Nevada City, CA – Nevada County Pride and Onyx Downtown are proud to present a special screening of internationally award-winning Surviving the Silence, an inspiring documentary that tells the powerful story of love, resilience, and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. This fundraising event will take place on Tuesday, April 29th, at the Nevada Theatre, Nevada City, CA 95959. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the film beginning at 7:00 PM. The screening will be followed by a conversation with the film maker, Cindy L. Abel, and the two women profiled in the film, Colonel Pat Thompson and her wife, Barbara Brass.

This all-age special evening will not only showcase an award-winning film but also serve as a vital fundraiser for Nevada County Pride, supporting ongoing efforts to uplift and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada County. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with fellow community members, learn more about local LGBTQ+ initiatives, and contribute to an important cause.

Surviving the Silence reveals the hidden history of military discrimination and the courageous fight for justice, centered around the story of two women whose love and commitment shaped a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ rights. The film is a moving testament to the power of truth and perseverance.

Two women in love are surviving the demands of a closeted military career when one is forced to expel an Army hero for being a lesbian. The way she does it, however, leads to re- instatement and eventual change in military policy.

During a time when gays weren’t allowed in the US military, Colonel Patsy Thompson presided over the board that dismissed Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer for being a lesbian, forcing her to confront her own secret and moral dilemma: she too was a lesbian. Cammermeyer had revealed she was a lesbian during a security interview and was expelled. Her memoir was adapted as a 1995 television movie, executive-produced by Barbra Streisand, but Thompson’s story remained hidden… until now.

Thompson and her wife also candidly share how they wrestled with heart-wrenching choices in public and private, hiding their relationship, speaking in code on the phone and struggling to protect their love while preserving Thompson’s career. Also features Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer; Mary Newcombe, Cammermeyer’s attorney, and Eric Fanning, first openly gay Secretary of the US Army and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

“Nevada County Pride invites all supporters, allies, and community members to join us for this unforgettable evening. At a time when civil rights are being stripped away from the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups by the new federal government administration, this film reminds us of how far we have come and how easily these hard- fought rights can be taken away. It is now more important than ever to come together and stand up together” says Board Chair, Rick Partridge.

With all proceeds going to Nevada County Pride, tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at https://www.theonyxtheatre.com/movies/1000020103-surviving- the-silence/

Genre: Documentary Director: Cindy L. Abel

Cast: Col Patsy Thompson, Barbara Brass, Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer; Mary Newcombe, (Cammermeyer’s attorney), Eric Fanning (first openly gay Secretary of the US Army, Deputy Secretary of Defense)

Additional information about the film is at www.survivingthesilence.com.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/582721569?share=copy#t=0

Details:

Surviving the Silence Screening (1hr 20 min) followed by Panel Q&A

April 29, 2025

7:00 (Doors at 6:30) Tickets: $15.00 Nevada Theatre

401 Broad St. Nevada City, CA 95959