Join Campbell X and friends for a screening of DES!RE followed by a panel discussion on trans masculine visibility and representation.
DES!RE by award-winning filmmaker Campbell X ( Stud Life, VISIBLE, Spectrum London, Different for Girls, Still We Thrive) takes it’s visual influence from the homo-erotic photography of Bruce Weber and queers it further with a trans and feminist lens. It is in Black and White with a dreamy soundtrack by Campbell L Sangster and animation by Neelu Bhuman.
In queer culture there has been a shift to speaking about the complexities of desire. But there is very little discussion about actively desiring those bodies which blur gender boundaries and binaries. Mainstream visual culture is still stuck in cis heteronormative capitalistic binary attractiveness – even for those who define as transgender. So there is a wealth of images of those trans mascs who approximate cis male embodiment. Butch women or those who reject womanhood who are not trans men are also not celebrated or “seen” especially in mainstream LGBTQ timelines.
DES!RE attempts to explore the desire for sameness and difference using the bodies of people of diverse ages and races, who were assigned female at birth, yet now identify as transmen, men, masculine of centre, butch, stud, non-binary and AG. The dialogue between the images and the voice over by femme lesbian and bisexual women, transmen, and butch women subverts heteronormative understanding of love and lust for this queer masculinity. DES!RE celebrates while acknowledging the challenges for loving masculinity, maleness and manhood.
More Liverpool Listings MORE
Orchestra Baobab
With a rich blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms, pop, traditional griot storytelling, and their signature lilting melodies, Orchestra Baobab…
Kinky Boots
After inheriting his family’s failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to…
The Magic of Motown
Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour! It’s no surprise…
The Magic of Motown
Get ready to dance, sing, and relive the golden era of soul — because The Magic of Motown…
They Say It’s Our Birthday: Baked a la Ska
Today marks a major milestone — it’s the tenth birthday of the Music Room! And how better to…
Diana Reigns Supreme – The Ultimate Live Experience
Get ready to be transported to the Motown era with our Diana Ross Tribute Show! This high-energy performance…
The Stylistics
Get ready for an evening of smooth harmonies, timeless hits, and pure soul, as The Stylistics return to…
Mama Afrika
Zimbabwean-born singer, musician and storyteller Anna Mudeka brings to life the extraordinary journey of Miriam Makeba, the South…