Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
During the month of June, we come together for a month-long celebration of love, diversity, acceptance and self-pride for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
During the month of June, we come together for a month-long celebration of love, diversity, acceptance and self-pride for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Programs and Specials
Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution
From the basement bars of ‘70s New York to the peak of the global charts, this is the story of disco: its rise, its fall... and its legacy. Revelling in iconic tracks and remarkable footage, this is a powerful, revisionist history of the disco age.
The Whistle
The fascinating story of a secret code created by and shared among young lesbians in 1970s & 80s Albuquerque as a means of self-identification and finding community. The first-person film documents and reveals both humorous and heartbreaking stories, often told by participants in the same breath.
American Experience "Casa Susanna"
In the 1950s and ’60s, an underground network of transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge at a house in the Catskills region of New York. Known as Casa Susanna, the house provided a safe place to express their true selves.
Fanny: The Right to Rock
Co-founded by Filipina American and queer teenagers, Fanny is the first all women band to release an album with a major record label (Warner/Reprise, 1970). Revered by David Bowie, meet the most groundbreaking rock group you've never heard of... yet.
American Experience "Stonewall Uprising"
In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. That night the street erupted into violent protests and street demonstrations that lasted for the next three days. The Stonewall riots marked a major turning point in the modern gay civil rights movement in the United States and around the world.
Prideland
Follow queer actor Dyllón Burnside on a journey to discover how LGBTQ Americans are finding ways to live authentically and with pride in the modern South.
We'll Meet Again "Coming Out"
Join Ann Curry as those whose lives were changed by the early days of the gay rights movement reunite. Tom wants to find the childhood friend who urged him to come out, while Paul seeks a fellow student who inspired him to stand up for his beliefs.
The Committee
The Committee is a documentary film about the little-known Florida Legislative Investigative Committee of the State Legislature from 1956-1965. Florida Senator Charley Johns chaired the committee, and its aim was to root out communist and homosexual teachers and students from state universities. It was successful in either firing or expelling more than 200 suspected gay and lesbian citizens.
What I Hear When You Say "When Did You Become Gay?"
Take a closer look at the words used to describe LGBTQA communities through storytelling, analysis, and humor. This episode explores sexuality, gender fluidity, and the language used to describe LGBTQA communities from 3 unique perspectives: an activist (Kristin Russo), a professor (Moya Bailey), and a media personality (Tyler Ford).
Basic Black "The Lives of Transgender Women and Men"
We discuss key issues impacting the transgender community and explore ways to reduce violence and discrimination, particularly since transgender people of color are disproportionately the victims.
Subcultured "How Is the Gay Rodeo Different?"
Host Josef Lorenzo talks to Cowboy Frank about the origins of the gay rodeo and how it was formed out of necessity. Today the gay rodeo's challenge is bringing young folks into the rodeo. Josef talks to all-star cowboy Greg Begay about the fierce competition at the gay rodeo. Lastly, Jade Fauver shares her experience as a young woman in the rodeo and her aspirations for the gay rodeo's future.
American Veteran: Keep It Close "What ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Means to This Gay Veteran"
Janessa Goldbeck was an out, queer woman when she joined the Marines. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was still in place, forcing her to hide her true self from others. After its official repeal, she was able to bring her authentic self to her service and help educate others about LGBTQ issues. She kept the DADT contract as a reminder that pushing for change goes hand in hand with being a patriot.
FRONTLINE "Growing Up Trans"
Just a generation ago, it was adults, not kids, who changed genders. But today, many children are transitioning, too -- with new medical options, and at younger and younger ages. FRONTLINE takes viewers on an intimate and eye-opening journey inside the struggles and choices facing transgender kids and their families.
It's Lit! "The Fiery History of Banned Books"
When we talk about book bannings today, we are usually discussing a specific choice made by individual schools, school districts, and libraries made in response to the moralistic outrage of some group. This is still nothing in comparison to the ways books have been removed, censored, and destroyed in the past. Let's explore how the seemingly innocuous book has survived centuries of the ban hammer.
Sound Field "Ballroom: The Sound of NYC’s Underground Vogue Scene"
You’re probably familiar with New York’s underground ballroom scene through Madonna’s Vogue or films like Paris is Burning. This subculture has been recognized for creating the inventive dance style voguing, but they’ve also created a music genre that’s all their own.
The First Twenty "Queer Latine Voices at Teatro Pregones (AD, CC)"
Latine theater makers explore how a new millennium for queer identity and storytelling took shape in the South Bronx, including Charles Rice-González, in this film from Jorge B. Merced and Pregones/PRTT.
If Cities Could Dance
Every city has its rhythm—every dancer, their street. Step into the shoes of dancers from across the country who dare to imagine what it would look like if their city could dance. Performing on street corners and other unconventional settings, each episode tells an intimate, personal story about the artists and their deep-rooted connections to community.
True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories, Our Songs
Celebrate Pride Month with music from Indigo Girls, Billy Gilman, Morgxn, Peppermint, Jujubee, Alexis Michelle, Trey Pearson, Breanna Sinclairé, André de Shields and more along with real-life stories of hope hosted byJeopardy champion Amy Schneider.
After Action "Service with Pride"
Host Stacy Pearsall sits down for a candid conversation with three fellow veterans who now serve openly as their authentic selves; however, some fear future legislation or executive orders may negatively impact their service.
¡COLORES! "Out West: Gay and Lesbian Artists in the Southwest"
The New Mexico Museum of Art’s exhibit “Out West” reveals the untold stories of gay and lesbian artists who shaped the southwest's artistic legacy throughout the 20th century.
¡COLORES! "Unbuttoned: Gay Life in the Santa Fe Arts Scene"
Walter Cooper’s memoir “Unbuttoned” reveals the impact the LGBTQ community had on Santa Fe’s art scene from the 70’s through the 90’s. The Columbus Pride Bands is a vibrant LGBTQ+ inclusive community where music uplifts spirits and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Fueled by his love for people, Jeremy Rosario uses his art to give hope to those facing hardships.
Popular Series
America ReFramed
America ReFramed "Jack & Yaya"
From a young age, Yaya and Jack saw each other as they truly were, a girl and a boy, even though most of the world didn’t see them that way. As they grew older, they supported each other as they both came out as transgender. JACK & YAYA follows these two friends for a year and explores their unique, thirty-year relationship.
America ReFramed "Little Miss Westie"
A loving and insightful portrait of two transgender siblings - Luca and Ren - and their parents, set in the changing social climate following the 2016 presidential election. LITTLE MISS WESTIE takes audiences behind the scenes as the family navigates puberty, school, dating and more as the children begin living in their authentic genders and Ren participates in the Lil’ Miss Westie Pageant.
Origin of Everything
Origin of Everything "History of the Word 'Gay'"
The word “GAY” has a long history in the English language, but why did “GAY” stop meaning “happy” and start referring “same sex relationships?”
Origin of Everything "The Origin of Gender"
Why do we think there are only two genders? Because there are cultures that believe there are many more than two genders. And what’s the difference between sex and gender?
Origin of Everything "The Homophobic Origins of U.S. Law"
Laws are intended to maintain order and promote justice, but what happens when those laws promote and spread discrimination and bigotry? Today Danielle analyzes the homophobic history of US law, tracing its origins in colonialism all the way to present-day court cases like Obergefell v. Hodges. This is the second video in our examination of legal discrimination in the United States.
Origin of Everything "How Did Pride Become a Parade?"
June is Pride Month and if not for coronavirus streets around the world would be filled with the LGBTQIA Community living loud and proud. But how did the New York City Stonewall Riots turn into a month-long celebration? And specifically, how did we get from picketed protests like the Annual Reminder in Philadelphia to massive parades and parties around the world?
Origin of Everything "Why Does 'Straight' Mean Heterosexual?"
When did we start defining sexual orientation and how did that result in "straight" becoming a synonym for "heterosexual"? Today Danielle follows the winding history of the word through medical terms, lavender linguistics, and community slang.
American Masters
American Masters "Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll"
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. This portrait of the “King and Queen of Rock and Roll” explores his far-reaching influence as well as his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.
American Masters "Crystal Labeija: The Queen Who Reinvented Ball Culture"
A proud Black trans woman, a drag mother and, a pageant girl, Crystal LaBeija was the cause of an iconic moment in drag history that paved the way for house culture, voguing, Paris is Burning, and the TV series Pose.
American Masters "Ballerina Boys"
Discover Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (The Trocks), an all-male company that for 45 years has offered audiences their passion for ballet classics mixed with exuberant comedy. With every step they poke fun at their strictly gendered art form.
American Masters "Julian Eltinge: Female Impersonator of the Vaudeville Era"
In this new digital series, New York's sweetest drag diva Peppermint tells the story of pioneering American drag artists. In the process, she demonstrates how drag is a performance art form that has thrived in this country for generations, entertaining LGBTQ+ and general audiences alike, and providing the former with an important outlet of self-expression.
American Masters "Gladys Bentley: Gender-Bending Performer and Musician"
Gladys Bentley joined New York’s Harlem Renaissance jazz scene at age 16 and became an instant sensation and gender identity pioneer, performing piano and vocals at the most popular gay bars, wearing men’s clothing, and openly flirting with women in the audience.
American Masters "Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio: This Is the Way We Rise"
Filmmaker Ciara Lacy documents Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, a Kanaka Maoli wahine poet, activist and academic, and her continued work towards justice for Hawaii’s native population.
American Masters "Joan Jett Blakk: The drag queen who ran for president"
On her 35th birthday, Joan Jett Blakk, the drag persona of actor Terence Smith, ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow, continuing a long tradition of drag as political activism. Blakk had also run for mayors of Chicago and San Francisco. During these “campaigns,” Blakk advocated for policies that many politicians are still talking about today, including universal healthcare.
American Masters "Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life"
Explore four-time Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally’s six groundbreaking decades in theater, from Kiss of the Spider Woman, Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class to Ragtime, The Visit and Mothers and Sons. The film also delves into McNally’s pursuit of love and inspiration throughout his career, LGBTQ activism, triumph over addiction, and the power of the arts to transform society.
American Masters "James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket"
The life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist are recounted: what it is to be born black, impoverished, gifted, and gay in a world that has yet to understand that “all men are brothers.” James Baldwin tells his own story in this emotional portrait.
Independent Lens
Independent Lens "Mama Bears"
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.
Independent Lens "When I'm Her"
When I'm Her follows the double life of a dancer who inhabits an alter ego. A luminary figure at American Ballet Theatre in New York, Michael Cusumano had a stellar career ahead of him, but after past trauma prevented him from realizing his artistic and professional potential, he finds refuge and liberation by becoming Russian ballet instructor Madame Olga, the mentor he never had for himself.
Independent Lens "Senior Prom"
For so many high-schoolers, prom is a rite of passage in all of its love-filled, well-coiffed, abundantly photographed glory. But for generations of LGBTQ+ youth, prom has been emblematic of an exclusion from a world they could not experience as their authentic selves.
Independent Lens "Our League"
Following an extended hiatus, Michelle Guzowski takes a risk by returning to her favorite local bowling alley in the Ohio Rust Belt, after coming out to fellow bowlers as a trans woman. While the alley's new owners made it seem a welcoming space, the changes are hard for old-school bowlers.
Independent Lens "No Straight Lines"
When Alison Bechdel received a coveted MacArthur Award for her best-selling graphic memoir Fun Home, it heralded the acceptance of LGBTQ+ comics in American culture. From DIY underground comix scene to mainstream acceptance, meet five smart and funny queer comics artists whose uncensored commentary left no topic untouched and explored art as a tool for social change.
POV
POV Shorts: Post-Colonial Queer
Stories about the LGBTQ experience around the world.
POV "To The Future, with Love"
Meet 19-year-old Hunter “Pixel” Jimenez, a nonbinary trans boy caught between the expectations of his Guatemalan immigrant family and his dreams of living happily ever after.
POV Shorts: Becoming Myself
Two conversations on identity and connection -- selections from the POV Spark/NFB series, Otherly.
POV Shorts: Dreaming Life
Stories of self acceptance and finding joy.
POV "Uýra – The Rising Forest"
While traveling through the Amazon, Uýra shares ancestral knowledge with Indigenous youth to promote the significance of identity and place, threatened by Brazil's oppressive political regime. Through dance, poetry, and stunning characterization, Uýra boldly confronts historical racism, transphobia, and environmental destruction, while emphasizing the interdependence of humans and the environment.
Reel South
Reel South "Alabama Bound"
In the months leading up to the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality, gay families in Alabama were busy fighting discriminatory state laws. Alabama Bound chronicles the roller-coaster ride for gay rights in the South, and a resilient community that lives with both frustration and hope in a place where the line between church and state is often blurred.
Reel South "Mother(s) & Son"
Capturing her wife’s journey of high-risk pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood, a North Carolina filmmaker confronts her own fear and insecurity surrounding the adventures of parenthood—all while completing the adoption process for her new-born son, as required by gender-restrictive state laws.