Thursday June 16, 2016, WHYY, Equality Forum and Independence Visitor Center Corporation hosted the national premiere of The Pursuit: 50 Years In The Fight for LGBT Rights,
a documentary film produced and directed by Ilana Trachtman at the Indepence Visitor Center across from historical Independence Hall.
The Pursuit is a reflection on the fight for LGBT rights, more than 50 years since protesters gathered in front of Independence Hall and called for an end to discrimination against homosexuals. Contrasting stories from LGBT experiences past and present, a complex and vibrant picture emerges that demonstrates both how far the community has come and how far there is left to go.
Thanks to PhillyChitChat Mike Hirata for shooting this event.
The film highlights the powerful experiences of Gay Rights movement pioneers and feature interviews, archival images, and footage of such leading LGBTQ figures as Michael Palumbaro, founding member of the Gay Activist Alliance, and John James who marched in the first 1965 peaceful demonstrations at Independence Hall. 
Both the persistent discrimination against and the triumph of earned tolerance of the LGBTQ community will be explored through footage of 40 acclaimed LGBTQ activists, organization leaders, celebrities, and original protesters who will reenact the demonstrations at Independence Hall in July of 2015, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders. The Pursuit: 50 years in the Fight for LGBT Rights will air on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. on WHYY-TV.
Check out the preview video HERE
