A short documentary exploring the life and legacy of queer Latinx civil rights leader Gloria Casarez. Produced over the course of a decade, the film traces Gloria’s journey from her childhood in “the Badlands" of Philadelphia, to grassroots organizer in the anti-poverty and HIV/AIDS movements, to her historic appointment as the city’s first Director of LGBT Affairs. Told through a rich blend of personal archives and voices from her community, the film captures how Gloria’s "boots on the ground" philosophy broke down barriers to ensure everyone had a seat at the table and how her legacy serves as a blueprint to continue the fight against the erasure of marginalized communities.

The Gloria! Project (2026)

Engage. Find your voice. Expand your community.

October 3, 2026 28 min

Director: Kelly Burkhardt, Kemar Jewel

A short documentary exploring the life and legacy of queer Latinx civil rights leader Gloria Casarez. Produced over the course of a decade, the film traces Gloria’s journey from her childhood in “the Badlands" of Philadelphia, to grassroots organizer in the anti-poverty and HIV/AIDS movements, to her historic appointment as the city’s first Director of LGBT Affairs. Told through a rich blend of personal archives and voices from her community, the film captures how Gloria’s "boots on the ground" philosophy broke down barriers to ensure everyone had a seat at the table and how her legacy serves as a blueprint to continue the fight against the erasure of marginalized communities.

Director

Kelly Burkhardt Kemar Jewel