During a century of explosive social change, queer identities were maligned and celebrated amid decades of courageous activism. This fascinating collection of archive footage includes some of the earliest known representations of LGBTIQ+ people on screen, such as the 1925 film ‘Cutie Cattaro’ about a boxer and a drag queen, and ‘Percy’ competing for a prize in 1909. Films and videos leading up to the 1990s allow us to witness the painful experiences of AIDS victims, the formation of the Gay Black Group, and the fight for transgender rights in the European Court.

This moving film depicts both the collective struggle for basic rights and personal, intimate and psychological experiences. It represents ninety years of people who claimed the right to say publicly and proudly: this is who I am and this is who I love.

Please note: The film contains a sequence of flashing lights which might affect audience members with photosensitive epilepsy.

February is LGBT History Month. Throughout the month we will be screening films on our video wall from the National Library of Scotland’s collection which have been chosen to mark this occasion.