CONTACTS:
Kim Kowalski
216 406 2076
kimberly_kowalski@key.com
Marissa Norris
216 916 6318
marissa.norris@ideastream.org
CLEVELAND— In celebration of the progress of the LGBTQ civil rights movement, The Pursuit: 50 Years in the Fight for LGBT Rights will make its Cleveland debut at the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square on Friday, Aug. 12.
Presented by WVIZ/PBS ideastream and KeyBank, the powerful documentary reflects on 50 years of change since protesters gathered in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1965 and publicly called for an end to discrimination against homosexuals. The complimentary screening will take place the day before Pride in the CLE, the event scheduled to replace the canceled 2016 Cleveland Pride parade.
The film follows the stories and experiences of Gay Rights movement pioneers during the last 50 years. It features interviews, archival images, and footage of such leading LGBTQ figures as Michael Palumbaro, founding member of the Gay Activist Alliance, and John James, who marched in the first 1965 peaceful demonstrations at Independence Hall. It also features Jason Rudman, a KeyBank executive and ideastream board member. He and husband Alvin McCray share their journey to start a biological family through surrogacy during a time before marriage equality existed.
“As Cleveland’s hometown bank, KeyBank is a strong supporter of the city’s LGBTQ community, and we’re proud to see one of our own team members and his family featured in this important film,” said Kip Clarke, KeyBank’s Cleveland Market President. “Bringing the screening of this historical documentary to Cleveland is one way that KeyBank can give back to our neighbors while honoring our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
KeyBank’s Rudman said he is honored that his family could play a small role in helping to tell the story of the LGBTQ movement, both nationally and locally.
“I am proud to call Cleveland my hometown, and the screening was just a small way to honor and commemorate the progress made in our own backyard. And, Alvin and I believe that celebrating any and all LGBTQ stories helps change the hearts and minds of the larger community in the continued pursuit of equal rights for all,” said Rudman.
The screening is complimentary but tickets must be reserved in advance online at playhousesquare.org/events/detail/the-pursuit.
“We decided to make the documentary screening a complimentary community event to make it more accessible to more people,” said Mary Grace Herrington, ideastream’s Chief Development Officer. “By lifting the ticket fee, we hope this makes it easier for all to come together, celebrate Cleveland Pride and reflect on the history of LGBTQ civil rights.”
Following the 6:30 p.m. screening, guests are invited to stay for a Q&A and panel discussion moderated by 90.3 WCPN Senior Reporter/Producer, David C. Barnett. Panelists include:
- Esther Baruja - Minister, United Church of Christ, Archwood UCC church; Equality Ohio Volunteer
- Greggor Mattson - Associate Professor of Sociology, Oberlin College; Chair, Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies Program
- Alvin McCray - Marketing and Communications specialist focused on pharmaceutical communications; Marketing Co-Chair, 2016 HRC Cleveland Gala; featured in The Pursuit along with husband, Jason Rudman, and son
- Mason Caminiti - Claims Adjuster, Progressive Insurance; Gay Games 9 participant; Ambassador, Athlete Ally
For those unable to attend the screening or who want to catch an encore of The Pursuit, the documentary airs on WVIZ/PBS on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 10:30 p.m.
Event details:
- Screening: The Pursuit: 50 years in the Fight for LGBT Rights
- Date/Time: Friday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
- Information and tickets: ideastream.org/thepursuit
- Hosted by: WVIZ/PBS ideastream and sponsored by KeyBank
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About ideastream
The mission of ideastream is to strengthen our communities. ideastream pursues this mission as a multiple media public service organization by providing distinctive, thought-provoking programs and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain.
About KeyCorp
KeyCorp was organized more than 160 years ago and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, Key had assets of approximately $98.4 billion at March 31, 2016. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to individuals and small and mid-sized businesses in 12 states under the name KeyBank National Association. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.