Famous LGBTQ+ Film Directors in history #BehindTheLens

February 2023 is LGBTQ+ History month and this year's theme is #BehindTheLens, looking at the impact of those in the film industry who aren't actors or actresses. This includes screenwriters, editors, directors, cinematographers, and more. As such, we've compiled a list of five influential LGBTQ+ Film Directors from the 20th Century. This is not an exhaustive list, and keep an eye out for more posts throughout the month of February.

The History of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Film

The representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in film and television evolved from negative portrayals in the 1950s and 1960s to increased visibility and demand for positive representation after the Stonewall Riots of 1969. While critically acclaimed films dealing with LGBTQ+ themes were released in the 1980s and 1990s, they were not widely distributed. Recently, there has been an increase in representation but there is still room for improvement in terms of representation of trans and nonbinary characters and diverse perspectives.

The impact of LGBTQ+ representation in media and pop culture

LGBTQ+ representation in media and pop culture is important because it can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole by providing validation and representation for LGBTQ+ individuals, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community among the general public.

Understanding and Challenging Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are forms of discrimination targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. To challenge these forms of discrimination, we must actively work to create more inclusive environments, educate ourselves and others, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and amplify the voices of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Importance of Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

Safe spaces are important for LGBTQ+ youth as they provide a sense of community and belonging, as well as access to resources and support. LGBTQ+ youth often experience discrimination and marginalization, and safe spaces can provide a counterbalance to these negative experiences by creating a supportive and accepting environment. Safe spaces can also provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as help in building resilience. It's important to work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth and advocate for their rights.

Intersectionality and LGBTQ+ Communities: Why it Matters

Intersectionality is a concept that recognizes the ways in which different aspects of identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation and class, intersect and interact to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. It's important in understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, as it highlights the need for more inclusive and diverse representation within the community. It also recognizes that systems of oppression are interconnected and mutually reinforcing and helps in critically examining the complexities and nuances of oppression, privilege and power dynamics.

Bisexuality and Beyond: Expanding Our Understanding of Sexual Orientation

This blog post explains the concept of bisexuality as a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people of both sexes or genders. It addresses common misconceptions about bisexuality such as it being a phase or a bridge to being gay or straight and also the issue of erasure and invisibility that bisexual individuals often face. The blog post emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging bisexuality as a valid and legitimate sexual orientation and taking actions to support bisexual-led organizations and creating an inclusive and understanding society.

Trans Rights are Human Rights: A Look at the Current Landscape

This blog post discusses the current challenges and issues facing the trans community, specifically highlighting the lack of access to healthcare, discrimination, violence, and legal restrictions on their rights. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing trans rights as human rights and taking action to support the trans community, through means such as supporting trans-led organizations and advocacy groups, educating oneself and others, and opposing discrimination and violence.

Allyship 101: What it Means and How to Do it Right

This blog post provides an overview of the concept of allyship towards LGBTQ+ community. It explains that being an ally means actively working to support and uplift marginalized groups through words and actions. The blog post emphasizes the importance of listening and learning, taking action, and recognizing one's own privilege as key aspects of allyship. It also mentions that allyship is a continuous journey and the importance of being open to feedback and learning from mistakes.