A Simple Matter of Justice
56m
Directed by JEB (Joan E. Biren) • Documentary • 1993 • 56 minutes
A powerful and moving piece documenting the LGBTQ+ movement for equality in the early 1990s, A Simple Matter of Justice: The 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation expresses all the emotions of the joyful protest that was the 1993 March on Washington. This feature-length film features sections on civil rights, AIDS and health care, the military, and families are woven together from coverage of the music, comedy, speeches and marchers. Performers include Melissa Etheridge, RuPaul, BETTY, Holly Near and The Flirtations. Martina Navratilova, Sir Ian McKellan, Rev. Ben Chavis, and Eartha Kitt are just a few of the speakers.
With modern-day progressive and queer movements under attack and taking to the streets, this film dives into the history of an historic march with nearly 1,000,000 participants, allowing a new generation to learn about queer activism from nearly 25 years ago.
“This is a wonderful film by the exceptional documentary artist Joan E. Biren (JEB), who has captured the passion, power, and incredible frolic that is the hallmark of queer political marches. This video would be an awesome teaching tool for college classrooms. It carefully maps out the issues facing the LGBT community and our fierce unwavering commitment to ensuring political justice.” —Arlene Istar Lev, Adjunct Faculty SUNY Albany, School of Social Welfare