Tag: sexuality

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in the United Kingdom. It commemorates the Stonewall riots and aims to recognise the impact LGBTQIA+ people have had and continue to have across the world.

It’s a month for communities to come together in solidarity to unite, to protest and to celebrate the heritage, culture and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people.

Activists and allies can support by:

• Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (“LGBTQIA”) people, their history, lives and experiences in the curriculum and culture of institutions, and the wider community;
• Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBTQIA+ community;
• Working to make institutions safe spaces for all LGBTQIA+ communities; and
• Promoting the welfare of LGBTQIA+ people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBTQIA+ people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, which benefits society as a whole.

Pride and Cinema

There are a wealth of films available on the LGBTQIA+ experience and history. It’s now as important as ever to support the work of LGBTQIA+ filmmakers and we have some lists and suggestions to get you started.

You can learn about how to become a more LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation, and think about how to support and collaborate with LGBTQIA+ led exhibitors and programmers.

When running LGBTQIA+ events is is important to consider intersectionality, including supporting global majority communities and ensuring your events embed disabled and neurodivergent access.

If you are interested in running a film event for, or inspired by, Pride, here are some resources for information and to help generate ideas, from case studies to film guides.

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