Stage & Screen

LGBTQI+ theatre and cinema features queer plays and queer films on both stage and screen. They have played a significant role in the representation and visibility of the queer community. These art forms have provided a platform for us to share our stories, experiences, and struggles. They ultimately contribute to the broader movement for LGBTQ rights and acceptance.

Queer Theatre

In the realm of queer theatre, queer-themed plays have been instrumental in challenging societal norms and promoting understanding and empathy.

Modern LGBTQI+ theatre began to emerge following the struggles of the gay liberation movement. Mart Crowley’s play Boys in the Band, a gay-themed play by Mart Crowley, was staged off-Broadway in 1968. One of the first musicals to portray a gay relationship was ‘Boy Meets Boy’, first staged off-Broadway in 1975. The musical-comedy was set in 1936 in a world that normalised homosexual relationships as if they were heterosexual.

The 1970s also saw the creation of groundbreaking queer production companies in the UK, such as Gay Sweatshop, founded in 1975. 1979 Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square, London, staged Bent by Martin Sherman. The production later transferred to the West End. Playwrights like Mart Crowley, Harvey Fierstein, and Tony Kushner were able to bring LGBTQ stories to the forefront. They addressed issues such as coming out, discrimination, and the AIDS crisis.

These plays not only provided a voice for LGBTQ individuals but also educated and enlightened audiences about the struggles faced by our community.

Queer Cinema

Similarly, queer cinema has played a crucial role in representing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities on the big screen. The early days of queer cinema were marked by underground and independent films that explored queer themes due to the lack of mainstream acceptance.

However, with the rise of the New Queer Cinema movement in the 1990s (first coined by the academic B. Ruby Rich in Sight & Sound magazine in 1992), LGBTQI+ films gained more visibility and recognition.

Filmmakers like Todd Haynes, Gus Van Sant, and Kimberly Peirce created groundbreaking works that challenged heteronormative narratives and offered authentic portrayals of LGBTQI+ characters.

These films not only resonated with queer audiences but also helped to humanise and normalise queer experiences for wider audiences.

The impact of queer theatre and cinema extends beyond mere representation. These art forms have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and empowerment for LGBTQI+ individuals. Creating and consuming LGBTQ-themed works provides a space for us to see ourselves reflected on stage or screen, validating our queer identities and experiences.

Moreover, queer theatre and cinema have also catalysed social change, challenging discriminatory laws and policies and promoting acceptance and equality.

Queer theatre and cinema still face challenges.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that LGBTQ theatre and cinema still face challenges and barriers. Despite progress, our queer stories are still underrepresented in mainstream media. Queer artists often struggle to secure funding and distribution for their projects. Trans artists have only recently been visible in theatre and cinema, and such appearances are still minimal.

Additionally, the portrayal of LGBTQI+ characters and narratives can sometimes be stereotypical or tokenistic, reinforcing harmful tropes and limiting the diversity of queer experiences.

In conclusion, queer theatre and cinema have played a vital role in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights and acceptance. These art forms have allowed us to share our stories, challenge societal norms, and foster community. While progress has been made, there is still work to ensure that our LGBTQI+ voices are heard and represented authentically in theatre and cinema.

The role of QX Magazine

QX magazine has been amplifying queer voices for over 25 years. We have been at the vanguard of trans visibility. We are delighted to be part of the growing movement that seeks to ensure that queer stories from all corners of our community are heard on the stage and screen and shared with the broader community.

You can visit the pages below to see some of the latest queer plays and films that we have highlighted.

Nocturnal Animals

Why is it only ever artists that are described as tortured? You never get tortured roofers, or tortured accountants. Often, the stereotype doesn’t even...

Childish wonder meets dark politics in Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them

JK Rowling's latest franchise provides some magical and much-needed escapism. Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them started life as a fictional schoolbook, distributed to...

The Adventures Of Dick!

No, this isn’t some insanely inappropriate new kids’ show on Nikelodeon, it’s a panto! Of course it’s a panto! “The Adventures Of Dick” is...

Gay Film Stereotypes

You may have heard about these gay films. They’re like normal films, but instead of Ewan McGregor, they’ve usually got a twink in. Or...

Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales: UNWRAPPED

Well look at this, it’s Jinkx Monsoon and her partner in cabaret, Major Scales! They’re back after their critically-accclaimed previous run at The Soho...

REVIEW: Nocturnal Animals

Whilst visually stunning, Tom Ford’s new venture lacks substance By Joe Holyoake Why is it only ever artists that are described as tortured? You never get...
fucking men

Fucking Men

Fucking Men is fast becoming a bit of a modern classic. After opening in 2009, it has been revived several times, toured over the...

RVT Pantomonium!

The RVT are hitting us with a DP (double panto) whammy!   As we all know, Christmas is kicking OFF. As soon as Halloween’s over and...

The HIV Monologues

This October, playwright Patrick Cash returns with his latest exploration of modern gay life, The HIV Monologues. After the success of his previous plays,...

HOW TO SAVE THE WORLD WITHOUT REALLY TRYING

The best things come in pairs. Ant and Dec. Ant in Dec. Ant on Dec. Bourgeois and Maurice are another addition to this illustrious...

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