
Access to this video is a benefit for members through PBS Passport.
Back to Show
Watch Preview
Independent Lens
Mama Bears
Season 24
Episode 16
They call one another “mama bears” because of the ferocity with which they fight for their children’s rights. Although they grew up as fundamentalist, evangelical Christians praying for the souls of LGBTQ+ people, these mothers are now willing to risk losing friends, family, and faith communities to champion their kids—even if it challenges their belief systems and rips apart their worlds.
Support Provided By

Unlock with PBS Passport
55:37
A crew of 12 Mexican tree planters travel the United States regrowing America’s forests.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:24:54
Midwestern families deal with unseen mental health issues affecting farmers in America.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:24:13
Women and LGBTQ+ journalists launch startup The 19th* to buck a broken news media system.

Unlock with PBS Passport
55:23
A nun with stage IV cancer teaches others that death doesn’t have to be the end.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:30
A public housing community in Miami becomes ground zero for climate gentrification.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:49
In Palm Springs, a Black neighborhood fights to remove a divisive wall of trees.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:42
As the trial concludes, the people of Victoria, Texas, grapple with shocking revelations.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:12
The town of Victoria’s support for the Muslim community wanes as rebuilding efforts stall.

Unlock with PBS Passport
54:41
A Texas town is thrown into the national spotlight when a local mosque erupts in flames.

55:43
Muslim chaplains advocate for equality in the military.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:42
A collaboration changes the course of forensic science and international human rights.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:25:49
A woman’s journey to heal from childhood sexual abuse and confront generational trauma.