Holyoke Pride to host ‘1946’ screening and Q&A with Mary Lambert

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Pride Committee is showcasing a special screening of the acclaimed documentary, “1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture,” followed by a live Q&A with the film’s composer, multi-platinum artist and LGBTQIA+ advocate, Mary Lambert.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at the Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine St. Tickets are available on a sliding scale with a $25 minimum.

Senior and student tickets are available at a reduced cost. Readers can get tickets at holyokepride.org/1946.

“1946” explores how the word “homosexual” was first introduced into the Revised Standard Version of the Bible in 1946, a translation decision that helped shape decades of misunderstanding, stigma and harm toward LGBTQIA+ people.

Through the work of researchers, historians and faith leaders, the film traces the origins of this mistranslation and its lasting cultural impact.
The screening is part of Holyoke Pride’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, community-centered programming that encourages dialogue, education and connection across diverse audiences, according to event organizers.

Following the screening, attendees will engage directly with Lambert during a live Q&A, offering deeper insight into the film’s themes of faith, identity and resilience.

In a press release, Lambert shared a message ahead of the event on April 16 to show her excitement and share her thoughts about the project and its impact.

“Bad theology has been used as a justification for discriminating against queer people for generations,” Lambert said, “and the religious trauma for so many of us in the queer community is incredibly painful.”

Lambert also reflected on her time putting together the music for the documentary, stating, “I loved composing this music. It was life-changing from the beginning, just learning about this documentary that actually found concrete evidence for what so many of us already knew, that God’s love is universal and is not restricted to straight people, and anything that contradicts that truth is the work of human error and bigotry. Can’t wait to share it with you all.”

The event also serves as a fundraiser supporting Holyoke Pride’s year-round programming, which continues to grow in scope and impact each year, according to the organization.

The program is also supported in part by the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which is a state agency.

The Holyoke Pride Committee is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride in Holyoke through inclusive events for the community.