We are a Birmingham based acting group for the LGBT community open to anyone. We meet weekly in the Birmingham Gay Village and put on a variety of performances throughout the year.
We are a highly inclusive group, comprising people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, each bringing an individual and varied set of skills to the stage.
Previous productions include black comedies, serious drama, theatrical revues and everything in between. If you are interested in joining our group please email info@actingout.org.uk.
We are always looking for new members who are interested in any aspects of production and performance. Keep up with the latest news on our blog https://actingoutbirmingham.wordpress.com/
Hosted by our youth work team on Zoom, every Tuesday and Thursday, 5.00-6.30pm. To book a slot for these sessions, please email info@leicesterlgbtcentre.org to express your interest. If you have never attended a youth group at Leicester LGBT Centre before, or have not attended recently, you may be asked to have a digital one-to-one session with a youth worker before joining the group. A youth worker will contact you to arrange this.
In a blow to the LGBT+ media market, Birmingham based title, Midland Zone is set to close.
The magazine, which has been in print since 1997was a free pickup magazine available in LGBT+ bars and spaces across the Midlands. It had, according to its own stats, had 60,000 magazine readers.
Over the years it has had had a myriad of LGBT+ icons grace its covers including, Boy George, Saara Aalto and Lily Savage.
In a statement on its official Facebook page, Midlands Zone wrote,
“Rather than dwelling on yet another business being seriously affected by the coronavirus pandemic, we would instead like you to join us in focusing on and CELEBRATING the 23 glorious years we have enjoyed together.
“The decision to cease Midlands Zone at the end of August was actually made a few weeks ago – and will explain why we’ve been reminiscing in recent weeks with video posts of the Pride Ball over the years.
“So please celebrate with us all the fantastic times we’ve had together. And who knows, Midlands Zone may well be back at some point in the future with new publishers (talks with several interested parties are currently ongoing, so watch this space!).”
Former Attitude editor Matthew Todd wrote, “Sorry to hear that. Had some great times with you all in Birmingham over the years.”
While, LGBT+ Advocate, Khakan Qureshi said, “Sorry to see you go. Hopefully, new publishers will be found. Good luck with all your future endeavours.”
When a teen begins his transition from female to male, family secrets are revealed as everyone tries to come to terms with the decision.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 88 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Drama / Trans Year: 2019
Adam
Comedy following the journey of an awkward teenager named Adam, who is thrust into New York’s lesbian and trans activist scene.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 91 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Comedy Year: 2019
As Good As It Gets
Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt are on Oscar-winning form as a cranky novelist and the struggling single mum he falls for. Bittersweet comedy. Strong language/mature themes.
A struggling writer turns to the art of deception to save her failing writing career, as she begins to forge letters by famous writers.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet rated Runtime: 101 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
(The) Favourite
Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz compete for the favour of Queen Anne, portrayed by an Oscar-winning Olivia Colman. Black comedy from Yorgos Lanthimos.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Bio/Lesbian Year: 2018
Hocus Pocus
All hell breaks loose when witches Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are resurrected in modern-day Salem. Family comedy. Stars the gay icon Bette Midler.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: PG Genre: Comedy Year: 1993
Kristen Stewart stars as a young woman who spends years pretending to be the famed author JT Leroy, a literary persona made up by her sister-in-law.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 104 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
Lez Bomb
A woman brings her girlfriend home for Thanksgiving as she tries to come out to her parents. But an unexpected guest arrives and thwarts her plans.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 86 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Comedy / Lesbian Year: 2018
Lizzie
Thriller based on the infamous 1892 Borden family murders. Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart star.
GAY UK RATING: NOT RATED Runtime: 100 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Thriller / Lesbian Year: 2018
Meangirls
A favourite amongst some in the gay community. Naive new girl Lindsay Lohan accidentally falls in with catty queen bee Rachel McAdams. Top teen comedy. Moderate language/mature themes/flashing images. GAY UK RATING: ★★★★ Runtime: 93 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Camp Comedy Year: 2004
Philadelphia
An Oscar-winning Tom Hanks stars as a gay lawyer fighting against wrongful dismissal with the help of attorney Denzel Washington.
GAY UK RATING: ★★★★★ Runtime: 121 minutes Rating: 12 Genre: Drama Year: 1993
Pimp
A struggling female pimp finds herself locked in a battle with a rival while trying to make a better life for herself.
GAY UK RATING: Not yet reviewed Runtime: 81 minutes Rating: 15 Genre: Drama Year: 2018
Rocketman
The critically acclaimed biopic of Elton John’s life, starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell and Richard Madden.
Linga Franca follows the story of an undocumented Filipina transwoman Olivia (Isabel Sandoval) in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach Russian neighbourhood.
Olivia is the live-in caregiver for elderly feeble Russian Olga (Lynn Cohen – remarkable). Olivia has yet to get her green card, and she’s vulnerable to getting kicked out of the country in Donald Trump’s fetish for kicking out illegal aliens – it’s his rhetoric and voice that permeates in the background of the film. Olivia’s best friend and fellow Filipina transgender friend Trixie (Ivory Aquino) has found happiness with a good-looking American man and is more or less guaranteed a green card.
One day Olga’s Grandson Alex (Eamon Farren) returns from being away for a year – he’s the black sheep of the family. He stays with Olga and Olivia in Olga’s house and gets a job in a meat factory owned by his uncle.
Sure enough you can guess what happens next. Alex is attracted to Olivia and perhaps all too suddenly they fall into each other’s arms and make love. But is this what Olivia really wants? She had just been dumped by a guy who promised her the world, and Olivia, who was at a loose end and desperate, should’ve welcomed this new man in her life, but she doesn’t. We never really get to understand what makes Olivia tick and what will indeed make her happy.
While Lingua Franca is a very sensual and provocative film, we never really get to the heart and soul of Olivia. And the love affair between Olivia and Alex is a bit too easy. And while the direction and writing by Sandoval herself are delicate and moving, she brings us into an already chartered territory (it’s hard to top 2017’s ‘A Fantastic Woman’).
Lingua Franca may frustrate you a bit but it’s saved by terrific acting – especially by Cohen (she played Miranda’s housekeeper in ‘Sex and the City‘), who unfortunately passed away earlier this week.
Let’s be honest, Geri is essentially a gay man trapped in a woman’s body and has been offering the British public some of the most outrageous outfits ever in pop culture. Judging a bunch of drag queens is what Geri was born to do…well, except be a Spice Girl.
Sharon Osbourne
CREDIT: Joe Seer / Bigstock
Every X Factor viewer pines for her and after years of being married to Ozzy Osbourne, she’s probably quite good with advice on how to apply a lot of makeup. Just have to hope Dannii Minogue isn’t asked to guest judge the same week…
Louis Walsh
From Thames / Syco Entertainment The X Factor on ITV
If we have Sharon, then we need to bring in Louis. The love or loathe panellist with X Factor on ice that, of course, leaves him open to new career ventures. Maybe he could manage the winning Queen?
A national treasure and the Queen of Soap Opera, Dame Joan Collins’ Dynasty shoulder pads were enough to drive any drag queen wild with desire. Her quintessentially 80’s style would definitely offer some inspiration to the contestants.
Judge Rinder
Having his own show on ITV start last year, Robert Rinder is used to being a no-nonsense judge to the masses however, would he be able to handle a drag queen? There’s a high chance they may not take his criticism as easily.
The iconic fleet street journo has more than a reputation for speaking her mind on just about anything so let’s so what she thinks of some of the UK’s top drag artists.
Having been an advocate of gay rights during his time in Westminster, Ed Balls lost his seat in a bloodbath of an election defeat for Labour. He’s since said he’s considering Strictly Come Dancing but what about he does something with a little more class?
Tan France
Queer Eye
With numerous TV shows, like Queer Eye, under his belt, including his time judging on Next In Fashion, Tan’s unique fashion sensibilities and calming influence would be perfect.
Lily Allen
CREDIT: YouTube/Lily Allen
As with Janet, Lily is someone who rarely misses an opportunity to voice her opinion and when it comes to the gay community, she’s a bit of an icon – having gone as far to record a song called ‘Fag Hag’.
Ok, so if he doesn’t do it, could we at least have a ‘Lip Sync For Your Life’ round including Karma Chameleon? It would be absolute perfection.
Kim Cattrall
Sex And The City is nothing without one of our best acting exports, Kim Cattrall. It would be a dream to have her on the panel, especially if she was able to remember some of Samantha’s best put-downs for the show.
Julian Clary
The original gay stand up has already done Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother as a contestant so perhaps it is time for him to turn his attention to being a judge instead. His hilarious digs had us all laughing the 90’s so perhaps a stint on Drag Race could be the trick for a much-needed career resurrection?
Now, this would be perfect, a soapstar round. I’m thinking Madge Bishop, Bet Lynch, Pat Butcher but, most importantly Peggy Mitchell played by this national treasure. Our tellies have lacked the fun that Barbara offered to Eastenders since her departure in 2011. Moreover, we’d love to see her up against RuPaul…”GET OUT OF MY MAKE UP STUDIO”
Simon Cowell’s BFFL who only really has to work for a few weeks in autumn. The X Factor’s no.1 novelty staple could do with actually making it onto the judging panel for once instead of merely being a mentor.
This article was first published in August 2015 and has been updated.
The history of actors, who don’t identify as trans, playing trans characters is decades old.
The argument against non-trans actors taking these parts have made headlines over and over. Is it right for cis-gender actors to play the parts of trans characters?
Warning this article may contain spoilers to various films.
The 1950s – 70s
Daniel Davis, Glen or Glenda, 1953
Glen or Glenda was released in 1953 starring Ed Wood – who was actually credited as Daniel Davis in this film. It’s a semi-autobiographical film, considered one of the worst films of all time. However, it is considered a plea for tolerance.
Tim Curry, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975
Probably one of the most famous films to feature a “sweet transsexual”. TRHPS has gone on to become a cult hit and recently had a remake filmed and it starred Laverne Cox in Tim Curry’s part of Dr Frank N. Furter.
The 1980s – 90s
Michael Caine in Dressed To Kill, 1980
In 1980 Michael Caine played a murderous trans woman in this erotic thriller. For his part in the film, Mr Caine was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor.
Jaye Davidson in The Crying Game, 1982
A drama which explores themes of race, gender, nationality and sexuality with the troubles of early 80s Northern Ireland as a backdrop. The trans character in this film is actually one of its great surprises, which is considered a “shocking twist”. Jaye Davidson was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor for the role.
Terrence Stamp in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 1994
One of the most successful LGBT films of all times was released in 1994 is in the top 40 grossing gay and lesbian films of all times. Terrence Stamp’s Bernadette Bassinger is a carefully studied character, played respectfully.
Mary Sean Young, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, 1994
Possibly one of the most offensive portrayals of a trans person in film – which uses the trans character as a comedy mimic.
Julie Hesmondhalgh in Coronation Street, 1998
Coronation Street made history in 1998 when they introduced the first trans character to a British soap. It wasn’t until 2015 that EastEnders made further history by having a trans actor play a trans character. Julie Hesmondhalgh has been praised for her portrayal of a trans person and she is a huge advocate for the LGBT community. In 2017 she called on TV companies to employ trans people in trans roles.
One of the most tear-jerking LGBT films of all time. Hillary Swank was truly remarkable in the film which was based on the true story of murdered trans man Brandon Teena. The film was nominated for 57 awards and won 37 of them including, Best Actress (Oscars and BAFTAs) for Swank.
The 00s to 10s
John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2001
One of the only musical films featuring a trans character in the central role. John Cameron Mitchell wrote and directed this film. It features in the top 100 LGBT films.
Felicity Huffman was widely praised for her role in TransAmercia as a pre-operative male to female transgender person. This was an unusual casting decision as usually male to female trans parts are played by males rather than females.
Rebecca Romijn was another female who was cast in an M2F role in the comedy TV series, Ugly Betty. She appeared midway through the first season and left in season 3.
The 10s to 20s
Chloe Sevigny in Hit And Miss, 2012
Hit And Miss was a TV series which followed the life of a transgender contract killer. It ran for one series.
Jared was awarded an Oscar for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, however, his casting in this film and subsequent acceptance of the Oscar with a full beard was criticised by some in the trans community. Laverne Cox recently said, “as brilliant as Jared Leto is, and all these actors who play trans women, when people who don’t know anything about trans folks and trans women see the very sexy Jared Leto and his beard accepting an Oscar for playing a trans woman, the message that it sends is that trans women are really men”
Jeff Tambor in Transparent, 2014
CREDIT: kathclick-bigstock
Amazon was praised for the production of Transparent starring Jeff Tambor who plays a trans person coming out as trans later in life. The show has won awards and much love from the critics for its sensitive portrayal of a family dealing with and accepting transition.
Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl, 2015
Eddie Redmayne played the part of Lili Elbe, acknowledged as the first trans woman to go through sex reassignment surgery. Despite it being widely praised there was only one Oscar win out of four nominations. The film was banned in a number of countries including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Malaysia.
He later apologised to the transgender community saying, “To the Trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.”
Have we missed something? Is there an error? Please use the comments below to help expand this article.
A reader asks whether he playing with himself too much.
Hi! I’m a 22-year-old and I’ve been really worried about something.
A couple of months ago I attended some acupuncture sessions at college because I was recommended that I should do something about the pretty stressed life I was having. It turns out they use some Chinese method and it surprised me when one of the therapists told me that I had to stop masturbating.
I can’t tell how on earth she did to figure that out, but from that moment on I started to feel that was serious. She told me it was necessary for me to stop because of something I didn’t get, something about one’s energy and stuff. Even though I didn’t understand her arguments, I had already had this feeling that perhaps I was “waxing my dolphin” too much. The thing is, I can’t help it.
I’ve been trying to stop, but there always comes a moment when I just need to do it (I can do it twice a night). Sometimes I just can’t sleep at night and the only thing that makes me sleepy is self-pleasure. Is it that I’m becoming addicted to it? Is it wrong for my body, for my virility?
Somehow I agreed with the therapist who told me to stop because she mentioned energy. When I masturbate I do feel nice, but I don’t feel as energetic as I feel I was a couple of years ago. I’m really worried; I no longer get the powerful boners that used to wake me up a couple of years ago.
Is there any limit when it comes to masturbation? By the way, I have no boyfriend. My life is pretty busy. Thanks for giving me some advice.
Jason, 22
Hello Jason
I think we should start by saying that masturbation is perfectly normal and almost everyone has had a go at some point. How often you decide to “wax your dolphin” is completely up to you and you shouldn’t feel you need to try and stop. There isn’t a limit to how frequently you masturbate, other than how often you feel like doing it or want to do it.
There isn’t a limit to how frequently you masturbate, other than how often you feel like doing it or want to do it.
Some of the problems you’re describing such as a lack of energy and no longer getting strong erections that wake you up could be related to the stress that led to you go for acupuncture in the first place. Overall there are no adverse affects from masturbating and if it’s something you enjoy then I think you should go for it.
Go into the wooded area and you’ll find somewhere private to hang out. Park in the car park and make your way into the area. If someone catches your eye, give a little cough to let him know you’re interested. Be wary of non-cruisers and dog walkers.
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Cruisest spot is in the wooded area, at the bottom end.
Hang out in the area and see who’s about. If someone catches your eye, give a little cough to let him know you’re interested. Be wary of non-cruisers and dog walkers.
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