An LGBT film festival is being held in Sutton to celebrate LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) History Month.
This year’s theme of Religion, Belief and Philosophy is covered by a series of LGBT-themed films being shown at Sutton Central Library on Thursday evenings this month. The films portray the lives of LGBT individuals from different religious, philosophical and cultural perspectives through comedy, drama and documentary.
The films, which are all rated 15, meaning that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) deems them as being not suitable for young people aged under 15, are:
4 February – But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) – A naïve teenager is sent to rehab camp when her straitlaced parents and friends suspect her of being a lesbian. Hollywood comedy starring Natasha Lyonne (Orange Is The New Black), Michelle Williams (Oz The Great & Powerful), Bud Cort (Harold & Maude), Mink Stole (Pink Flamingos) and Cathy Moriarty (Raging Bull).
11 February – Chicken Tikka Masala (2005) – Jimi is surprised when his family announces an arranged wedding to Simran, especially as he is gay and has a boyfriend. This British comedy drama on gay Asian Hindus and Muslims stars Saeed Jaffrey (Gandhi, My Beautiful Laundrette), Chris Bisson (Emmerdale) and Sally Bankes (Doctors).
18 February – Trembling Before G-d (2001) – A Israeli documentary about Orthodox and Hasadic Jews who are gay or lesbian in Israel and the United States who struggle to reconcile their faith and love of Judaism with biblical prohibitions that forbid homosexuality.
25 February – Latter Days (2003) – A promiscuous gay party animal falls for a young Mormon missionary. This Hollywood film stars Steve Sandvoss (Grey’s Anatomy), Wes Ramsey (CSI: Miami), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Dark Knight Rises) and Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
The film screening starts at 6pm. Admission is free.
Sutton Central Library also has LGBT literature on display for the month-long event.
There is a Sunday LGBT brunch on 21 February in the borough at the Ebb & Flow on Sutton High Street.
Cllr Adrian Davey, lead member for Equality and Diversity at Sutton Council, said:
“We are proud to mark LGBT History Month here in Sutton and to celebrate how much progress our diverse community has made in recent years.
“This year’s theme of Religion, Belief and Philosophy reminds us that it is important to challenge prejudice in its various guises by sharing knowledge and promoting understanding in our community.”