Back in April, we hosted an HÄN x Girls in Film Blue Jean fundraiser screening for trans youth. A massive thank you to everyone who came down to support, helping us to raise a total of £1101.90 to support the vital work of Mermaids and NGO Insight. Huge thanks also to Professor Catherine Lee for the Q&A, insight and knowledge, as well as to Hackney Picturehouse for having us. 

The film centres on Jean, a closeted lesbian PE teacher, as she navigates the implementation of Section 28 and the vilification of the LGBTQ+ community in the late 80s. She struggles to come to terms with her identity in such a hostile climate, facing mounting pressure from all sides. The film captures a pivotal moment in British queer history, with its message still ringing true in relation to the vitriol and stigmatisation faced by the trans+ community today.

You can watch Blue Jean via the BFI player, you will need to subscribe to watch but you can use the 14-day free trial before having to pay.

More info about section 28 can be found here, here and here.

/ HÄN x GiF

 

Below images are from the screening at Hackney Picture house, 11th of April 2023, shot by the Girls in Film team. The event poster above and below are designed by the HÄN team.

 

The Blue Jean fundraiser audience captured listening to the introduction of the film, at Hackney Picturehouse, shot by Girls in Film.

 

The audience is captured while waiting for the film screening to start. The blue film screen shows more information on how to further donate to Mermaids and NGO Insight. At Hackney Picturehouse shot by Girls in Film.

 

Following the Blue Jean screening, Anastasiia Fedorova, from HÄN, hosted the Q&A with Professor Catherine Lee. Lee shares her incredible insight and lived experiences from the years of Section 28, as well as stories from her participation in the creation of Blue Jean.

 

Professor Catherine Lee captured sharing her incredible insight and lived experiences from the years of Section 28, as well as stories from her participation in the creation of Blue Jean.

 

Audience captured by Girls in Film, participating with questions and own experiences of Section 28 during the Q&A.

 

Audience captured by Girls in Film, participating with questions and own experiences of Section 28 during the Q&A.

 

Professor Catherine Lee captured sharing her incredible insight and lived experiences from the years of Section 28, as well as stories from her participation in the creation of Blue Jean.

 

Audience captured by Girls in Film, listening to Catherine Lee during the Q&A.

 

Event poster banner, designed by the HÄN team.

 

 

Credits: 

Blue Jean fundraiser for Trans Youth, followed by Q&A with Professor Catherine Lee

Hosted by HÄN and Girls in Film 

Intro written by Nik Fisher

Supported by Hackney Picture House

Money raised £1101.90 going to Mermaids and NGO Insight

Event held on 11/04/2023