Spring is here and FACT turns decidedly lavender with a blossoming of LGBT art, film and debate. This is a bit “listy” but stay with me because all the events are well worth dipping into.

Alt:Queer is a whole weekend of events exploring the Merseyside LGBT scene – everything from the proposed Gay Quarter to subverting technology with the queer eye of US artist and writer Zach Blas.

Come on and make your own club night with the fabulous Chew Disco gang. This is your chance to have YOUR say!

There’s also an opportunity to find out how to become more involved in this year’s Liverpool Pride – our fab sponsors Barefoot Wine will provide refreshments!

The Alt:Queer weekend will run as follows:

Saturday 30 April
11.00am – 1.00pm Local Short Films
Documentary and dreams from Homotopia & Project Triangle, Tim Brunsden, Rosa Fong, House of Suarez, Sandi Hughes, and Jonathan Larkin
Artwork by Ben Youdan and Project Triangle

1.00pm – 4.00pm Queer Technology
Come and join US artist Zach Blas as he subverts technology

5.00pm – 8.00pm Chew Disco Music Share
Rock Liverpool with your own perfect club night – bring the music YOU want to hear to create the alternative sound of the summer.
Hear a selection of the sounds you choose played at Chew Disco on 7th May
Supported by Barefoot Wine

Sunday 01 May
12.00 – 2.00pm Local Short Films
Repeat programme

2.00pm -4.00pm The Big Debate with Dr Christopher Madden
What’s next for the LGBT communities of Merseyside as plans for a “Gay Quarter” gather pace?

4.00pm -6.00pm Chill out with Liverpool Pride
Would you like to be involved in Liverpool Pride 2011? Come and join the team for an informal get together! Supported by Barefoot Wine

From 2nd May onwards
The gorgeous Chew Disco will be collaborating with FACT curator Omar Kholeif on a series of films called Bent Frames: the list of films is brilliant and full details are on the FACT website – but a brief list is as follows:

Monday 2nd May: Mala Noche (1985) Directed by Gus Van Sant
Mon 16th May: The Watermelon Woman (1996) Directed by Cheryl Dunye
Monday 30th May: Hustler White (1995) Directed by Bruce la Bruce
Monday 13th June: By Hook or By Crook (2001) Directed by Harriet Dodge & Silas Howard
Some of the best names in Queer film-making and a set of films that you really shouldn't miss. Monday nights are looking up!

Tues 17th May is IDAHO Day - (the International Day Against Homophobia) and Homotopia are marking it in style with a Gala Screening of Kick Off , Rikki Beadle Blair’s latest film – he’ll be here to take part in a Q & A after the film. Don’t miss this as he’s a fantastic speaker and his films are hugely fun – as Homotopia say “rude-boy meets bum-boy” on the football pitch!!

It’s time to start feeling inspired and to get involved – there should be something here for everyone to think about and enjoy. My old drama teacher used to say “Don’t sit on the side-lines – join in, because otherwise you’ll be left behind, watching everyone have fun and wishing you were too. Be brave and take a chance.” – she was right, you know.