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Archives for 2024

“The Woodfolk” : Movie Review

17/11/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

The Woodfolk“The Woodfolk,” directed by the talented duo Joey and Luke Culver, is an enchanting exploration of self-discovery wrapped in the charm of rural life. This romantic drama, produced by Benjy Alfreds, offers an engaging narrative that intertwines the whimsical with the profound, as it follows the journey of a young field worker, portrayed captivatingly by Bruno Kalo, in search of deeper meaning amidst the simplicity of his daily routine.

The film opens with sweeping panoramic shots of the countryside, captured beautifully by director of photography Sudiardi Sudyono. The visuals create an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience into the lush, serene landscapes where the protagonist, a romantic young boy, spends his days. The cinematography enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, providing a visual metaphor for the character’s internal struggles and aspirations.

At its core, “The Woodfolk” tells the story of a field worker whose aspirations reach beyond the limitations of his daily labor. Bruno Kalo delivers a wonderful performance, portraying the character’s naivety and yearning with sincerity. His interactions with the natural environment serve as a poignant reflection of his quest for meaning. The film skillfully juxtaposes his mundane work hours with his introspective moments, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Maria Laura Gentile shines in the role of the love interest, infusing the film with warmth and chemistry. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of fields and woodlands, symbolizing the beauty and complexity of love in its simplest form. The narrative masterfully balances romantic tension and existential inquiry, inviting viewers to contemplate their own lives while invested in the characters’ journey.

The original score by The Swingin’ Hermlins enhances the film’s emotive moments, weaving a melodic thread that complements both the joyful and contemplative scenes. The music feels organic, embodying the spirit of the countryside and evoking memories of simpler times. It serves as both a narrative tool and a character in its own right, underlining the emotional peaks and valleys of the story.

The film’s production team, including sound designer Marcus Hudson and costume designer Cas Massey, contribute to the authenticity and richness of the narrative. From the soundscapes that capture the whispers of the wind and the songs of birds to the thoughtfully designed costumes that reflect the characters’ personalities and milieu, every detail adds depth to the story.

Editing by Nina Caprice and Luke Culver maintains a steady pace, allowing the audience to absorb the film’s lyrical quality while keeping the narrative moving forward. The seamless transitions between scenes—shaped with care—reflect both the passage of time and the protagonist’s evolving understanding of himself and his desires.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “The Woodfolk” is how it tackles themes of existentialism within a romantic framework. It poses questions about identity, purpose, and the connection to nature, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own paths and the meaning they find in their everyday lives. It’s this philosophical undercurrent that elevates the film from a simple romance to a thoughtful meditation on life and love.

Overall, “The Woodfolk” is a beautifully crafted film that invites its audience to slow down and savor the moments that define us. The Culver brothers, alongside their dedicated crew, have created a heartfelt narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. With rich performances, stunning visuals, and an evocative score, this film is a delightful reminder of the beauty found in both love and self-discovery. If you’re in the mood for a reflective and charming cinematic experience, “The Woodfolk” is undoubtedly worth watching.

The Woodfolk is not a gay movie, but Bruno Kalo is very pleasing to the eye.

 

Directed by Joey & Luke Culver Producer Benjy Alfreds

Written by Joey Culver 1st Ad Daniel Riccio

Post- producer Emma Cano Grant

Original Music by The Swingin’ Hermlins

Starring:

Bruno Kalo

Maria Laura GentileKit Smith

 

Links:

  • YouTube: THE WOODFOLK (2024) Film
  • Grief – 1993 (Movie Review)

 

Filed Under: Editor to ACOMSDave, Movie Reviews Tagged With: Bruno Kalo, cinematography, Joey Culver, Luke Culver, Maria Laura Gentile, movie review, romantic drama, self-discovery, soundtrack, The Woodfolk

LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

15/11/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

I was fortunate to attend the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024, at Queen’s University Belfast. Queens University the hosts, granted the community the opportunity to use the esteemed Canada Room.

Cara-Friend has expressed it’s heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and audience members who attended the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium.

This symposium gathered a diverse group of academics, heritage institutions, LGBTQIA+ community workers, artists, students, and volunteers dedicated to preserving and exploring LGBTQIA+ heritage.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr. Micky Murray also attended and actively engaged with everyone in attendance.

This event was part of the ‘Founding Cara-Friend: Preserving At Risk LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project,’ which has received generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland for £24,900.

This funding will empower Cara-Friend to safeguard at-risk heritage related to its inception in 1974 and the crucial early years of the charity during the 70s and 80s.

Linked in this article are the three panels that ran as voice recordings (next time I will be better prepared), and also are photographs that I took during the symposium.

I would welcome any comments and observations that you have, as I am sure the Cara Friend will welcome all the support that you can offer them.

 

Links:

LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

                                                                 LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

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  1. School of Peace and Conflict Studies, Kent State University 
  2. Cara-Friend
  3. NIGRA Communications forum
  4. The Carpenter Club

 

Filed Under: Community Journalist Tagged With: Cara Friend, Cllr. Micky Murray, Community Engagement, Heritage Symposium, LGBTQIA+, LGBTQIA+ history, NIGRA, Northern Ireland, preservation, Queen's University Belfast

Skins: A Landmark in LGBTQ+ Representation on British TV

06/11/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

Skins: A Landmark in LGBTQ+ Representation on British TV

SkinsWhen *Skins* premiered in 2007, it revolutionized the portrayal of youth sexuality on television. Unlike anything before, this gritty teen drama tackled complex themes of identity and belonging, boldly integrating LGBTQ+ narratives into its fabric. Among its memorable characters were Tony Stonem, played by Nicholas Hoult, and Maxxie Oliver, brought to life by Mitch Hewer. Their journeys, exploring sexual fluidity and openly gay experiences, set a new standard for representation.

Tony, while predominantly portrayed as straight, played with his sexuality in poignant moments with his gay best friend Maxxie. Their friendship blurred traditional boundaries, showcasing teenage experimentation without labelling. Meanwhile, Maxxie emerged as one of TV’s first openly gay main characters, navigating not only romantic relationships but also the harsh reality of societal prejudice.

Over its seven series,  Skins not only mirrored the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth but also contributed to a cultural shift in how these stories were told. Despite facing criticism, its candid exploration of sexuality resonated with audiences, paving the way for more inclusive narratives in television.  Skins remains a landmark achievement, forever altering the landscape for LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

 

Links:

  • Grief – 1993 (Movie Review)
  • Skins (British TV series)
  • Amazon – Skins – Complete Series 1-7 [DVD]

 

Filed Under: TV programme reviews Tagged With: adolescent identity, British entertainment, British TV, coming out, cultural impact, LGBTQ, Maxxie Oliver, Mitch Hewer, Nicholas Hoult, Representation, sexuality, Skins, teen drama, television history, Tony Stonem

Grief – 1993 (Movie Review)

12/10/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

Title Grief
Year 1993
Director Richard Glatzer
Writer Richard Glatzer
Actors Craig Chester

Illeana Douglas

Jackie Beat

Grief (1993)

 

 

Grief (1993)Looking at Grief (1993) is like looking at the balance sheet of a business.  You know that it is valid for the time it was put together, but you also know that things have changed.

Grief (1993) has a feeling of surrealism, which continues for the first 20 to 30 minutes of the film, creating an uneasiness:  a sense of dissatisfaction; interspersed with which the writer has thrown in several one-liners or situations to make people laugh- hence the uneasiness!

At this point, the film appears to come into focus, with [or was it 6?] storylines being played out at the same time.  I believe the characters are very thin; an intentional ploy to keep you disorientated.

the movie is located somewhere in the USA, with a team of writers for a typical low-budget soap.  ‘Real Life’ is mixed with soap opera, with both ending up as an extremely tacky parody.

Overall the film is competent, but not one that I believe was suited to the large screen; home video would seem to be the more obvious choice.

The fact that I walked away without remembering the character’s names, or the dead lover indicates how much impact it made on me.

 

Links:

  • IMDb – Grief
  • Amazon – Grief [currently £5.28 to £34.37]
  • Photographs – A Gay Movie Review
  • Wikipedia – Grief (film)

 

 

 

Filed Under: Community Journalist, Movie Reviews

1983 – Gay Conference Comes To Belfast

12/10/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

 
 

Gay Conference Comes To Belfast1983 – Gay Conference Comes To Belfast, what a headline.  When you consider that the Good Friday Agreement was 5 years away.  The ‘troubles’ were still happening all around us, and we were also 8 years away from our first Pride March in Belfast, the fact that a gay conference was held is nothing short of remarkable.  This is the small article that was published in Northern Ireland’s only gay publication, which can be found in the Linen Hall Libary Political Collection on the fourth floor.

 

…This is a short report on the All Ireland Lesbian and Gay Men’s Conference which was held in 1983 in Belfast, at the Crescent Arts Centre and the Gay Centre.  As many as 200 lesbians and gay men were expected at this 3rd annual conference.

The first conference was in Cork in 1981, and in 1982 was in Dublin.  The two of them were organised by ‘independent’ lesbians and gay men and supported by national organisations that provided facilities.  It was significant that only a handful of delegates from Northern Ireland were present at both conferences.

In January 1983 a planning meeting was in Belfast for the 1983 conference which was attended by many of the former committee members from 1981 and 1982.  Belfast representation was limited to half a dozen men – all members of NIGRa (Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association).

The Dublin Conference had been uniquely successful in having equal numbers of women and men attending.  The absence of women from this planning conference augured poorly for the future of a Belfast conference.

The afternoon session was better attended by Belfast/Derry people and a meeting was planned for a fortnight later to bring together ‘non-organisation’ lesbians and gay men in the region.  Six women and six men attended, including Charles Kerrigan of the Dublin Gay Collective.

It was decided in principle, that those non-organisational people would determine the nature and organisation of the conference.

NIGRA’s role was to provide facilities, admin and any other help…

 

We talk about our history, but we have done little to mark it, to record it and remember it.  If you wish to have your history recorded, don’t forget the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project (link below).

 

Links:

  • World Congress of Families – Conference Speaker
  • The National Union of Students (NUS), Lesbian and Gay Liberation Campaign Conference 1988
  • The Linen Hall Library – Northern Ireland Political Collection
  • LGBTHistoryni
  • Welcome to Queer NI – 
  • LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project

 

 

 

Filed Under: Community Journalist, Editor to ACOMSDave Tagged With: 1983 Conference, Activism, Belfast History, Community Organizing, crescent arts centre, Cultural Events, gay conference, gay rights, Gender Equality, Good Friday Agreement, Irish LGBTQ History, Lesbian and Gay Rights, LGBTQ+ History, LGBTQIA+, LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project, NIGRA, Northern Ireland, Political History, Pride March, Social Movements

Why the LGBTQ+ Community Should Be Cautious of Data Collection

08/10/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

 

Why the LGBTQ+ Community Should Be Cautious of Data CollectionThe LGBTQ+ community has a historical reason for being cautious of data collection. Here are some key factors:

  1. Historical Discrimination: Throughout history, data has been used to target and discriminate against marginalized groups. This includes the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in various societies.
  2. Privacy Concerns: Data collection can pose significant privacy risks. Misuse of personal information can lead to discrimination, harassment, or even violence.
  3. Lack of Trust: Given historical and ongoing discrimination, many LGBTQ+ individuals may have difficulty trusting institutions or individuals collecting their data.
  4. Potential for Misuse: Data can be used to reinforce stereotypes, justify discrimination, or even inform harmful policies.
  5. Limited Control: Once data is collected, individuals may have limited control over how it is used or shared.

It’s important to note that not all data collection is harmful. When done ethically and transparently, data can be used to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, improve services, and promote understanding. However, it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and to exercise caution when sharing personal information.

 

“Empower yourself and the LGBTQ+ community by staying informed about data privacy.

Share this article to raise awareness and advocate for safe data practices!”

 

 

 

Links:

  • Surveillance and Big Brother
  • HMRC achieves Big Brother Status
  • How data helps — and hurts — LGBTQ communities

Filed Under: Community Journalist, Editor to ACOMSDave Tagged With: Advocacy, Awareness Campaigns, Community Awareness, Data Collection, Data Control, Data Misuse, Data Privacy, discrimination, Ethical Data Practices, Historical Discrimination, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+ rights, Marginalized Communities, Personal Storytelling, Privacy, Protecting Personal Information, Safety and Security, Social Issues, social justice, Trust and Data

LGBTQI+ Library

07/10/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

Quite a while ago the library for our community was moved from the Carpenter Centre to Cathedral Buildings in Lower Donegall Street.  I was completing some research on the LGBT Film Festival (more to follow on this) when I spotted the following entry:

 

Library…Library

The library at ‘No 8’ has several hundred books ranging from bubble-gum to high art and heavy social science tomes.  One hundred books, mostly quite serious stuff went missing in the move from ‘No 4’ if you know anything of the whereabouts of this material, please let us know.

The Library also contains a full run of the old “Gay News”, “Gay Star” and its predecessors, nearly full runs of the Gay magazines and some unique stuff like dissertations and theses on various groups and individuals in the gay movement locally.

The NIGRA Archives containing information on the Strasbourg case and the McCleave affair, as well as ten years of press clippings, are not held at ‘No 8’ but can be reached by way of the librarian, Terry…

 

 

Of interest now is that to my knowledge the missing material and books never materialised, also the following items are held in the following locations:

  • Gay News in the Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB – go to the fourth floor and ask to see them
  • Gay Star, upstart, update, NIGRA News are also held in the Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB – go to the fourth floor and ask to see them
  • Press Clippings (a lot more than 10 years) are held in PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9HQ
  • NIGRA Archives etc also held in 
  • PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9HQ

Library

 

Links:

  • The Carpenter Club – https://acomsdave.com/the-carpenter-club-our-refuge-during-the-1980s-but-also-our-organisation-venue-and-for-cara-friend-and-its-advice/
  • Airbrushing out of history – https://acomsdave.com/airbrushing-out-of-history/
  • Manchester library unveils public LGBT archives – https://acomsdave.com/manchester-library-unveils-public-lgbt-archives/
  • Mapping 100 Years Of Belfast Gay Life – https://www.thevacuum.org.uk/issues/issues0120/issue11/is11arthunyea.html

 

 

Filed Under: Community Journalist, Editor to ACOMSDave Tagged With: Belfast, Community Resources, gay literature, Gay News, Historical Records, LGBT Film Festival, lgbt history, LGBTQ, Library Archives, Local History, Missing Books, NIGRA Archives, Press Clippings, research, Social Science

Callings

06/10/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

CallingsCallings, written by Dominic Montaque is a wonderful, heartwarming play about five queer people who manage to discover a community and through that community support for themselves and their journey of discovery about themselves and being gay.

It is set in an era when the government used many tactics to hide our existence.  It is also set in Northern Ireland, for England had a Switchboard Service for (LGBT as it was then) or as stated in those days ‘Queers’.  The play is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the CARA Friend Switchboard Room – (that in itself is a misnomer as we only had 1 or 2 lines and phones) No such things as mobile phones then – chunky big desk phones and outside you had to find a phone box that worked, which was also safe for others listening, and you had to have plenty of change.

In the background, you had the ‘Save Ulster from Sodomy. Campaign, Jeff Dudgeon vs UK Trial etc., and of course ‘theCallings Troubles’.

Callings brings together tales that reflect on the challenge we faced with being ‘queer’ during this period but also celebrate our history and what has now been accomplished.

I urge you to try and get along to see this wonderful play (Callings) but don’t forget

‘…that’s why learning from history is important.  I grew up under Section 26, so I wasn’t taught about LGBTQI+ issues at school…

Owen Jones (Attitude March 2019)

 

 

 

The full Show Schedule is:

Lyric Theatre, Belfast: Wed 2 Oct – Sun 6 Oct;

The MAC Birmingham, 10 – 11 Oct;

Stanley Arts London: 16-17 Oct;

Chats Palace London: 18–19 Oct;

Hawkswell Sligo: 23 Oct;

Market Place Armagh: 24 Oct;

Riverbank Kildare: 25 Oct;

Down Arts Centre: 26 Oct;

Droichead, Drogheda: 2 Nov;

Garage, Monaghan, 3 Nov,

Project Arts Centre, Dublin: 6-9 Nov.

For more information on the production and to get tickets go to www.kabosh.net

To find out more about the services offered by Cara-Friend visit www.cara-friend.org.uk

 

Links:

  • Kabosh play celebrates 50 years of heroic activism by pioneers of gay community – https://thegourmetboys.com/kabosh-callings-cara-friend-50-years/
  • ‘Gay people were living in fear’ – play marks 50 years of helpline – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyvdn2e8vyo
  • The play that captures the fallout after Section 28 – https://acomsdave.com/the-play-that-captures-the-fallout-after-section-28/
  • Schools play about homophobia attacked by rightwing press – https://acomsdave.com/schools-play-about-homophobia-attacked-by-rightwing-press/

Filed Under: Community Journalist, Theatre Reviews Tagged With: Activism, BelfastTheatre, CallingsPlay, CaraFriend, ComingOut, CommunitySupport, CulturalHeritage, DominicMontaque, HeartwarmingDrama, HistoricalTheatre, LGBTQHistory, LGBTQRepresentation, NorthernIreland, PlaySchedule, QueerCommunity, QueerTheatre, SelfDiscovery, SupportAndSolidarity, TheatreInIreland, TheTroubles

Postal Workers Suspended for Refusing to Deliver Anti-Trans Flyers

24/09/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

 

Postal Workers Suspended for Refusing to Deliver Anti-Trans FlyersPostal Workers Suspended in New Brunswick, Canada.   Two postal workers from Canada Post have been suspended for refusing to deliver controversial flyers from Campaign Life Coalition that call for a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The incident has raised significant concerns about the implications of such materials being distributed in the lead-up to the province’s upcoming October 21 election.

The flyers describe gender-affirming medical procedures in derogatory terms, referring to them as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” Additionally, the flyers state that “God doesn’t make mistakes.” Shannon Aitchison, a Canada Post carrier and union representative who has a transgender child, explained her objection to delivering the materials: “The third flyer was straight-up nonsense,” she told the *Brantford Expositor*. “’ God doesn’t make mistakes,’ so you’re telling me my child is a mistake?”

Five postal workers in the Saint John area chose to refuse delivery of the flyers. While two workers were suspended, others opted to take personal days to avoid handling the controversial materials.

Canada Post has defended its decision, asserting that the flyers did not meet the legal definition of a “non-mailable matter,” and therefore, must be delivered. “Our important and longstanding role in delivering the country’s mail should not be seen as tolerance or support for the contents of any mailing,” stated Canada Post spokesperson Valérie Chartrand. “We are a neutral third party regardless of our views.”

Moreover, *CBC* reported on August 26 that Campaign Life Coalition has distributed similar flyers across New Brunswick to support Premier Blaine Higgs’ “parental rights” policies. These policies, which echo far-right measures seen in parts of the United States, mandate that teachers obtain parental consent before using a student’s chosen name or pronouns for students under 16.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the debate over gender-affirming care and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly minors, during a politically charged election season.

In the UK it would appear that the British public’s stand on transgender rights; a new YouGov study, the third, and most expansive in a series from 2018, shows evidence of an overall gradual erosion in support towards transgender rights.  But even LGBT Rights did not have an easy ride during its travel toward acceptance:

e.g.

During the Pre-20th Century:

Homosexuality was criminalized in the UK during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Buggery Act of 1533 made sodomy a capital offense, and subsequent laws further criminalized homosexual acts.

Decriminalisation:

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 partially decriminalised homosexuality for men over 21 in private. However, discrimination and prejudice persisted.

The 1980s – Rise of Activism:

The 1980s saw the emergence of LGBT+ activism, notably with the founding of organizations like Stonewall, (check out their website for more information about Stonewall). The HIV/AIDS epidemic brought attention to LGBT+ issues and led to increased activism and solidarity.

Section 28:

In 1988, Section 28 was introduced, prohibiting the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. It was a highly controversial and damaging policy.

(The History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK (Union of Students) by Holly Lloyd)

 

 

Links:

  • Postal workers suspended for refusing to deliver anti-trans flyers
  • Transgender Equality

 

Filed Under: Editor to ACOMSDave Tagged With: anti-trans flyers, Campaign Life Coalition, Canada Post, free speech, gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ rights, neutrality, New Brunswick, October 21 election, parental rights policies, postal workers, trans rights, union representative

“Family Escapes Birmingham Gay Village Attack, Seeks Refuge in Ireland”

24/09/2024 By ACOMSDave Leave a Comment

"Family Escapes Birmingham Gay Village Attack, Seeks Refuge in Ireland"

Stop Homophobia

A family has fled to Ireland following a distressing attack that occurred in Birmingham’s gay village. The incident involved a violent assault on the father, who was targeted for his sexual orientation. The family shared their experience, describing the trauma and fear they endured as a result of the attack, which has led them to seek safety in a new country. Their story highlights the ongoing issues of homophobia and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as the challenges faced by those seeking refuge. The family hopes to rebuild their lives in Ireland, where they can find a more accepting environment.

 

  • Family flees to Ireland after attacking several people in Birmingham’s Gay Village
  • Homophobia and Terrorism are not limited to Muslims.

Filed Under: Anti-Bullying & Homophobia Tagged With: acceptance, Birmingham, discrimination, family, gay village, Hate crime, homophobia, Human Rights, Ireland, LGBTQ, personal story, refugee, safety, violence

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