A meaningful film and events programme is taking place to honour LGBTQ+ history month.
Sheffield’s independent Showroom cinema is hosting a month-long celebration in recognition of the community and will be celebrating queer love on film with a selection of screenings.
Events include, film-screenings of films such as the lesbian rom-com ‘Saving Face’ and the Oscar winning ‘Moonlight’ as well as self-care activities and opportunities for community engagement.
On its Instagram the Showroom posted: “The events encourage participants to reflect on their personal journeys, connect with others, and envision a future built on pride and inclusivity.”
The programme began on the first of the month and is looking to continue until February 28.
A local drag performer named Emma Maezin took to the stage this Wednesday to host a bingo event as part of the celebrations.
She said: “Bingo itself is already a great way to bring people together to play for a prize, an escape and a gamble.
“People naturally enjoy taking a little risk and when you add drag on top it becomes a whole new experience.”
Her first collaboration with the local cinema was to help promote their previous screening of the musical ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ which began in Sheffield before taking to the West End.
She said: “Showroom are fantastic at supporting the local arts with drag bingo, comedy nights and independent screenings.
“I thank the Showroom for giving us their space to create a fun, inclusive event for the community.”
The programme hopes to influence the local community to become a more inclusive environment for all generations.
Maezin said: “One can never truly know their own impact but all it takes is one person who dares to chase their dreams.
“I believe if people attend drag bingo they will leave feeling refreshed, hopeful and merry.
“All it takes is for a person to see a drag queen to help them realise its okay to be themselves.”
The drag performer started her career after competing in ‘Drag Idol UK’ in 2017.
She said: “I’ve always enjoyed music, shows, and karaoke since I was young and after being exposed to RuPaul’s Drag Race I decided to give the artform a whirl.
“I’ve always adored entertaining, playing dress up and been relatively feminine so being a drag queen perfectly encompasses the three.”