Proud - Episode 1

May 1981. Despite being the first to defend the values of openness and tolerance embodied by the Left in this period of presidential elections, Charles doesn’t want to think his own son, Victor, 17 is different. Victor tries, believing he can repress who he is for the sake of his father. But one evening, an irresistible urge drives the young man to a gay bar. He meets Serge, who is 10 years his senior, and with whom he starts to see regularly. Victor tells his parents that he is in love with a man. Charles goes to find Serge and threatens to press charges for corruption of a minor if he doesn’t stop seeing his son. Victor's mother Martine is upset, but says she won’t stop loving Victor. His son throws his hypocrisy back in his face, the discussion grows heated. Charles slaps his son, who runs off to find Serge. Victor is ready to live their relationship openly, and accept it. But to his surprise, Serge rejects him, saying their age difference is too great an obstacle. Victor goes back home, heartbroken.

It’s the second round of the French presidential elections; they’re watching the results at Victor’s parents’ house. Suddenly, there is an outburst of joy. Charles is open-mouthed. Victor stares at his father: This time, it’s happened, society is going to change. On the day of Victor’s 18th birthday, the doorbell rings. Serge has come to fetch him, now that he’s an adult. A few months later, and Victor has left the family home to move in with Serge. As they’re about to open a bottle of champagne, Serge’s face crumples. He drops the letter he was holding from the hospital shows the result of an HIV test he’d been advised to take.