Join us for five stories of how our community lifts itself up for survival, for success, and for our future. From preserving the political history of elder lesbians to learning how to know yourself and others through role play, these five stories from across the planet put a spotlight on those who bolster themselves up to thrive in this world. – Craig Gimbrone, Programmer

Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 students, seniors, and Brattle members; No passes

PUP PERFECT

Directed by Henry Baker • 26 min • USA • English

Explore the world of gay/queer human Pups. This subculture that evolved from the gay leather community and now thrives in tandem. Interviews with over a dozen Pups reveal that Pup Play is a way of embodying the spirit of a dog, both physically and mentally. More than just a sexual fetish, Pup Play provides a way for individuals to escape the stresses of everyday life and embrace a mindful existence. Our “dogumentary” sheds light on this unique LGBT+ lifestyle, its stigmas and the freedoms attached to it.

THE KIKI HOUSE OF VASE

Directed by Syrus Sad Vandi • 24 min • Taiwan • English

Emerging from the adversity that affected Harlem in the late 1970s, ballroom culture became a sanctuary for Black and Latin LGBT individuals. They formed familial bonds in groups known as “Houses,” seeking refuge from threats of violence, discrimination and addiction. This vibrant subculture grew outside its New York City confines, igniting a global movement that eventually made its way to Taiwan. Today, these Houses bring the beautiful world of ballroom to life, hosting balls filled with highly competitive categories—from fierce runway battles to the cascading elegance of vogue femme. While much has changed since its inception, ballroom remains a vital sanctuary. In Taiwan, The Kiki House of Vase upholds this legacy. It stands as a testament to ballroom’s foundational ethos: providing queer and LGBT individuals a platform to thrive and receive recognition for their excellence—even in a society where prejudice persists, despite advancements. Join us to see how the Kiki House of Vase’s members showcase the transformative legacy and resilience of ballroom culture.

TRANS HEAVEN, PENNSYLVANIA

Directed by Hansen Bursic • 12 min • USA • English

In the early 2010s, hundreds of Transgender women took over a small American town each year for a legendary weekend-long party – one that changed their lives and the town forever.

OLD LESBIANS

Directed by Meghan McDonough • 29 min • USA • English

For the last quarter century, Houston native Arden Eversmeyer journeyed across the country to record hundreds of oral “herstories” with a mostly invisible population that is rapidly disappearing. Old Lesbians honors Arden’s legacy by animating the resilient, joyful voices she preserved in the Old Lesbian Oral Herstory Project, from first crush to first love, from the closet to coming out, and finally from loss to connection.

ALOK

Directed by Alex Hedison • 19 min • USA • English

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. This thought-provoking short documentary explores the limitless expression of self, challenges societal norms, and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom beyond the binaries that divide us. Featuring Dylan Mulvaney, Chani Nicholas, and other cultural change makers. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster.