Dive into lesbian bar culture with BABY, YOU ARE MY RELIGION, a documentary based on Marie Cartier’s book. Uncover how these bars provided refuge, self-expression, and activism for gay women from the 1940s to 1980s. Gain insight into LGBTQ history through firsthand accounts and a post-screening panel discussion with host Dr. Marie Cartier and special guests from the film.

To access Whammy! use our cross-street Rampart: From the 101 heading South, exit Benton, turn left, right on Marathon, left on Rampart. Whammy! will be on the right. Parking in the lot is drop-off only; no parking onsite.

Rampart has a steep hill that must be used when street parking near the intersection of Sunset & Rampart. Restroom is not wheelchair accessible.

Doors open at 7:30. Screening begins at 8:00 PM.

About the Programmer

Dr. Marie Cartier is a historian, writer, artist, and activist whose work focuses on the intersections of identity, social justice, and spirituality. Her groundbreaking book, Baby You Are My Religion: Women, Gay Bars, and Theology Before Stonewall explores the important role that lesbian bars played as alternate church spaces for the LGBTQ community pre- and post-Stonewall. As an accomplished artist and ritualist, Dr. Cartier’s work explores the gay bar as geography for social change-making and community building. 

Kimberly Esslinger, a digital media artist, poet, and producer, focuses on sharing stories of lesbians and queer women. She directed “Homofiles Presents: Baby, You Are My Religion,” and produced the acclaimed “Real Live Lesbian Pulp with Dr. Marie Cartier.” Now creating the podcast “DYKE DIVE,” she’s an organizer and activist dedicated to social justice and amplifying queer voices.

This program is organized by Kimberly Esslinger as part of the 2023 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.

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  A VHS store and microcinema located on Sunset in Los Angeles, specializing in rare, hard to find films, screenings, events and tape preservation.