Artists' Television Access

Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Achievement, Historical/Cultural Program

“Screaming Queens” tells the story of a little known but critical moment in San Francisco history that everyone should know about: Three years before the Stonewall rebellion in New York, a revolt occurred in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District at Compton’s Cafeteria. In August of 1966, transgender members of the community were fed up with police abuse and fought back, inducing a move toward justice by local community and government. “Screaming Queens” documents this remarkable act of bravery, and explains the resulting efforts towards social and economic equality for transgender people, connecting to the social justice movements of the 1960’s, and still resonating today.

This beautiful and inspiring film is essential viewing at this moment in history, with right-wing backlash against human rights being played out nationally and in California, where anti-queer groups are petitioning to overturn AB1266, a law that protects transgender school students.

The Compton’s rebellion is as important as any event in the civil rights movements, and is relevant to current times. We all need courage to stand up for our rights to privacy and to continue to live in San Francisco. “Screaming Queens” helps us to understand the history of San Francisco as a place where crucial social movements began. We need to preserve the revolutionary character of San Francisco as it’s threatened by economic forces that are reshaping the City. We need to support all members of our community, across the gender spectrum.

This film is important for everyone to see, because it fills a gap in historical knowledge. It also helps us to understand our city, queer rights, and human rights.

“Screaming Queens” can help us to be brave, and to uphold our right to just be who we are.

In conjunction with this screening, ATA gallery has a wall drawing that commemorates the Compton’s Cafeteria rebellion, by San Francisco artist Claire Bain. She organized this screening as part of a series of programs on Systems-Power-Identity. “Screaming Queens” gave her the courage to stand up for her own rights.

Susan Stryker, PhD  Is a historian, author, filmmaker, and Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Arizona. She has won a Lambda Literary Award for “The Transgender Studies Reader” and an Emmy for “Screaming Queens”

Victor Silverman, PhD Is Professor and Chair of the History Department at Pomona College. He is the author of several books, articles, plays, and screenplays, as well as having worked in theater and dance. He is the recipient of many awards, including an Emmy for “Screaming Queens.”