Documentary Ensures We Don't Forget the Black Cat

Two years before the Stonewall riots, a small tavern in Los Angeles was violently raided by police on New Year's Eve. The scene caused an uprising in the Silver Lake neighborhood that included the first ever marches against police brutality of gays and lesbians. It also led to the founding of a newsletter that would become The Advocate, created by the activist group Personal Rights in Defense and Education (PRIDE). The group's newsletter would grow to become the most trusted and influential name in LGBT media. The new documentary, A Long Road to Freedom: The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years, illustrates this groundbreaking history and re-enacts the moment in The Black Cat that changed all our lives.

Narrated by Laverne Cox and with music by Melissa Etheridge, the documentary takes viewers through major events in LGBT history. Interviews include Ricky Martin, Cleve Jones, Caitlyn Jenner, Gloria Allred, Gavin Newsom, Don Lemon, Dustin Lance Black, Margaret Cho, Armistead Maupin, and many more.

Starting with the Black Cat protest, the film covers Stonewall, the sexual revolution, AIDS crisis, marriage equality, and the trans movement to present day. The film is directed by Billy Clift and produced by HereTV.

Get tickets for the premiere screening on Thursday at Outfest.