A master strategist and tireless activist, Bayard Rustin is best remembered as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States. He brought Gandhi’s protest techniques to the American civil rights movement, and helped mold Martin Luther King, Jr. into an international symbol of peace and nonviolence. Despite these achievements, Rustin was silenced, threatened, arrested, beaten, imprisoned and fired from important leadership positions, largely because he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era. 

The Color of Queer & Women’s History Month Presents: U People

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amC4EcHruLo
Thursday, March 25, 2010 | 6:30pm | Bremner Lounge | Dinner Provided!

U People begins with the following disclaimer: “When you view this film do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality”. Once upon a time in a brownstone in Brooklyn—a music video was made—but not just one camera was rolling—and not just music was caught on tape. The ‘Make a Move’ music video, which debuted on MTV’s LOGO, was the first of its kind to depict women of color across sexualities and gender expression. One house, two days, thirty women and Trans folks of color bridged their differences in the creation of this video. U People is an accidental documentary where what the camera caught will introduces a strong, hilarious, candid and very human voice into the discussion of gay and straight relations, the diversity within the minority, and resolution beyond our labels.

The Color of Queer & API Heritage Month  Presents: Middle Sexes-Redefining He & She
Tuesday, April 6, 2010| 6pm |Bremner Lounge| Dinner Provided

This documentary sensitively explores the controversial subject of the blurring of gender as well as the serious social and family problems - even dangers - often faced by those whose gender may fall somewhere in between male and female. Narrated by noted author Gore Vidal and filmed in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, Middle Sexes examines the ways different societies and cultures handle the blurring of gender, sexual identity and sexual orientation. Along with thought-provoking personal experiences of transsexuals, intersexuals, transvestites and their partners and families, Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She interviews scientists, anthropologists and psychologists who offer ground-breaking research on the biological and cultural influences on gender identity and sexuality. 

I Exist: Voices from the Lesbian and Gay Middle Eastern Community in the U.S.
Wednesday, April 27, 2010| 5:30pm | Bremner Lounge | Dinner Provided!

Gays and Lesbians of Middle Eastern descent living in the U.S. frequently combat the negative stereotypes regarding their sexuality and their race. As Muslims, Christians and Jews, from Armenia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon and Sudan, they have all struggled to accept themselves and their sexuality despite the threat of disapproval of family and friends. This award-winning film features interviews with a variety of young men, women and their families who share the experiences, joys and sorrows of this diverse community. Timely and groundbreaking, I Exist gives voice to a group that has long remained silent out of shame and fear.

Questions?  Please contact Maeve Kiley at 312-915-7712. For special
accommodations, please contact 773-508-3909.

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