Project overview Iris in the Community was a Big Lottery funded project which ran from 2015 -2018. Its aims were to work with communities across Wales to make their own film and deliver their own mini-Iris film festival utilising films from our back catalogue. During the life of the project we engaged with 30 groups … More
Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) was founded in 2014, holding its first one-off screening in September of that year and 3 annual Festivals since then. Attendance has grown from 1801 at our first festival in 2015 to 4609 in 2017 (a 156% increase). SQIFF’s audiences are made up of diverse LGBTQ+ communities and a … More
Project overview In February, Into Film organised a UK-wide season of schools screenings to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month. Films selected by exhibitors in the programme from a curated package included: Before Stonewall, The Greatest Showman, Love, Simon, Moonlight and Tomboy. Aims To evaluate the Spring Screenings, Into Film used the generic model for Screening … More
February is LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate the rich histories, creativity, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and gender‑diverse communities. Cinemas and film exhibitors can play an important role in visibility, education and inclusion.
Ways to get involved:
Screen diverse films: Highlight stories by and about LGBTQI+ people — including trans and non‑binary filmmakers and characters — past and present.
Host events: Organise discussions, Q&As, or panels that explore LGBTQI+ history, current issues and lived experiences.
Create inclusive spaces: Ensure your venue is safe, accessible and welcoming for all LGBTQI+ audiences and staff.
Partner locally: Work with LGBTQI+ organisations to support community events and amplify LGBTQI+ voices.
Context on transgender inclusion (UK):
Transgender and non‑binary people in the UK continue to face significant legal, social and healthcare challenges. Recent legal rulings have narrowed the legal recognition of gender under equality law, and many trans people report difficulty accessing public spaces and healthcare services, as well as high levels of harassment and a sense of insecurity in daily life. Polling has found a majority of trans people feel unsafe in public and face significant barriers to basic services and facilities [1].
By centering LGBTQI+ history and acknowledging the lived realities of trans communities today, cinemas can both celebrate diversity and show solidarity with audiences who continue to fight for equal rights and recognition.
[1] https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/10/27/trans-poll-uk-yougov-goodlaw-project
This presentation is aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the lived experiences of trans people. It was made by Mark Williams from Equiversal.
This is a report on how to support black and minority ethnic trans people.
This 2018 report is called “LGBT in Britain: Trans Report” and published by LGBTQ+ organisation Stonewall. It looks at the experiences of trans and gender non-binary identifying people in the United Kingdom.
Arts Council Wales have put together an equality guide to give practical ideas about diversity for both those who work in the arts and those who experience the arts.
This is a list of terms relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, + (LGBTQ+) definitions,
Trans Week of Awareness is observed from 13th-19th November. It’s a week to celebrate the achievements and contributions of trans people. The end of Trans Week of Awareness is marked by the Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20th. This year there are a number of events happening in the United Kingdom and throughout November to raise awareness of trans issues.
