LGBT Britain Screening and Photography Workshop for the Transgender Community

Britain’s LGBT history is the inspiring subject for a collection of archive films (Cert. PG) to be screened at The Engine Room, Bridgwater on Thursday 17th May at 7.30pm. The event is part of a series of activities around the world to mark IDAHOT day – the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Presented in association with Unite Somerset Community and Unite South West, the screening features moving and fascinating films spanning 1909 to 1994 from the archives at the BFI. The films document a century in which homosexuality went from crime to Pride, via decades of profoundly courageous activism, and the shifting attitudes to LGBT people and their rights throughout a time of explosive social change. It includes some of the earliest known representations of LGBT people on screen, the collection includes a 1925 film on ‘Cutie Cattaro’, a boxer more interested in flirting than fighting and a drag queen, ‘Percy’ competing for a prize in 1909. Later films explore the struggles and identity politics of the ‘80s and ‘90s, including early AIDS victims recounting their painful experiences, and the fight for transgender rights in the European Court.

Tickets for this event are £3 (£10 solidarity payment) and can be booked in advance online at www.somersetfilm.com/diary or call 01278 433187. Please note that the screening In addition on May 17th, Somerset Film, the charity which manages The Engine Room, are running a one-day Photography course 10am – 4pm especially for the transgender community supported by Arts Council England. Working with professional photographer Richard Tomlinson participants will discover more about digital photography through the creation of portraits, particularly self-portraits.

Producer Deb Richardson said “We’re delighted to be working with Unite Somerset Community and Unite South West . Our aim throughout all our work is to reflect and celebrate our local communities, and to try and help those without a voice express themselves creatively.”

For further information and to book visit www.somersetfilm.com/diary or call 01278 433187. You can also find out more about IDAHOT day at http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/