Special Screening Event

50th Anniversary of Dr. John Fryer’s Historic Speech

We are excited to invite you to a special virtual screening of the award-winning documentary CURED. This event honors the 50th anniversary of Dr. John Fryer’s historic speech to colleagues in the American Psychiatric Association (APA), when he described his experiences as a gay psychiatrist. His dramatic speech marked a turning point in the campaign to have the APA remove the diagnosis of homosexuality from its manual of mental illnesses. The 60-minute screening of CURED will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and special guests. This online event is scheduled for May 2nd at 7:30 pm ET.

Equality Forum is working with an array of organizations and government entities to mark the 50^th anniversary of Dr. John Fryer’s electrifying speech. Aside from the Equality Forum, collaborating organizations include the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the William Way Community Center, the Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrists (AGLP), and others. Learn more about the Celebration of Dr. John Fryer’s Historic Speech.

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 NewFest and Frameline — CURED takes viewers inside the David-versus-Goliath battle that led the APA to remove homosexuality from its manual of mental illnesses in 1973. The film spotlights a diverse group of activists — including Dr. John Fryer — who achieved this epic victory in the movement for LGBTQ equality and dignity. Watch the trailer for CURED.

We hope you’ll be able to join us to watch and discuss this inspiring film!

Moderator Melissa Kiguwa

Melissa Kiguwa’s background spans three continents — Africa, Europe, and North America. She has worked as an international advocate for human rights and LGBTQIA+ equality, a radio and television host, and a producer for both commercial and broadcast radio. Melissa is a 2020 PEN America Emerging Voices fellow and is currently at work on an adventure memoir.

Filmmaker Patrick Sammon

Patrick Sammon is the co-producer and co-director of CURED. A resident of Washington, DC, he previously served as creator and executive producer of CODEBREAKER, an award-winning drama-documentary about the life and legacy of gay British codebreaker Alan Turing that reached more than three million viewers worldwide.

Filmmaker Bennett Singer

Bennett Singer, the co-director of CURED, has been making social-issue documentaries for more than 25 years. He co-directed BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN, a “potent and persuasive” (Los Angeles Times) film that premiered at Sundance, aired nationally on PBS and Logo, and won more than 20 international prizes, including the GLAAD Media Award. Singer is the former editor of TIME Magazine’s education program and the author or editor of five books.

Panelist Dr. Karen Kelly

Dr. Karen Kelly first met Dr. John Fryer in 1977, following her freshman year at Temple University School of Medicine. She went on to rent a room from Dr. Fryer until her graduation in 1980. Dr. Fryer became her mentor and they remained friends until his death. Dr. Kelly eventually became a psychiatrist. She spent her career in clinical academic settings at Milton Hershey Medical Center and later at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Pittsburgh.

Panelist Dr. Jack Drescher

Jack Drescher, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City. Dr. Drescher is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Faculty Member at Columbia’s Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health. Dr. Drescher is an expert on the history of psychiatry’s treatment of LGBTQ people and served on the National Advisory Board for CURED.