The Lavender Scare

With the United States gripped in the panic of the 1950s Cold War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deemed homosexuals to be “security risks” and vowed to rid the federal government of all employees discovered to be gay or lesbian.

Over the next four decades, the longest witch-hunt in American history, tens of thousands of government workers would lose their jobs for no reason other than their sexual orientation.

But the mass firings had an unintended effect: they stirred outrage in the gay community, helped ignite the gay rights movement, and thrust an unlikely hero to the forefront of the
LGBTQ rights movement. Partly based on the award-winning book by historian David K. Johnson, The Lavender Scare illuminates a little-known chapter of American history and serves as a timely
reminder of the value of vigilance and social action when civil liberties are under attack.

Directed by Josh Howard. Narrated by Glenn Close. With the voices Cynthia Nixon, Zachary Quinto, T.R. Knight and David Hyde Pierce.

“The film is a documentary, but it builds with such suspense that it feels like a thriller.” -- Lois Reitzes, City Lights, WABE-FM Atlanta

“Josh Howard’s powerful film makes sure we don’t forget this lamentable time in history.” -- Jeffrey Hartinger, The Advocate

“An education for me and I suspect a lot of viewers. Amazing stuff.” -- Evan Dawson, Connections, WXXI-FM Rochester

“A fascinating documentary about a missing piece of our history.”
-- Greg Miraglia, Outbeat News, KRCB-FM, San Francisco

“Not only speaks to history, but also, with a single sentence at the end of the film, unites the entirety of The Lavender Scare with modern times.” -- Cole Seidner, Atlanta Jewish Times

“Completely engrossing… the film delivers its impact with honesty and heart.” --Andrea Meyerson, Gay Desert Guide, Palm Springs