The Lavender Scare Film Screening

When:
November 13,2025 – November 13,2025 all-day
Where:
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum
575 3rd Street NW

In partnership with the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, The Lavender Scare tells the powerful, little-known story of the U.S. government’s decades-long campaign to identify and dismiss federal employees suspected of being homosexual. Sparked by President Eisenhower’s 1953 executive order deeming gay men and lesbians a security threat, this chilling witch hunt led to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs and lives upended.

The film follows Harvard-trained astronomer Frank Kameny, who became the first person to challenge his dismissal and became a pivotal figure in the early LGBTQ rights movement.

Following the screening, there will be a conversation with acclaimed author Thomas Mallon, civil rights advocate Matt Nosanchuk, and Dr. Sarah Leavitt, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Capital Jewish Museum.

More info here.