Celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month June 27-30 with Free Online Screenings of ‘Esther Newton Made Me Gay’
Watch On-Demand: https://watch.eventive.org/workersunitefilmfest2026
At a moment when LGBTQ+ histories and identities are increasingly contested, ESTHER NEWTON MADE ME GAY offers a vital portrait of one of the scholars who helped transform how we understand gender and sexuality. Directed by Jean Carlomusto, the film follows pioneering cultural anthropologist Esther Newton — iconic butch lesbian, dog agility enthusiast, and trailblazing thinker — as she reflects on a lifetime spent challenging conventions. From discovering gay life in the 1950s to shaping the foundations of LGBTQ and Gender Studies, Esther’s story connects personal resilience with political change. Through humor, vulnerability, and the physical demands of competitive dog agility, the film reveals how identity is forged through persistence, community, and the courage to live openly against the odds. (2022, 92 min) (Trailer)
"This is an amazing documentary about history, huge achievements, relationships, and competence. It will make you emotional, enthralled, and excited. A true embodiment of strength and endurance. To see the world through Esther’s eyes is a true privilege."
- Cassandra W, Lesflick
“Inspired by Margaret Mead and Gertrude Stein, Newton forged a path for queer studies in academia, writing about drag artists and gender roles. Esther Newton Made Me Gay celebrates the life, loves, and influence of this pioneering figure in queer studies.”
- Garry M. Kramer, Gay City News
You only need to create a free login on Eventive to watch. You can also download the Eventive app to your TV and log in there after adding the screening to your account.
This virtual screening is sponsored in part by the DC Labor Film Fest and the Global Labor Film Festival Network.
Congratulations to Our Season 14 Winners!
Submissions for Season 15 (Oct 23-Nov 5, 2026) Are Now Open
Best Documentary Feature
Baristas vs Billionaires - Directed by Mark Mori
Honorable Mention • Documentary Feature
Threads Of A Revolution - Directed by Danny Mitchell and Ross Domoney
Best Narrative Feature
Rosinante - Directed by Baran Gunduzalp
Honorable Mention • Narrative Feature
LILLY - Directed by Rachel Feldman
Best Narrative Short
Gold Status - Directed by Charles Haine
Best Documentary Short
Bev Grant: A Lifetime Of Liberation - Directed by Agitator Index
Best Film from the Frontlines
Public Good: A Fight for Democracy (Cricket) - Directed by Thien Dinh
Special Jury Award (Feature)
Heart & Soul: A Love Story - Directed by Kenny Vance
Special Jury Award (Short)
Interwoven - Directed by Dawn Carpenter
Missed the Season 14 Festival? You can watch all trailers below:
Thank You to Our Season 14 Sponsors!
Interested in sponsoring the main festival this October? Email andrew@workersuniteff.org or message us here.
Season 14 Designs Are Up On Worx!
New Union Cooperative Print Shop
Click on the images or go to shop.worxprinting.coop/collections/wuff
About the Festival
The Workers Unite Film Festival, now in its 15th season, is a celebration of Global Labor Solidarity. The Festival aims to showcase student and professional films from the United States and around the world which publicize and highlight the struggles, successes and daily lives of all workers in their efforts to unite and organize for better living conditions and social justice.
WUFF brings together activists, academics, and filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds for a celebration of social justice and the arts. Through dozens of documentary screenings, community forums, and interactive events across New York City, the festival provides working people with a platform to tell their stories while leading a movement for meaningful change. In recent years, we've incorporated theater production, live music, and poetry/spoken word nights. We are the largest worker solidarity themed film festival in the nation and the only one in NYC, with the full support of NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, NYC Central Labor Council, National & New York State AFL-CIO, IBEW Local 3, PEF, 1199SEIU, The Puffin Foundation, The NY Labor History Association, UA Local 1 Plumbers, UFT, NYSNA, NY District Council of Carpenters, RWDSU, Workers United NY & NJ, and many more.
We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
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Visit apogeehealthdirect.com to set up a demo, explore the enrollment portal, and watch additional videos.
WUFF15 Submissions for 2026 Are Open!
The festival screens documentaries, narratives, features, and shorts from all over the world (English language or subtitles), as well as screenplays. You must have an account with Film Freeway to submit your work through their website.
Promotional Videos:
2019 promo trailer documenting the variety of events during the most recent film festival.
The Workers Unite Film Festival is proud to be a part of the Global Labor Film Festival, recognized by the afl-cio. See the complete list here.
The 15th Workers Unite Film Festival is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and administered by LMCC.
wuff is Honored to have received a 2019 Manhattan Community Award Program (MCAP) Grant from the Manhattan Borough President’s Office.
honored to have received the 2019 Harry Kelber Fellowship Award from the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, SUNY Empire State University.
