Stonewall National Museum Welcomes Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian in Conversation & Film Screening

Stonewall National Museum Welcomes Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian in Conversation & Film Screening 

Following her recent induction into Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s (SNMAL) ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ exhibit, renowned singer-songwriter Janis Ian is back at the Museum for a screening of her documentary film, ‘Janis Ian: Breaking Silence’ as well as conversation and audience Q&A Sunday, April 26th 5pm ET as part of Wilton Women’s Week and presented by Stonewall National Women’s Fund. 

 

“We are welcoming Janis back to SNMAL as a family member and supporter of the work we do here. Her unique talents as a song writer and singer are an integral part of the culture we celebrate,” said Robert Kesten, President and CEO. “Her artistry and commitment to advocacy energize every room she enters, reminding us of our own potential.” 

 

Best known for her 60’s and 70’s hits ‘Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking)’ and ‘At Seventeen,’ Grammy-Winner Janis Ian’s timeless hits sparked controversy for their unflinching commentary and criticism of American culture. She was one of Saturday Night Live’s first musical guests, with ‘At Seventeen’ still being covered by top performers today. A proud lesbian, Ian came out in 1993 with the release of her album ‘Breaking Silence.’ She is also a regular columnist in The Advocate, as well as author. 

 

 In 2024, her life story was memorialized in the documentary ‘Janis Ian: Breaking Silence,’ showcasing the industry impact of her songs, her search for identity, and the various paths she’s traveled in her career. 

 

Kesten added, “People like Janis foster positive change. Despite intense societal pushback throughout her life, she persevered, cementing herself as a fighter and icon in the LGBTQ+ and women's communities. We look forward to what will surely be a sold-out event.”

 

There will be light refreshments, a brief live musical tribute by South Florida vocalist Heather Craig, a display of archival items, tribute wall, and more, all honoring the power of women’s voices, truth-telling, and the stories that shaped us.

 

Janis Ian – Breaking Silence Film & Musical Tribute will be held:

• Sunday, April 26th
• 5pm ET
• Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library: 1300 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
• Tickets: https://swshop.stonewall-museum.org/product/janis-ian-breaking-silence-film-musical-tribute/ 
• For more information: https://stonewall-museum.org/janis-ian-breaking-silence-film-musical-tribute/ 

 

About Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library:

Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library is one of the largest and most significant LGBTQ+ museums and archives and has carried the name Stonewall for more consecutive years than any other organization in the world. For more than five decades, SNMAL has fought for equality by tirelessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC, mobilizing educators in its national education project, recognizing leaders and heroes and providing an inexhaustible historic record of achievements, even in the face of prejudice and hate. SNMAL houses millions of pages of records and materials available to the media, drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today. 

  

Major support for the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.