Urvashi Vaid + A SIMPLE MATTER OF JUSTICE (Screening + Conversation)

Join NewFest and the American LGBTQ+ Museum as we commemorate the pioneering organizer Urvashi Vaid alongside additional leaders & activists from the 80s and 90s via the 30th anniversary of the 1993 March on Washington for LGBTQ+ rights.

We’re honored to present the New York Premiere of the short documentary THERE ARE THINGS TO DO about the life and legacy of Urvashi Vaid, followed by the JEB (Joan E. Biren)’s feature-length documentary A SIMPLE MATTER OF JUSTICE: THE 1993 MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR LESBIAN, GAY, AND BI EQUAL RIGHTS AND LIBERATION. Through full-access footage of joyful protest, this rousing doc features sections on civil rights, AIDS and health care, the military, and families; and includes a passionate speech from Urvashi Vaid alongside vital organizers and celebrities such as Larry Kramer, Kathy Najimy, Cybil Shepard, Jesse Jackson, Melissa Ethridge, Ian McKellan, RuPaul, Barney Frank, Lea Delaria, and Eartha Kitt.

This screening + conversation program will feature:


THERE ARE THINGS TO DO
Dir. Mike Syers, USA, 2023, 18 min
Urvashi Vaid, an outspoken immigrant, lesbian and woman of color was an LGBTQ+ superhero & helped shape the modern day gay rights movement. Her life with partner Kate Clinton & vision serves as a roadmap for generations facing anti-LGBTQ+ backlash.



A SIMPLE MATTER OF JUSTICE: The 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation
Dir. JEB (Joan E. Biren), USA, 1993, 56 min
A powerful and moving piece documenting the LGBTQ+ movement for equality in the early 1990s that expresses all the emotions of the joyful protest that was the 1993 March on Washington.

These films will be followed by an extended conversation with director Mike Syers, and additional panelists to be announced.

Co-Presented by

JEB (Joan E. Biren)

Urvashi Vaid, Kathy Najimy, Cybil Shepard, Jesse Jackson, Ian McKellan, RuPaul, Larry Kramer, Barney Frank, Eartha Kitt, Lea Delaria