This powerful and important film is unusual in addressing an often hidden issue - lesbian battering. Produced by Minnesota's Casa de Esperanza (House of Hope), My Girlfriend Did It movingly sheds some much needed light on the dark world of women abusing women. Incredibly brave women risk their lives to share their stark stories of survival, bringing achingly personal histories to bear on the accompanying words of a range of professionals and community organizers. Together they put the lie to the commonly held myths that only men are abusers, and that battering is caused mainly by stress or having beenbattered oneself as a child. We are shown the many signs of abuse and the many forms it can take other than sheer physical violence, including isolation, intimidation and sleep deprivation. The intersections between abusive behavior and the realities of economic class, sex and race are explored, as is the reluctance of many of the abused women to come forward for fear of being outed as lesbians, or for lack of family support. The film, appropriately being screened during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is challenging, controversial and a must-see.
As part of this program, there will be a panel discussion after the film with a panel of experts on domestic violence. A Continuing Education Unit (C.E.U.) is available for mental health professionals under the auspices of the G.L.B.T.I. Domestic Violence Project and the Advocate Program. Call Sarah Lenett at 305-375-4448, Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00 PM, for more information. There will be a free reception following the film and the panel for all audience members, sponsored by Laurie B. Weiner and the Law Offices of Jeffrey Weiner, and hosted by Carol Fenster, L.C.S.W., Jeanne Lessner, L.C.S.W. and Debbie Franks, L.C.S.W.
11:00 AM Screening, panel and post-screening reception at the Regal
South Beach Cinema $10
Continuing education credits available for an additional $10 (payable
at the door only). To reserve a place for the entire event the $15
screening ticket can be purchased in advance through regular Festival outlets.
Community Co-Sponsor
G.L.B.T.I. Domestic Violence Project
Underwritten by
Laurie B. Weiner &
the Law Offices of Jeffrey Weiner
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