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.
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
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.
EZRA • The Little Theatre • June 3-13
WXXI and The Golisano Foundation are pleased to be a community partner in the presentation of this film as part of the Move to Include™ initiative.
EZRA screens June 3 through June 13 at The Little Theatre at 240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY.
A touching portrait of family and friendship, EZRA follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne).
When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Directed by Tony Goldwyn, who also appears in the film alongside additional cast members Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra is an endearing and often funny exploration of a family determined to find their way through life’s complexities with humor, compassion, and heart.
Understanding Autism • WXXI-TV
Filmmaker Scott Steindorff learns about autism.
Understanding Autism airs Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.
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.
his program is presented as part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 13-19, 2025
WXXI and Al Sigl have been hosting Dialogue on Disability since 2005. In 2014, with the support of businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include™ was formed. This initiative enables WXXI to present and develop programming that promotes inclusion year round.
Photo: Scott Steindorff
Provided by PBS
Becoming Frida Kahlo • WXXI-TV
This final episode focuses on Frida Kahlo’s later life, including her affair with Leon Trotsky, her trip to Paris on the eve of World War II and her return to Mexico where she divorces then remarries Diego Rivera before her death.
Becoming Frida Kahlo airs Tuesday, July 2 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
See the major personal and political events of her life, including her stormy and devoted relationship with artist Diego Rivera, whom she married not once but twice. Watch On-Demand Here
This film is presented as part of Move to Include™ , a national initiative in partnership with WXXI and The Golisano Foundation that uses the power of public media to promote inclusion. Click here to learn more.
Great Performances at the Met: Carmen • WXXI-TV
Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut in this resetting of the classic story to the modern day.
Great Performances at the Met: Carmen airs Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, resetting the classic story to the modern day that moves the focus to issues that could not be more relevant today: gendered violence, abusive labor structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries. Young mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina leads a quartet of stars in the complex and volatile title role, alongside tenor Piotr Beczała as Carmen’s troubled lover Don José, soprano Angel Blue as the loyal Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Daniele Rustioni conducts Bizet’s score.
Photo: Aigul Akhmetshina as Carmen
Photo courtesy of The Met Opera