Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association

GALHA’s first Film Festival, featuring:

• Latter Days. Christian (Wes Ramsey), a hunky 20-something West Hollywood party boy gets more than he bargains for when he tries to seduce 19-year-old Elder Aaron Davis (Steve Sandvoss), a sexually confused Mormon missionary who moves into his apartment complex. When Christian exposes Davis’s secret sexual desire, Davis rejects Christian for being shallow and empty, The encounter shatters each boy’s reality and draws the two into a passionate romance that risks destroying their lives. Latter Days is a charming, sexy, and moving tale that will leave you believing in the transformational power of love.

• Heart of the Beholder. The first UK screening of the Movie Hollywood was Afraid to Make. Based on a true story about the dangers of censorship and bigotry. “It’s rare that the powerless can beat the odds, but this film is Rocky versus the Religious Right, and the fight isn’t over till it’s over.”

• He Came With Wheels. A positive short film about sexuality and disability from the innovative film company Freshly Starched Shorts.

We are pleased to announce that Darlene Lieblich, Executive Producer, and Ken Tipton, Writer/Producer/Director, of Heart of the Beholder are travelling from the United States to give a short presentation at the screenings of their film. In addition, Dr Evan Harris, Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon, is expected to attend the Saturday showing of Heart of the Beholder and say a few words in support of the film’s message.

Advance booking is now closed. For further details, see the separate GALHA Film Festival page.

A special meeting to mark the first International Day Against Homophobia. Readings by authors, poets and campaigners highlight the history of the fight against homophobia. Speakers include:

• Richard Kirker, secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, on the activities of the Christian Institute
• Peter Tatchell, veteran human rights activist, on Roman Catholicism
• Brian Miller, an American Quaker, on Christian fundamentalism

Please sign the online petition calling for the International Day Against Homophobia to be officially recognised as an annual event. Please note that this is a change from the previously advertised date.

Election Special – With a general election in the offing, a panel of representatives of the political parties explain their respective parties’ stances on the various issues and take questions from the audience. The panellists include:

• Darren Johnson, Lewisham councillor and member of the London Assembly (Green)
• Richard J. Porter, Southwark councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate for Camberwell and Peckham (Liberal Democrat)
• Katie Hanson, Co-Chair of the Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights (Labour)

We also hope to have a representative from the Conservative Party. Please note that this meeting is a week later than the traditional second Friday of the month.

Sea Change – A Fire and Brimstone play to celebrate Darwin Day. The story of a historic voyage of discovery on HMS Beagle. Charles Darwin makes discoveries that lead him to question and then renounce his religious views. Meanwhile his captain, Robert Fitzroy, becomes ever more strident about his Christian faith. Eventually this conflict leads to Fitzroy’s suicide. An epic tale of rationalism versus superstition and the strong feelings they can often evoke. This event is jointly sponsored by GALHA and the South Place Ethical Society.