A new documentary about embracing your passions and becoming the person of your dreams, based on the life of James Broughton, a California native who would have been 100 years old this year and a most unique voice in queer liberation.

"Follow Your Own Weird" was the maxim by which James Broughton (1913-1999) lived each and every day. A pre-Beat-era poet, underground filmmaker, lover, gay man and artist who dared to live boldly and experiment wildly, Broughton is the subject of the documentary film, Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton. Whether as an out poet during the oppressive and anti-gay McCarthy era or as the bard of the modern gay rights movement, James' expansive life inspired thousands towards "Big Joy".

Film and poetry weren't the only ways James manifested art and beauty into being. He was a charter member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a queer service organization, giving to the community for many years as Sister Sermonetta of the Holy Phallus. James was also an early bard of the Radical Faeries, a counter-cultural movement that redefined queer identity through spirituality. In 1988, he acted as San Francisco Pride Festival's Grand Marshall. Even in times of extreme oppression, James acted openly and with joy. “There was a time when being gay was not only shunned, it was punished,” said co-director Eric Slade. “our story depicts this time period and the triumph of one who lived through and beyond such oppression.” Presented by:

West Hollywood City Council Chambers

625 N. San Vicente Blvd.

West Hollywood

Admission - Free (suggested donation of $5-$20)

www.bigjoy.org  

June 10, 2014 at 8 pm. Film contains nudity and explicit content.

Free validated parking will be provided for the 5-story West Hollywood Public/Park Parking Structure on El Tovar Place