African American Communities

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes 1994 Coming Out Under Fire Archival film source Documentary 1996 All God's Children Director Documentary 2002 Family Fundamentals Consultant Documentary 2005 The L Word Actress TV series