Millersville University’s free film series, “On Screen / In Person,” continues this week with a documentary film about transgender comedian Julia Scotti.
“Julia Scotti: Funny That Way” will be shown Wednesday evening at the Ware Center in downtown Lancaster. It is bracketed by a panel discussion beforehand, featuring local LBGTQ+ advocates; and a Q&A afterward with the documentary’s director, Susan Sandler, who will be there in person, and Scotti, who will appear via Zoom.
Scotti made the decision to transition from male to female at age 47, a choice that led to estrangement from her children. Subsequently, she left the stage and spent a decade teaching before deciding to perform again.
“Funny That Way,” the filmmakers say, “tracks Julia’s triumphant comeback and the complex process of reuniting with her children, as comedy becomes the shared language of identity, healing and joy.”
The panel discussion will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the following participants:
- Joanne M. Carroll (she/her/hers): Executive director, Trans Advocacy Pennsylvania; co-chair, Keystone Conference; commissioner, Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs; member, Penn Central Conference of the UCC Open and Affirming Ministry Team
- Rachel SteelHeart: Program director, Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition
- Blaise Liffick: Director of operations, Silent Witness
- J Whitlow (he/him): Director of campus life, Millersville University
The movie will be screened at 7 p.m., with Sandler and Scotti appearing at its conclusion.
The event is free, but tickets are recommended. For more information or to reserve tickets, click here.
