The LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gulfport Public Library debuted their monthly film series this fall. This comes after an exhibit during Pride Month in June 2016 featuring LGBTQ periodicals.
The Circle of Friends at the Gulfport Public Library founded the LGBTQ Resource Center in Spring 2014 with a mission to support the LGBTQ community and to educate others interested in the LGBTQ experience with an array of educational and cultural resources. The resource center is the first of its kind to exist in a public library in Florida.
First, the Circle of Friends amassed a collection of LGBTQ related books, films, periodicals and music, accumulated through donations and library funds. The collection continues to expand, but the focus now has shifted to programming. The Resource Center sponsors speakers and performances relevant to the LGBTQ community.
With the new film series, the Resource Center will expose the community to an array of films that someone may or may not have seen, from popular films to documentaries to foreign language films. The Resource Center committee members generally select the films to screen; however, they welcome suggestions from the community.
Big Eden inaugurated the film series in October, and the Center will screen Carol on Nov. 10. Carol centers around a photographer in 1950s New York who falls in love with an older woman. The film stars Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson, and is directed by Todd Haynes. (Rated R.)
The series continues with The Celluloid Closet on Thursday, Dec. 8, and Summertime (La Belle Saison) on Thursday, Jan. 12, with more films announced throughout the year.
Films start at 7 p.m. and are free. The Resource Center provides free popcorn and bottled water, and viewers may bring their own “brown bag supper”. Seating arrangements are on a first-come, first-served basis. Screenings take place the Friends Room, Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport.
Call 727-893-1074 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gulfportlibraryfl for more information.
This article appears in Nov 3-10, 2016.