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When I’m Her follows the double life of a dancer who inhabits an alter ego. A luminary figure at American Ballet Theatre in New York, Michael Cusumano had a stellar career ahead of him, but after past trauma prevented him from realizing his artistic and professional potential, he finds refuge and liberation by becoming Russian ballet instructor Madame Olga, the mentor he never had for himself.
Available to watch by 6/21/26
Frustrated by the lack of representation in the media, a group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists launched The 19th*, a digital news startup whose work is guided by elevating the voices often left out of the American story. Watch on-demand through 5/19/24.
Independent Lens: Breaking the News follows the launch of The 19th*, a news startup that seeks to change the white, male-dominated news industry, asking who’s been omitted from mainstream coverage and how to include them. Bringing the viewer right into the newsroom during tense moments as the startup launches in a pandemic amid rising social unrest, the film provides an inside view of what it takes to challenge the status quo and break the mold in American media.
Shot over three years, the film documents the honest discussions at The 19th* around race and gender equity, revealing that change doesn’t come easy, and showcases how they confront these challenges both as a workplace and in their journalism. But this film is about more than a newsroom; it’s about America in flux and the voices that are often left out of the American story.
Frustrated by the lack of representation in the media, a group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists launched The 19th*, a digital news startup whose work is guided by elevating the voices often left out of the American story.
Independent Lens: Breaking the News airs Monday, February 19 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
Independent Lens: Breaking the News follows the launch of The 19th*, a news startup that seeks to change the white, male-dominated news industry, asking who’s been omitted from mainstream coverage and how to include them. Bringing the viewer right into the newsroom during tense moments as the startup launches in a pandemic amid rising social unrest, the film provides an inside view of what it takes to challenge the status quo and break the mold in American media.
Shot over three years, the film documents the honest discussions at The 19th* around race and gender equity, revealing that change doesn’t come easy, and showcases how they confront these challenges both as a workplace and in their journalism. But this film is about more than a newsroom; it’s about America in flux and the voices that are often left out of the American story.
Photo: Reporter Kate Sosin contemplating at desk • Credit: Heather Courtney
Watch the Trailer:
Photo from Breaking the News – Independent Lens
Join WXXI for a special FREE screening and discussion of Breaking the News, a film by Heather Courtney, Princess Hairston, Chelsea Hernandez, and Diane M Quon. Frustrated by the lack of representation in the media, a group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists launched The 19th*, a digital news startup whose work is guided by elevating the voices often left out of the American story.
Indie Lens Pop-Up presents this free screening:
On Monday, February 26 at 6:30-8:30 p.m.
At The Little Theatre, Theatre 5
240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
The film will be followed by a panel discussion.
Moderator: Jasmin Singer is the host of WXXI’s Weekend Edition and Environmental Connections, as well as a guest host for Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Connections.
Panelists include: Vanessa J. Cheek, vice president of social media and marketing for Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ) and communications manager for Rochester’s Police Accountability Board; and Arien Rozelle, M.S., APR, Assistant Professor, Department of Media and Communications St. John Fisher University; Brianna Milon, a Communications Specialist with Action for a Better Community and a media professional who has worked in both radio and TV news.
Watch the Trailer:
Learn More: Film Website
PBS Independent Lens: Breaking the News
About Indie Lens Pop-Up
Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS’s INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup
Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS App. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens.
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
American Masters – Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock and Roll airs Thursday, July 11 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.
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.
Louise Hay creates a space for healing as the AIDS epidemic takes hold in “Another Hayride”; a 19-year-old nonbinary trans boy is caught between his family’s expectations and his dreams of living life happily ever after in “To the Future, With Love.”. Or on WXXI’s PBS Player.
Stories of self acceptance and finding joy.
Actor Dyllón Burnside hosts Prideland, which opens a window into the world of modern-day LGBTQ+ life in America. Watch the 6-part series at the Playlist Above. Or on WXXI’s PBS Player.
Prideland is a short-form digital series following host and actor Dyllón Burnside (from FX’s “Pose”) on a journey across the South. The six-episode short-form series launched on PBS Voices, a documentary-focused YouTube Channel by PBS Digital Studios
Produced by Tiny Horse, the series highlights authentic personal stories brought to life through Burnside’s curious, exploratory lens. As an LGBTQ+ advocate, he guides viewers into the South’s various LGBTQ+ communities, connecting with people of different backgrounds, locations, experiences and points of view.
“Being a queer boy raised in the South, I had distinct memories of feeling like I could never be my authentic-self there, so I left seeking acceptance and affirming communities. But I never left my southern roots,” Burnside said. “I wanted to go back as an adult and see if things had changed, and I’m proud to report that they have. Although there are still many challenges for queer folks in the south, which is home to more LGBTQ+ adults than anywhere else in the U.S., I’m in awe of everyone I met who are creating change in their communities. I believe that authenticity is a superpower, and these queer heroes and allies are truly inspirational.”
Prideland addresses how and why attitudes towards the community have changed, the ongoing challenges still faced by LGBTQ+ people, as well as stories of celebration and the vital role of allies. In their own voices, members of these communities answer questions that help to create real understanding of who they are and what it means to be their authentic selves in the places they call home.
Only 17% of LGBTQ+ employees strongly agree that their organization cares about their well-being. 21% think that their companies would do the right thing if challenged about an LGBTQ+ issue. Should companies invest in LGBTQ+-affirming workplaces? Doni discusses this matter with LGBTQ+ Affirming and Subject Matter specialist, Sheena Barnes. 10/13/23 episode of TO THE POINT WITH DONI MILLER
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