LGBTQ+ Behind the lens- our role models - Inclusive Employers
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LGBTQ+ Behind the lens- our role models

Many of us are familiar with the amazing LGBTQ+ role models on our big and little screens, with more and more visibility over recent years. Amazing stars such as Elliot Page, Tessa Thompson and Mj Rodriguez grace our screens and show how strong LGBTQ+ role models can make a such a difference to our lives. But in this blog, we are going to explore some of the lesser known but equally amazing LGBTQ+ role models who can be found behind the lens.

Gus Van Sant

Gus Van Sant is an American director well known for being a figurehead of Queer cinema for over 40 years. He is well known for championing the representation and accurate portrayal of marginalised communities, specifically that of the LGBTQ+ community. He is best known for the seminal films Good Will Hunting (1997) and Milk (2008), the biopic of American politician and LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Milk.

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Cherien Dabis

Cherien Dabis is an American actress, director, and screenwriter, who has received awards for her work on authentic Arab representation in film. Dabis began her screenwriting career writing for the popular and Queer classic television show The L Word (2006-2008). She has also gone on to write for shows such as Fox’s Empire and ABC’s Quantico.

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Sridhar Rangayan

Sridhar Rangayan is an Indian director known for driving Queer cinema in India, and for his authentic and honest depiction of the closeted gay community in India. He is best known for film such as Yours Emotionally (2007) and The Pink Mirror (2006), a film which is currently still banned in Indian because of its portrayal of homosexual content. His work in cinema and beyond has put LGBTQ+ issues and stories at the forefront, and in 2006 was awarded the South Asian Achievers Award for his contributions to global mainstream media.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Sir Cecil Beaton

Sir Cecil Beaton was a British stage and screen costume designer, best known for his work on cinema classics such as Gigi (1958) and My Fair Lady (1964). The dress he designed for Audrey Hepburn to wear in the 1964 film My Fair Lady won him an Academy Award (OSCAR) for best costume design.

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Wendy Carlos

Wendy Carlos is a Grammy award winning musician and composer best known for her electronic music and unique film scores. Her work can be heard in film classics such as Clockwork Orange (1972), The Shining (1980) and Tron (1982). Whilst initially anxious Carlos was open about her transition in 1979 and shared her surprise at how tolerant and accepting the public were.

Wendy Carlos

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Angela Robinson

Angela Robinson is an American film and television director and screenwriter known for her outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility in media. Her film D.E.B.S (2004) was ground-breaking and made meaningful change to desexualise lesbian representation in the mainstream media. Robinson was also part of the fantastic team that wrote, directed, and produced The L Word (2004-2006).

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How can I find out more about the Behind the lens?

Behind the lens is the theme of this year’s LGBT+ History Month. At Inclusive Employers we have a range of blogs and resources to help you and your organisation learn more .