In 1953, the President of the United States ordered the firing of every gay man and lesbian working for the government. Thousands lost their jobs. Some lost their lives. Then, a courageous few fought back.
In 1994, Washington History, the biannual publication of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., published “Homosexual Citizens: Washington’s Gay Community Confronts the Civil Service” by David Johnson. This article served as the groundwork for “The Lavender Scare,” his seminal ...
In 1953, the President of the United States ordered the firing of every gay man and lesbian working for the government. Thousands lost their jobs. Some lost their lives. Then, a courageous few fought back.
In 1994, Washington History, the biannual publication of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., published “Homosexual Citizens: Washington’s Gay Community Confronts the Civil Service” by David Johnson. This article served as the groundwork for “The Lavender Scare,” his seminal book about the persecution of homosexuals working for the federal government in Washington, D.C. in the 1950s and 60s. Twenty-two years later, Emmy-award winning producer Josh Howard is in the final stages of post-production on the documentary film, The Lavender Scare.
Join members from the Historical Society and the Newseum for an open dialogue about the history of this important local story that had national impact long before the Stonewall riots. The Historical Society is proud to bring David Johnson and Josh Howard to Washington, D.C., to recount the stories behind writing the book and making the movie. The presentation will also feature unseen clips from the movie which will be released this fall. The session is moderated by Lou Chibbaro, Jr., a Washington Blade reporter who has focused on the LGBT civil rights movement and the LGBT community for more than 30 years.
This Historical Society of Washington, D.C. program was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Capital Pride Alliance, and the Newseum.
Cost: Free with Newseum admission.* Seating is on space-available basis. *Admission fee waived for Historical Society members
