Film, panel examine landmark LGBTQ+ struggle

The UNMC and Nebraska Medicine LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance is hosting free virtual screenings of the film “Cured” June 12-18, as well as a June 17 panel discussion with the filmmakers and others.

The screenings are co-sponsored by Nebraska Medicine, the UNMC Department of Psychiatry, the UNMC Office of Inclusion and the UNMC College of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“CURED” takes viewers inside the David-versus-Goliath battle that led the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its manual of mental illnesses in 1973. The film spotlights a diverse group of activists who achieved this epic victory in the movement for LGBTQ equality.

The film is described as “fascinating” (Hollywood Reporter), “riveting” (The Queer Review) and “one of the best documentaries of this or any year” (British Film Institute) — and the winner of Audience Favorite awards at Frameline and NewFest.

A panel discussion, moderated by Arthur Kornitsky, DO, an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, will be held at 6 p.m. on June 17.

The panel will feature:

• The film’s co-director, Bennett Singer;
• Activist and film interviewee Rev. Magora Kennedy;
• Retired Boston psychiatrist and film interviewee Richard Pillard, MD;
• Nebraska State Sen. Megan Hunt; and
• UNMC Director of Inclusion and psychiatrist Sheritta Strong, MD.

Register to access the film here.

Access the panel discussion at 6 p.m. on June 17.