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'Esther Newton Made Me Gay' Virtual Screenings In Honor of Pride Month

Free and On-Demand Through Tues June 30th

Esther Newton Made Me Gay - At a moment when LGBTQ+ histories and identities are increasingly contested, this film offers a vital portrait of one of the scholars who helped transform how we understand gender and sexuality. Directed by Jean Carlomusto, the film follows pioneering cultural anthropologist Esther Newton — iconic butch lesbian, dog agility enthusiast, and trailblazing thinker — as she reflects on a lifetime spent challenging conventions. From discovering gay life in the 1950s to shaping the foundations of LGBTQ and Gender Studies, Esther’s story connects personal resilience with political change. Through humor, vulnerability, and the physical demands of competitive dog agility, the film reveals how identity is forged through persistence, community, and the courage to live openly against the odds. (2022, 92 min, Director: Jean Carlomusto) (Trailer)

"This is an amazing documentary about history, huge achievements, relationships, and competence. It will make you emotional, enthralled, and excited. A true embodiment of strength and endurance. To see the world through Esther’s eyes is a true privilege."

- Cassandra W, Lesflick

“Inspired by Margaret Mead and Gertrude Stein, Newton forged a path for queer studies in academia, writing about drag artists and gender roles. Esther Newton Made Me Gay celebrates the life, loves, and influence of this pioneering figure in queer studies.”

- Garry M. Kramer, Gay City News

https://watch.eventive.org/workersunitefilmfest2026 

or bit.ly/WatchWUFF15

To watch, all you need is a free login on Eventive (you'll be prompted when getting a ticket). Once adding a film to your account, you can also choose to watch on your TV by downloading the "Eventive TV" app.

This virtual screening is sponsored in part by the DC Labor Film Fest and the Global Labor Film Festival Network.

Thank You to Our Early Season 15 Sponsors!

You make all these screenings possible.

Interested in becoming a supporter? Email andrew@workersuniteff.org

Season 15 Designs Are In On Good Press

New Union Cooperative Print Shop

Click on the images or go to shop.goodpress.coop/collections/wuff

Merchandise from the festival web store makes a perfect gift for labor loving friends and family.

Prefer to donate? Every tax-deductible donation of $35 or more allows you to select a beautiful 2026 festival tee shirt, mug, hat, or shopping tote to receive as a thank you. Just indicate the items that you want in the notes area.

Submissions Are Now Open for the WUFF15 Main Festival 10/23-11/5/26

Late Deadline: July 15th

bit.ly/SubmitWUFF15

Films are accepted in the following categories, from anywhere in the globe (English language or subtitles):

• Documentary Short
• Narrative Short
• Documentary Feature (50 min or more)
• Narrative Feature (50 min or more)
• Working Lives Screenplay Competition
• Films from the Frontlines (3-15 min)

You must have an account with Film Freeway to submit your work through their website at https://filmfreeway.com/TheWorkersUniteFilmFestival

If you need assistance or have further questions about fees, deadlines, or content requirements, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at melanie@workersuniteff.org or 646-455-2225.



Congratulations, #WUFF14 Winners!

Check out the featured winners on our homepage and a full listing with trailers in our last blog post.

Missed the Season 14 Festival? You can watch all trailers below.

Your Support Means More Screenings and Special Events Throughout the Year

bit.ly/DonateWUFF15

Every $35 donation is a huge help and gets you a 2025 T-shirt, hat, or tote bag as a thank you if you so wish.

Your donations support our work to keep workers voices in the spotlight whenever possible, from our main film festival every season to special events year-round.