In honor of the 50th anniversary of Dr. John Fryer's iconic speech at the 1972 meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, the CURED team invites you to a special private virtual screening of CURED, which has been described as “fascinating” (Hollywood Reporter), “riveting” (The Queer Review) and “astonishingly rich ... one of the best documentaries of this or any year" (British Film Institute). This award-winning documentary chronicles the battle waged by a small group of activists who declared war against a formidable institution — and won a crucial victory in the modern movement for LGBTQ equality.
CURED will be available to stream online from May 3-May 8. On the "Q&A" tab, you can find a recording of the live discussion about the film, moderated by activist Melissa Kiguwa and featuring the film's co-directors, Bennett Singer and Patrick Sammon; friend of Dr. John Fryer, Dr. Karen Kelly; and psychiatrist Dr. Jack Drescher. Click on the "Q&A" tab above to watch the discussion.
On May 2nd, 2022, the Advocate published an op-ed piece by CURED co-directors Patrick Sammon and Bennett Singer. Their commentary offers a reflection on the electrifying speech that Dr. John Fryer gave 50 years ago at the 1972 APA convention — a moment that Patrick and Bennett describe as "an arresting piece of political theater and an unlikely turning point in the movement for LGBTQ+ equality and dignity."
The New York Times also featured a piece about Dr. Fryer on the 50th anniversary of his iconic speech. This article mentions CURED.
Making History
Until 1973, the medical establishment classified every gay person — no matter how well-adjusted — as the victim of a disease. As long as lesbians and gay men were “sick,” progress toward equality was impossible. CURED takes viewers inside the David-versus-Goliath battle that led the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to remove homosexuality from its manual of mental illnesses.
Even though this film highlights a story from the past, it offers lessons that are profoundly relevant today. This film reveals how a handful of determined individuals can create lasting social change.
