What: "Raid of the Rainbow Lounge" Washington, D.C. Premiere
When: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Marvin Center Amphitheatre, The George Washington University, 800 21st St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Who: Director Robert L. Camina and LHP President David M. Pérez
R.S.V.P. on Facebook.
The Latino GLBT History Project, The George Washington University and One In Ten are proud to announce the Washington, D.C., premiere of the award-winning documentary, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge, at the Marvin Center Amphitheatre, Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and marks the beginning of LHP's Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage celebration this September and October.
"We're excited to showcase the work of Gay Latino Director Robert L. Camina. This new documentary is collecting awards around the country for its honest portrayal about an act of police aggression toward the LGBT community in Texas that ended up being a catalyst for positive change," said LHP President David M. Pérez.
On June 28, 2009 (the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Raid in New York City), Fort Worth police and agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission raided the Rainbow Lounge, a newly opened gay bar. During their 40 minutes in the establishment, multiple people were detained or arrested and a young man was sent to the ICU with a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain.
Many accused officers of targeting the gay community. Allegations of police brutality flooded the internet. Police reported that during the raid, multiple patrons allegedly grabbed them in a sexually interested manner and "pretend to have sex with them from behind." They also accused one patron of grabbing a male officer's crotch. The Fort Worth Police Chief defended his officers' actions against the patrons and made public remarks and allegations that many considered homophobic. Following the sordid allegations and outrage, many changes would occur in the city and Fort Worth would become a leader in LGBT equality.
"The audience will see history unfold as this film documents the controversy from the perspective of witnesses, activists and politicians who helped changed the city," said Camina, who also wrote and produced the 103-minute film. "The documentary is narrated by television icon, Emmy-nominated actress and author Meredith Baxter, star of Family Ties, Family and Bridget Loves Bernie." "GW's commitment to both LGBT and Latino diversity and inclusion inspires us to feature this important film and host gay Latino Director, Robert L. Camina. We are proud to participate in this important community event in partnership with the Latino GLBT History Project," said Timothy Kane, Director of GW's LGBT Resource Center.
Prior to the film, there will be a meet and greet with the director from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Following the end of the film, there will be a question and answer session with Camina.
Official Website: www.RaidoftheRainbowLounge.com
Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKPVCbe-Z7Q
The Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit volunteer-led organization founded in April 2000 to investigate, collect, preserve and educate the public about the history, culture, heritage, arts, social and rich contributions of the Latino GLBT community in metropolitan Washington, D.C. To accomplish our mission, the LHP creates educational exhibits from our historical archives collection showcased at cultural events such as, a Women's History Month Reception, a Hispanic GLBT Heritage Reception and DC Latino Pride, educational presentations at local and national conferences and through our online virtual museum at www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org.
