There are all sorts of things people can be proud of: a decision, an accomplishment, or standing up and being true to who they are. Palestinian Muslim Eman finds the best tool to defy cultural stereotypes; April shares the relief & redemption of living an authentic self; and Jay comes out and receives surprising reactions. Three stories, three interpretations of PRIDE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.
The Whistle: On-Demand
THE WHISTLE tells the fascinating story of a secret code created by and shared among young lesbians in 1970s & 80s Albuquerque, New Mexico as a means of self-identification and finding community. The first-person film documents and reveals both humorous and heartbreaking stories, often told by participants in the same breath.
Available to watch on-demand through 5/1/25.
Brave Spaces: Video Shorts On-Demand
Brave Spaces explores courageous LGBTQ+ stories of triumph in spaces and because of them. Host Devin-Norelle (ze|zim) explores LGBTQ+ stories of triumph, transformation, and celebration in Brave Spaces. From book clubs and sports leagues to places of worship and the great outdoors, Devin-Norelle meets courageous heroes who, in the face of efforts to exclude Queer voices, are standing up to centuries of hate in order to shape a world where love always wins. The series is hosted by Devin-Norelle, a model, trans advocate and writer. See the series playlist above. The series is part of the PBS Voices collection in the PBS Digital Studios. Or on WXXI’s PBS Player site.
Casa Susanna On-Demand
American Experience: Casa Susanna: In the 1950s and ’60s, an underground network of transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge at a house in the Catskills region of New York. Known as Casa Susanna, the house provided a safe place to express their true selves.
Available to watch on-demand through 6/26/26.
Fantastic New York • On-Demand
Discover the Fantastic New York you never knew!
The mystery, the adventure, the surprise and delight behind some of our state’s most intriguing people, sites and stories.
Watch the First Episode: Fantastic New York: Boldt Castle: Fresh off of producing the award-winning documentary, Journeys Through the Finger Lakes, WXXI Public Media producers and hosts Jason Milton and Katie Epner dig deeper to divulge the enduring stories that embody the strange and unique personality of our state. Discover the Fantastic New York you never knew and experience the crazy history lesson you always wish you had.
Understanding Autism • On-demand
Filmmaker Scott Steindorff learns about Autism.
Watch Understanding Autism through 5/1/27.
Understanding Autism follows filmmaker Scott Steindorff as he aims to discover more about his own autism. Speaking to autistic people all across the spectrum, he seeks to reframe the perception of autism by focusing on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment by highlighting the amazing talents and love of neurodiversity.
Photo: Scott Steindorff
Provided by PBS
Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators
Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators offers a series of digital media resources to help teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, and other educators understand and effectively address the complex and difficult issues faced by LGBTQ students.
The collection includes a growing set of curriculum resources, designed to integrate LGBTQ+ history and narratives into US History and English classrooms. These resources are aligned with a curriculum guide developed by the New York City Department of Education’s Social Studies department called Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History. Hidden Voices examines individuals who questioned and broke the normed expectations of gender and/or sexuality, and who were therefore often “hidden” from the traditional historical record. These individuals influenced the social, political, cultural, and economic landscape of the United States in so many ways, and their contributions continue to shape our collective history and identity. A collection of 20 lesson plans that build on content found in the Hidden Voices curriculum guide is also available.
Note: Be sure to preview this material before using this content with your students.
Other resources, intended for use in teacher professional development settings or with GSAs, feature short segments of video content from WNET’s groundbreaking LGBTQ series First Person, a digital series that delivers candid personal narratives illustrating larger conversations about gender, sexuality, social norms, and identity development.
All video content is scaffolded by a suite of materials (informational text, conversation guides, discussion questions, and teaching tips) to facilitate their use in either classroom or professional development settings. The videos and accompanying educational resources are designed to help promote understanding, awareness, and self-esteem.
Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll • On-Demand
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
Watch On-Demand through 7/20/2024: American Masters – Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll
American Masters – Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll explores the music icon’s influence and advocacy for the rights of Black artists and features interviews with Keith Richards, Ringo Starr, Big Freedia and more.
A fearless pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll who broke the color barrier in the 1950s with hits like “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally,” Little Richard defined a genre and inspired generations by defying societal expectations. Charting the meteoric rise of the artist who counted The Beatles and the Rolling Stones as his opening acts, American Masters – Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll provides an intimate exploration of the renowned, electrifying and multifaceted individual.