“CURED” a Searing Documentary about the Battle for LGBTQ Equality at the Bedford Playhouse

Let’s Talk Series presents: “CURED” – a documentary about the Battle for LBGTQ Equality;

Q and A to follow with Patrick Simmons (Filmmaker) and others

Bedford Playhouse

March 16, 7:30 pm

“Mentally ill.” “Deviant.” “Diseased.” “In Need of a Cure.” These were among the terms psychiatrists used to describe lesbians and gay men in the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. According to the medical establishment, every gay person—no matter how well-adjusted—suffered from “a mental disorder.” And as long as lesbians and gay men were “sick,” progress toward equality was impossible. CURED chronicles the battle waged by a small group of activists who declared war against a formidable institution—and won a crucial victory in the modern movement for LGBTQ equality. This feature-length documentary takes viewers inside the David-versus-Goliath struggle that led the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to remove homosexuality from its manual of mental illnesses in 1973. It features a diverse group of crusaders with stubborn dedication and big personalities who came together at a crossroads in LGBTQ history. Their tenacity, resourcefulness, and ingenuity brought about a change that transformed not only LGBTQ people’s perceptions of themselves, but also the social fabric of America.

About Bedford Playhouse

After a near $6m renovation, The Bedford Playhouse, home of the Clive Davis Arts Center, will host its Grand Opening on the weekend of September 28th! The festivities will include a three-day mix of “community choice” screenings, parties and family events, including a Saturday night Grand Opening celebration with surprises from friends and top donors! The two new small theaters will be revealed — as will the new Playhouse Cafe! Tickets and details on our website. Our mission is to provide a vibrant, state of the art cinema, cultural center and community hub, featuring outstanding films, other arts-related programming, educational offerings and a fun, welcoming space to relax and socialize.