Celebrating LGBTQ+ history month.

Each year there are a number of events, activities and exhibitions held around the country to celebrate LGBTQ history, culture and identity. These events are an important way to raise awareness of the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the successes they have achieved.

LGBTQ+ History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 2005, started by an organisation called Schools Out. Since then, the recognition of the event has grown in popularity and is widely recognised across the UK. This year the theme of LGBTQ+ History Month is “Behind the Lens”, identifying the contribution the community has made towards cinema and film.

To support the theme, we want to share with you a few movies that have been directed by someone from the LGBTQ+ community.

1. Arabian Nights (Pasolini / 1974 – fantasy)
2. Beauty and the Beast (La belle et la bête) (Cocteau / 1946 – fantasy)
3. The Bride of Frankenstein (Whale / 1935 – science fiction)
4. Hamlet (Olivier / 1948 – Shakespeare adaptation)
5. Howards End (Merchant/Ivory / 1992 – drama)

In recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month theme of “Behind the Lens”, the D&I Council is also pleased to share some of the most watched LGBTQ+ television programmes in the UK.